R.S. Bandagale and S.V. Madhale
Abstract
The genus Dioscorea, commonly known as yam, plays an important role as a food and medicinal resource in rural and tribal regions of India. Despite its socio-economic importance, there is limited literature on how microclimatic conditions affect its growth and distribution, especially in the biodiversity-rich Kolhapur district of Maharashtra. This study explores the relationship between microclimatic variables such as soil temperature, humidity, canopy cover, and rainfall, and the distribution patterns of Dioscorea species in selected sites across Kolhapur district. Our observations reveal that specific microclimatic conditions favour certain Dioscorea spp., indicating the need for habitat-specific conservation strategies and potential for sustainable cultivation. This study investigates the influence of microclimatic conditions on the growth, distribution, and diversity of Dioscorea Spp. in Kolhapur District, Maharashtra. Dioscorea, commonly known as yams, is an important genus with significant ecological, medicinal, and nutritional value. However, its growth and distribution are highly dependent on local climatic factors such as temperature, humidity, soil moisture, and light availability.