Thesis subject

Itchy Tropical Tubers -- diversity and evolution of taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.)] and its itchiness

Taro, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott (Araceae), is widely consumed worldwide. Although taro is one of the oldest crops, it’s regarded as an underutilised and understudied ‘orphan crop’. Global taro acceptance is limited by acridity (itchiness), one unpleasant character which causes irritation on the skin, lips and throat if not processed properly. Historically, taro has been widely distributed by humans during migrations. Farmers around the world have selected taro varieties with desired characters and local people often have a variety of practices regarding to the use of their specific taro varieties.

Start date

01/06/2022

End date

30/06/2024

The relationship of historical dispersal, human selection and processing method with regard to acridity has had a major influence on taro diversity. What’s the nature and variation in acridity in different taro varieties? How do people deal with it? Does taro become more acrid when it escapes cultivation?

In this project, we aim to explore the diversity of taro and its related itchiness through ethnobotanical, genetic, genomic and bioinformatic methods to decipher the relationship between taro acridity factor, human practices and plant evolution.