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VOL. 11, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Diversity and potential of Dioscorea Spp. as an underutilised vegetable in Himachal Pradesh
Authors
Ajay Kumar Rawat
Abstract
The current study, entitled "Diversity
and potential of Dioscorea spp. as an underutilised vegetable in
H.P" was carried out between April -July of 2025. The study is intended to
understand the diversity and potential of Dioscorea species as an
underutilised vegetable in H.P. The genus Dioscorea belongs to the
Dioscoreaceae family, generally known as yam. It has more than 600 species all
over the world, predominantly in tropical areas. In India, 41 species were
reported. Some of them are also present in Himachal Pradesh, including Dioscorea
alata, Dioscorea belophylla, Dioscorea bulbifera, Dioscorea deltoidea,
Dioscorea pentaphylla and Dioscorea melanophyma. These species are
found in various districts of H.P including Mandi, Hamirpur and Shimla.
Dioscorea spp. are the underutilized vegetable in Himachal Pradesh. The
study reveals a lack of taxonomic clarity and highlights the absence of focused
research on Dioscorea in this region. The unknown diversity of Dioscorea
in H.P., with a diverse range of local varieties and agroecosystems, provides a
knowledge gap for breeding. The reason for the negligence of underutilised
vegetable is that people are unaware of the benefits of these vegetables as
food and many health-promoting properties. This research emphasizes the need to
recognize Dioscorea species as a valuable component of regional
agrobiodiversity and food security.
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Pages:184-188
How to cite this article:
Ajay Kumar Rawat "Diversity and potential of <i>Dioscorea Spp.</i> as an underutilised vegetable in Himachal Pradesh". International Journal of Botany Studies, Vol 11, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 184-188
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