ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with farinaceous crops, which are a very important part of the diet for most people in the world. In general, the farinaceous crops are easy to produce and require minimal input. It discusses the nomenclature; climate and soil adaptability; family related species; cultural factors; pests, disease and weeds; uses; varieties and characteristics of cassava, cocoyam, plantains and bananas, potato, sweet potato, taro, yam. Bananas are clones and vegetatively propagated from pieces of rhizome (bullheads) which include at least one bud, small suckers (peepers) which are freshly visible, sword suckers, and large (maiden) suckers which have reached the broad leaf stage. Suckers are usually washed and cleaned of borers and nematodes prior to planting. All the crops except taro can be successfully grows in mixed plantings. Such planting techniques help to minimize pest and disease problems and maximize land use. The chapter also includes the nutritional value and limiting factors of the farinaceous crops.
