Articles
Biodiversity survey of wild yam for conservation and sustainable utilization
Article number
1455_19
Pages
149 – 160
Language
English
Abstract
Local yam species play a significant role in the ecosystem and the cultural consumption practices of Thai communities, particularly in the lower northeastern region, which is rich in biodiversity.
However, some local yam species are facing extinction due to changes in land use and the decline of natural habitats.
This research aims to survey, collect, and document the diversity of local yam species, as well as to promote their cultivation and conservation for long-term utilization.
The study focuses on the biodiversity of wild yams within the administrative areas of Sikhio, Pak Chong, and Sung Noen districts in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.
A survey and classification of local yam species identified six families, six genera, and 13 species.
The most abundant family was Dioscoreaceae, with nine species, followed by Stemonaceae with two species.
Four families, namely Asparagaceae, Marantaceae, Menispermaceae, and Lamiaceae, were represented by only one species each.
The species were found to be distributed across lowland to highland areas, up to an elevation of 320 m a.s.l.
The most common family found was Dioscoreaceae with nine species, followed by Stemonaceae with two species; while, Asparagaceae, Marantaceae, Menispermaceae and Lamiaceae had one species each.
Fourteen species were identified for their uses, including eight for food, five for medicinal purposes, and two for ornamental use.
Propagation plots for the conservation of local yam species have been established at the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG), at Suranaree University of Technology, located in Klong Phai Sub-district, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.
Distribution sites are recorded for use as a guideline for the conservation and sustainable utilization of local yam diversity.
Furthermore, community awareness is being promoted to recognize the value of genetic plant resources for economic importance and local wisdom.
However, some local yam species are facing extinction due to changes in land use and the decline of natural habitats.
This research aims to survey, collect, and document the diversity of local yam species, as well as to promote their cultivation and conservation for long-term utilization.
The study focuses on the biodiversity of wild yams within the administrative areas of Sikhio, Pak Chong, and Sung Noen districts in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.
A survey and classification of local yam species identified six families, six genera, and 13 species.
The most abundant family was Dioscoreaceae, with nine species, followed by Stemonaceae with two species.
Four families, namely Asparagaceae, Marantaceae, Menispermaceae, and Lamiaceae, were represented by only one species each.
The species were found to be distributed across lowland to highland areas, up to an elevation of 320 m a.s.l.
The most common family found was Dioscoreaceae with nine species, followed by Stemonaceae with two species; while, Asparagaceae, Marantaceae, Menispermaceae and Lamiaceae had one species each.
Fourteen species were identified for their uses, including eight for food, five for medicinal purposes, and two for ornamental use.
Propagation plots for the conservation of local yam species have been established at the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (RSPG), at Suranaree University of Technology, located in Klong Phai Sub-district, Sikhio District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand.
Distribution sites are recorded for use as a guideline for the conservation and sustainable utilization of local yam diversity.
Furthermore, community awareness is being promoted to recognize the value of genetic plant resources for economic importance and local wisdom.
Authors
R. Panyawut, U. Ganjanakhundee, C. Phokaew, K. Wathakit
Keywords
wild yam, biodiversity, Dioscoreaceae
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