Cultivation and Genetic Resources of Food Crops in Kepulauan Tanimbar Regency, Maluku Province

The purpose of this study was to describe farmers’ crop-cultivation practices in Kepulauan Tanimbar Regency, Maluku Province, based on the local climate and the diversity of food crops grown there.. This study was a descriptive research in which data and information were `collected through a literature study and from key informants in the regency. Data were analyzed qualitatively and presented in figures, tables, and narrative descriptions. The results showed that the dry season in Kepulauan Tanimbar occurred from June to November with monthly rainfall < 60 mm, whereas the rainy season occurred from December to May with an average rainfall of 124 mm. The period of rainy season was the time of planting for mixed cropping. The crop planting sequence was based on the life cycle of the crops. Food crops that have long been adapted in the Kepulauan Tanimbar include tubers, cereals, and legumes, which belong into 12 genera with 15 species. The tuber crops include Colocasia esculenta , Xanthosoma sagittifolium , Diocorea alata , D. esculenta , Manihot esculenta and Ipomoea batatas . Cereals include Oryza sativa and Zea mays . The legumes consist of Vigna radiata , V. Unguiculata , V. umbellata , Cajanu cajan, Lablab purpureus, Phaseolus lunatus and Arachis hypogea .