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~ enlarge ~ Although it is not a big crop in Puerto Rico, arracacha is well established in the upland areas. Many farmers there depend on it, and the demand—especially in the mainland United States—is increasing. Because the region where arracacha grows is as low as 600 m elevation, Puerto Rico's experience indicates that the crop could have a big future in many tropical and subtropical regions. (N. Colón)

of viruses, ⁸ before arracacha is introduced to new areas. Liberal introductions to new environments seem justified, but in areas where carrots and celery are important crops, information on possible disease and pest transmission is required before final decisions on its safety can be made. Tissue culture propagation seems a likely method for eliminating viral diseases.

It is necessary to explore seed physiology, viable seed production, and the variability obtained from sexual propagation for use in potential breeding programs. Wild varieties, such as Arracacia aequatorialis, A. elata, A. moschata, and A. andina, are found in southern Ecuador