In the tropics, the growth cycle for the corms of taioba last from nine to 11 months. During the first six months the corms and leaves develop; during the last four months the foliage remains stable and, when it begins to flower and dry, the corm and cormels to be harvested.

For production, taioba is usually sown with full exposure to sunlight. They require well-drained soils and do not tolerate the permanent presence of water. The mean temperature for their optimum growth must exceed 68°F/20°C (Manner, 2011). The planting materials most commonly used are portions of the central corm, from 3 to 5 ounces/100 to 150 g (Reyes et. al, 2006) (Figure 5), with three or four buds. They give greater yields than the cormels, which are also sometimes used.

Research began on growing taioba at the University of Massachusetts in 2006. Taioba corms were brought to Massachusetts from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil with a permit from the USDA Animal Health Inspection Service. Over the next few years a system was created to grow viable transplants and field plants for commercial production:

Corms are forced in into 4 inches/10x15 cm Jiffy® peat pots filled with commercial media (PRO-MIX® plus 20% perlite). The corms were planted in the media leaving one inch/2.5 cm of space from the top of the media to the top of the pot. The corms were grown–out in a glass greenhouse at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Mass with 77°F/25°C day and 68°F/20°C at night temperature regime (Figure 6). Plants received fertilizer (Technigro® 200 ppm N-P-K) on a constant feed basis. The corms were in the greenhouse for ten weeks and then brought to the UMass Research Farm for planting

Taioba is frost sensitive, so the transplants are not put into the field until after a danger of frost. The soil is prepared the same way for any other crop in order to allow the transplants to be put into the ground. At the UMass Amherst Research Farm, raised beds with plastic and drip. Based on research trials, we established a recommended row spacing of one foot in the row six feet (1.8m) on center, for a plant population of 7,072plants/acre. The plants were off-set in the rows to allow for maximum leaf exposure to the sun (Figure 6).Taioba can tolerate shade in the tropics, but it should be grown in full sun in Northern climates in order to get maximum leaf yield in the Northeastern U.S. (Figure 7).

The leaves are harvested by hand with scissors or sharp knives starting four weeks after transplanting into the field, depending on weather and leaf growth (Figure 8). The best results for maximum yield and quality in Massachusetts are when leaves are harvested every other week, depending on weather; it can be less often with cooler weather. In order to harvest taioba weekly to provide a consistent supply to markets , we divide the field in two sections and harvest weekly alternating the fields.

Pest Management

No serious insect problems have been observed in Massachusetts.

Leaf spots and virus (Dasheen mosaic potyvirus (DsMV)) may occur. Dasheen mosaic virus (DsMV) is member of the family Potyviridae, genus Potyvirus and infects taioba and other aroids wherever they grow. DsMV infection results in characteristic feathery-mottle and mosaic symptoms on leaves and can cause more than 50% production losses on edible aroids (Judith, 2013; Lebot 2009; Reyes et al. 2006). In Costa Rica, a system has been developed for supplying growers with "seed" originating from virus-free cultivations of stem tips grown in vitro (Monge et.al, 1987). Elimination of the malanga (tannia) virus is so far the most remunerative control operation in tannia cultivation.

There have been very serious disease issues with taioba production in Massachusetts. Both Pythium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani have been identified as potential causal agents of disease. More research is needed to ascertain the exact disease complex causing this issue. For the time being it is recommended to grow this crop in drier soils on raised beds to prevent creating a moist soil environment conducive for diseases.