Genetic and Genomic Studies of Cassava

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is native from South America and is one of the most important tropical foods crops for more than 600 million people worldwide. Cassava storage roots are an excellent source of starch but deficient in proteins, vitamins and other micronutrients. To improve yields, starch quality and nutritional value of cassava roots, many studies have been developed aiming to identify molecular markers and increase knowledge about plant genome and gene function. At present the number of publicity available cassava ESTs is estimated at 36,120. The identification of genes with traits of biological, nutritional and agronomic importance and tissue-specific promoters is essential for biotechnological approaches for cassava improvement, which is underway. In this review important advances in the genetics and genomics of cassava are described. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________