Extent and patterns of morphological and molecular genetic diversity and population structure of Nigerian Taro cultivars.

Background: Genetic diversity is crucial for conservation efforts as well as breeding programs targeted at the development of improved varieties. Taro, a climate-resilient crop, plays a vital role in the nutritional and economic livelihoods of many households in Nigeria, but its yield is very low due to inadequate genetic improvement efforts. A diversity assessment of Nigerian taro is therefore required to create a premise for its improvement in yield, quality and disease tolerance.