Antinutritional Factors the ‘Biomolecules’ Mediated Natural and Induced Host Defence in Food Crops

Abstract

Tuber crops is one of the major food crops which provide food to millions of people around the globe. Especially the tropical tuber crops viz. cassava ( Manihot esculenta Crantz), sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L.), taro ( colocasia esculenta L.), yams ( Dioscorea alata, Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea esculenta ) and chinese potato ( Solenostemon rotundifolius ) are now getting worldwide importance as economical source of energy. Tubers of all these crops are also rich in vitamins and minerals and can be a good source of dietary supplement. Leaves rich in protein, vitamins and minerals are used as fodder.