Andean Tubers, Morphological Diversity, and Agronomic Management: A Review

Abstract

Andean tubers refer to a variety of roots and underground stems cultivated in the Andean region, which spans a significant portion of South America. Among these tubers are Arracacia xanthorrhiza, Tropaeolum tuberosum, Oxalis tuberosa, and Ullucus tuberosus. These tubers exhibit resistance to pests, extreme environmental conditions such as drought or frost, and various soil types. It also displays morphological diversity in terms of shape, color, and size, as well as nutritional variation depending on the specific variety grown and the type of propagation employed. While some agronomic requirements are similar for these tubers, others differ due to factors such as crop management, fertilization techniques, plant characteristics, and other influences that contribute to species-level variations. Therefore, it is important to understand the optimal cultivation conditions for achieving high production yields, comprehending the range of tuber variability, and exploring potential applications for these Andean tubers. It is worth noting that there is a lack of up-to-date information on this subject, highlighting the need for further research and exploration. Efforts have been made to classify and differentiate each tuber based on specific physical characteristics, utilizing reported taxonomic data. This classification system assists producers in distinguishing between the various tuber species and their respective varieties.