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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Griffin, Georgia » Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #268819
Title: Roots as a source of food.

Author
item AUSTIN, DANIEL - Arizona-Sonora Museum
item Jarret, Robert - Bob

Submitted to: Plant Roots The Hidden Half
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/10/2012
Publication Date: 4/17/2013
Citation: Austin, D., Jarret, R.L. 2013. Roots as a source of food. In: Eshel, A. and Beeckman, T., editors. Plant Roots: The Hidden Half. 4th Edition. CRC Press. Chapter 30.

Interpretive Summary: Numerous plant species produce edible roots that are an important source of calories and that contribute to human nutrition. This book chapter discusses the origin and domestication, production aspects and nutritional aspects of a number of root crops including; cassava (Manioc), sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas), beet (Beta vulgaris), carrot (Daucus carota), radish (Raphanus sativus), turnip (Brassica rapa), chicory (Cichorium intybus), groundbean (Apios americana), turnip-rooted parsley (Petroselinum crispum), horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius), skitter (Sium sisarum), Spanish salsify (Scolymus hispanicus), parsnip chervil (Chaerophyllum bulbosum) and alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum). A short discussion is also presented on the future of roots crops as regards potential for their improvement.

Technical Abstract: Numerous plant species produce edible roots that are an important source of calories and that contribute to human nutrition. This book chapter discusses the origin and domestication, production aspects and nutritional aspects of a number of root crops including; cassava (Manioc), sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas), beet (Beta vulgaris), carrot (Daucus carota), radish (Raphanus sativus), turnip (Brassica rapa), chicory (Cichorium intybus), groundbean (Apios americana), turnip-rooted parsley (Petroselinum crispum), horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius), skitter (Sium sisarum), Spanish salsify (Scolymus hispanicus), parsnip chervil (Chaerophyllum bulbosum), alexanders (Smyrnium olusatrum). A short discussion is also presented on the future of roots crops as regards potential for their improvement.