Origin
Batatas edulis (Thunb.) Choisy, commonly known as Chinese potato, is a perennial herbaceous plant originating from China. It belongs to the Convolvulaceae family and is closely related to the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas).
Common Names
Chinese potato is known by various names including Gadung (Indonesia), Shan Yao (China), Dioscorea bulbifera (In English speaking countries), Pachyrhizus erosus (Mexico), Khoai mon (Vietnam), and Ubi Jalar (Malaysia).
Uses
The tubers of Chinese potato are edible and are used for making traditional dishes in some Asian countries. The tubers are high in carbohydrate content and have a crispy texture when cooked. They can be boiled, fried, or roasted and are commonly used in soups, stews, and salads. The plant is also known for its medicinal properties and is used to treat various ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis in traditional Asian medicine.
General Appearance
Chinese potato is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 6 feet in height. It has long, slender stems with heart-shaped leaves that are green in color. The plant produces aerial bulbs, which are small, round, and vary in color from white to purple. The bulbs are surrounded by rough, brown skin with white flesh inside. The plant is adapted to different soil types and can grow in a wide range of climatic conditions.
Light Requirements
The Batatas edulis plant requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It grows well in areas where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A lack of adequate light can lead to stunted growth or poor crop yields.
Soil Requirements
The plant thrives in well-drained, loose, and fertile soils that are slightly acidic to neutral. The soil should have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The ideal soil type is sandy loam, which supports proper root development as it allows air and water to move through easily. The plant also prefers soils rich in organic matter, which helps to retain moisture and nutrients, resulting in healthy growth and high yields.
Temperature Requirements
Batatas edulis requires warm temperatures for optimal growth and productivity. The plant can survive in temperatures as low as 60°F (15.5°C); however, it prefers temperatures between 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C) for optimal growth. These conditions are essential for the development of storage roots and general vegetative growth. Cool temperatures below 60°F (15.5°C) can result in slowed vegetative growth, delayed flowering, and yield reduction.
Cultivation methods
Batatas edulis, commonly known as the Chinese potato or the five-fingered yam, is a perennial vine that thrives in warm and humid climates. It is usually propagated by stem cuttings or by using tubers with buds or shoots. For stem cuttings, the stems should be cut at an angle of 45 degrees and allowed to dry for a day before planting. The plant prefers fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. It requires full sun exposure and support structures like trellises or stakes for vertical growth.
Watering needs
Proper watering is crucial for the growth and root development of Batatas edulis. The plant should be watered regularly, especially during the dry season, to maintain soil moisture. However, excessive watering should be avoided as it can lead to waterlogging and root rot. Irrigation should be done in the morning or evening to prevent water loss through evaporation. Mulching can also help to conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization
Batatas edulis requires regular fertilization to provide the necessary nutrients for growth and development. A balanced fertilizer with an N:P:K ratio of 14:14:14 should be applied at the rate of 150 kg/ha, three weeks after planting. Subsequent fertilization should be done every six to eight weeks, using a fertilizer with an N:P:K ratio of 20:10:10. Manure or compost can also be added to the soil to improve soil fertility and organic matter content.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the shape and size of the plant, increase ventilation and light penetration, and remove dead or diseased parts of the vine. It should be done regularly, especially during the growing season, using clean and sharp tools to prevent the spread of diseases. The lateral shoots or side branches should be pruned to allow for better fruiting. The top of the vine should also be pruned to stimulate branching and increase the number of tubers.
Propagation of Batatas edulis (Thunb.) Choisy
Batatas edulis (Thunb.) Choisy, commonly known as the white yam, is a perennial crop that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. The plant is primarily propagated through vegetative means, and there are various methods used in its propagation.
Tuber Division
The most commonly used propagation method for Batatas edulis is through tuber division. This involves the separation of small parts of the mother tuber, each containing one or two buds. The tubers are then planted in holes, with the buds facing upwards. The tubers should be planted in well-drained soil, with a depth of about 10-15 cm. The ideal planting time is at the onset of the rainy season.
Cuttings
Another method of propagation is through cuttings. This involves taking stem cuttings with at least two nodes and leaves attached. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and then planted in well-drained soil. They should be planted at a slight angle, with one node buried in the soil and the other exposed. The cuttings should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until they develop roots and begin to grow.
Mini-setts
Mini-setts are small pieces of stem with one or two nodes and a small piece of attached tuber. This method involves planting mini-setts in well-drained soil, with the tuber facing downwards and the nodes facing upwards. Mini-setts are commonly used in areas with limited land availability as they allow for higher plant densities, resulting in higher yields.
Whole Tubers
Propagation through whole tubers involves planting the entire tuber in well-drained soil. This method is not commonly used as it often leads to irregular plant growth and lower yields.
Regardless of the method used, it is essential to ensure that the planting material is disease-free, healthy and well-nourished. Additionally, proper soil preparation, including soil fertilization and the use of organic matter, is critical in ensuring successful propagation.
Disease Management for Batatas edulis
Batatas edulis can be affected by various diseases which can hinder proper growth and productivity. One common disease that affects the plant is the Sweet Potato Scab caused by the bacterium Streptomyces ipomoeae. This disease appears as raised, corky scars on the surface of the sweet potato, affecting its appearance and quality. To manage this disease, farmers can apply copper-based fungicides before planting and rotate crops to ensure the bacteria do not accumulate in the soil.
Another disease that affects the plant is the Fusarium Wilt caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. The disease causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves which can lead to stunted growth and low yield. Farmers can manage this disease by planting resistant cultivars, removing and destroying infected plants, and practicing good crop rotation.
Pest Management for Batatas edulis
Batatas edulis can also be affected by various pests that can cause damage to the plant. One common pest is the Sweet Potato Weevil which feeds on the roots and leaves of the plant, leading to stunted growth and a decrease in yield. Farmers can manage this pest by using pheromone traps to trap the adult weevils and applying insecticides to kill the larvae.
The Whitefly is another pest that can affect the plant, causing yellowing of the leaves and reducing the quality of the plant. Farmers can manage this pest by using sticky traps to trap the adult whiteflies and applying insecticides to kill the larvae. Additionally, farmers can introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings to control the whitefly population.
Overall, disease and pest management are crucial when it comes to Batatas edulis cultivation. Farmers should practice crop rotation, use resistant cultivars, and employ both chemical and natural pest control methods to ensure the plant grows well and yields a bountiful harvest.
