Underutilized Crop Research

Blogs Research Updates
#1

Hi ECHO Community! As you may know, ECHO North America will be hosting the IV International Symposium on Underutilized Plant Species in October, 2025 under the auspices of the International Society for Horticultural Science! In preparation for this event, we would like to undertake a few research trials that not only add to the scientific knowledge around underutilized plant species, but also address some of the challenges you, our network, face in the field.

Some ideas we have brainstormed so far include:

  • Propagation techniques for improved rooting of asexually-propagated underutilized crops such as chaya and Haitian basket vine
  • Comparison of edible biomass production of various leafy tropical greens (Lagos spinach, vegetable amaranth, spider flower, edible nightshade, etc.) seeded at the same time.
  • Identifying best horticultural practices (e.g., fertility inputs, pruning methods, spacing) for increased productivity of underutilized crops.

If you like one of these ideas, or would like us to look into a specific species in one of these, please tell us here! If you have another idea for what we could research, please share it here!

1 Like
#2

Hi everyone, I go along with Stacy’s proposal. I think it’s a good idea.

I’ve recently sent the Baraka Branch Manager of Congo for Agriculture to the village of Mkengya in the territory of Fizi to discuss with the local women about some challenges they face when harvesting corn, sweet potatoes, onions and cassava before any farming there.

In reply, Women reported to our focal point Manager that cassava is growing well up to 3 months but on the 4th and 5th month they rot.

Would you help us understand that issue and get back to them with necessary answers?

#3

From January to October 2025 , we still have much time to attend the symposium.

I would suggest that we provide some farming space freely implement all the techniques illustrated above by Ms Stacy.

By doing so, our experience will let us discuss with others with much more proof from what we have practiced and learned. Sharing is caring, it’s just an idea dears.