Abstract
The major objective of this work was to complement the existing studies of yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius ) in Bolivia. We have made a screening of the actual situation of the crop (population, exploatation, commerce) in the Bilbao Rioja and Charcas provincies of department Potosí; a total area of 656 sq.km including 16 villages in above the sea height ranging from 2 680 to 3 776 m. Of the total 2 435 families in the 16 villages, 51 families grow yacon in small areas and for their own needs. The local people recognize two local cultivars of yacon: k'ellu (yellow) and yurak (white). Depending on major colour of cortical part of tuberous root (of pulp), the classification into 5 morphotypes was made: white, crystal white, clearly violet, orange and yellow. The white morphotype was the most spread one in the monitored areas; it is grown in 13 villages of the total 16; the yellow ecotype is grown in 10 villages; the crystal white one in 3 villages, the orange and the clearly violet ones in 1 village.
Key words:
Screening, yacon, Smallanthus sonchifolius, growth, morphotypes, Potosí, Bolivia