Tannia or yutia (Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott) is actually produced as a self supply food for farmers and for consumption in local markets. Research progresses for increasing tannia corms yields will possibly result in a new option in marketing, as a profitable vegetable. Three field trials, without irrigation, were carried out in different locations of the São Paulo State, to study the effects of climate, cormel size and soil type on plant growth and corm production. In the experiment at Itu, plants did not grow well because of the soil (sandy well drained soil) and climate (Cwa type) conditions. At Serra Negra, in a climate Cfa type and alluvial soil, the final corm yield was 17,1 t/ha, while at Monte Alegre do Sul, in an Ortho-Red Yellow Podzolic soil, the yield was 10,2 t/ha. Larger cormel seeds (5 g), resulted in higher corm yields. Although these tests indicated that better yields were obtained with earlier planting dates, interaction among the seed weight, and planting time and site was observed.
Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott; Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott; tannia; yutia; edible aroid; cormel seed; planting time; production
