Prospects and Challenges of Breeding Some Selected Tuber and Root Crops in Cross River State, Nigeria

Abstract

Root and Tuber crops are an important source of food, income, and employment for millions of people in Cross River state, Nigeria. However, the productivity of these crops is limited by several factors, including pests and diseases, poor soil quality, and climate change. Breeding programs have been developed to improve the productivity and quality of tuber crops. This project work aims to review the prospects and challenges of breeding growth tubers and tuber crops in Nigeria. This paper review was therefore aimed at analyzing the current state of breeding some of the selected root and tuber crops (Yam, cassava, sweet potato, cocoyam, carrot, ginger and onions) in Nigeria. In addition, the review also evaluated the effectiveness of breeding strategies, identify the major challenges facing breeders and highlighted the opportunities in breeding these selected crops for future improvement in breeding programmes and provide recommendation for overcoming the identified challenges. The project work will analyze the current state of breeding programs in Nigeria, evaluate the effectiveness of breeding strategies, and identify the major challenges facing breeders. In addition, the project work highlight potential opportunities for future improvements in breeding programs and provide recommendations for overcoming the identified challenges.