Overview of Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild.
Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. is a species of yam that is native to Central Africa. This plant belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae, which comprises over 600 species of tuberous plants. Dioscorea acarophyta is commonly known as "Mbengué" in Cameroon, where it is used for both food and medicinal purposes.
Appearance of Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild.
Dioscorea acarophyta is a perennial climbing plant that can grow up to 10 meters in length. Its stem is thin and flexible, with alternate leaves that are heart-shaped and deeply lobed. The leaves are around 5-20 cm long and 4-14 cm wide. The plant produces small green flowers that bloom in clusters on long stalks.
The tubers of Dioscorea acarophyta are cylindrical in shape and can grow up to 50 cm long and 10 cm in diameter. The outer skin of the tuber is rough and brown, while the inner flesh is white or yellowish and starchy.
Uses of Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild.
As a food plant, Dioscorea acarophyta is an important source of carbohydrates in parts of Central Africa. The tubers of the plant are commonly boiled, roasted, or mashed, and eaten as a staple food. The leaves of the plant are also edible and can be cooked as a vegetable.
In traditional medicine, Dioscorea acarophyta is used to treat a range of ailments, including stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever. The plant contains various compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties.
Dioscorea acarophyta is also used in the production of local alcoholic beverages. The tubers are fermented to produce a drink known as "Mbengué wine" or "Mavunde". The beverage is an important part of social and cultural events in Cameroon.
Light Requirements
Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. is a shade-loving plant, typically found growing under the canopy of larger trees in its natural habitat. It prefers filtered sunlight or partial shade conditions, making it an ideal plant for indoor cultivation in bright but indirect light situations.
Temperature Requirements
The Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. plant grows best in tropical to subtropical conditions. It prefers warm temperatures between 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) with high humidity levels. It is important to avoid exposing this plant to extreme temperature variations, which can cause it to wilt or lose its leaves.
Soil Requirements
When it comes to soil, Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. requires a well-draining medium that is fertile and rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal. It can also grow in clay soil as long as it is not waterlogged. Adding fermented manure or compost to the soil can help improve its quality and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. is typically grown as an ornamental plant. It requires warm and humid conditions to thrive. The plant does well in areas with well-draining soils and partial shade. When cultivating the plant, ensure that you plant it in a location with filtered sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves.
Watering Needs
The Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. plant requires regular watering. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can damage the plant. During periods of moderate rainfall, it is advisable to reduce watering to prevent waterlogging the soil.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization to maintain growth and development. Use a balanced fertilizer to ensure that the plant gets all the essential nutrients it needs. Fertilization should be in moderation to avoid burning the plant's roots. Fertilize the plant once every month during the growing season to achieve optimal growth and development.
Pruning
The Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. plant does not require heavy pruning. Pruning should be done to remove damaged and diseased leaves. Additionally, prune to maintain the desired plant shape and size. Do not prune during the dormant season, as this can damage the plant.
Propagation Methods
The Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild plant can be propagated through several methods such as:
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Dioscorea acarophyta can be done using seeds. Seeds are extracted from mature fruits, washed with clean water, and sown on a surface of a nursery bed filled with fertile, well-drained soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist for up to 6 weeks to allow them to germinate. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted into a larger container or field. It is advisable to scarify the seeds by cutting the hard seed coat to enhance germination since the seed coat of Dioscorea acarophyta is very hard. The seed propagation method is commonly used, and the plants produced are uniform in growth rate and genetic characteristics.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Dioscorea acarophyta can be done using stem cuttings or tuber cuttings. In stem cutting propagation, cuttings are taken from the branches and leaves, treated with rooting hormone, and placed in a rooting medium to help the cuttings develop roots. When the cuttings have developed enough roots, they can be taken out of the rooting medium and planted in soil. In tuber cutting propagation, cuttings are taken from the parent plant's healthy tubers, cut into pieces, and planted horizontally about 3-4cm into soil. The tuber cutting should be planted with the bud facing up. It is essential to ensure that soil is kept moist, and the cuttings are kept in a warm environment with bright light to enhance rooting and growth.
Air-layering Propagation
Air-layering propagation for Dioscorea acarophyta involves making an incision on a lower stem of a mature plant, wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss, and wrapping it with a plastic sheet to prevent moisture loss. Roots will develop within a few weeks, and once they have grown sufficiently, the stem can be cut below the development, and the newly rooted cutting can be planted in the soil. This method is more suitable for gardeners that require a few plants since only a single stem can be propagated at a time, and labor-intensive than vegetative propagation and seed propagation techniques.
Disease management for Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild.
Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. is susceptible to a range of diseases that can affect its growth, productivity, and quality. Some of the common diseases include:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes wilting, leaf spots, stem cankers, and tuber rot. It is spread by contaminated equipment, infected plant debris, and splashing water. To manage anthracnose, practice crop rotation, plant disease-resistant cultivars, and avoid overhead irrigation. Also, apply fungicides at the first sign of infection.
- Black rot: A bacterial disease that leads to yellowing, wilting, and rotting of leaves and tubers. It is caused by Xanthomonas campestris and can be spread by wind, water, and contaminated tools. To manage black rot, remove infected plants and debris, practice crop rotation, and use pathogen-free seeds and transplants. Also, avoid overhead irrigation and treat with copper-based fungicides.
- Viral diseases: Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. is susceptible to several viruses, including mosaic, leaf curl, and yellows. These diseases cause stunted growth, mottled leaves, and reduced yields. They are spread by sucking insects such as aphids and whiteflies. To manage viral diseases, use disease-free planting materials, control the vector populations, and practice good sanitation.
Pest management for Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild.
Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. is also vulnerable to pest attacks that can cause significant damage to the plants. Some of the common pests include:
- Tuber moth: The larvae of this moth feed on the tubers, causing surface cavities and rotting. To manage tuber moth, use pathogen-free seeds and transplants, apply insecticides before and after planting, and practice good sanitation.
- Root-knot nematodes: These microscopic worms attack the roots, causing stunted growth and reduced yields. To manage root-knot nematodes, practice crop rotation, grow resistant cultivars, and application of nematicides
- Mealybugs: They feed on the leaves and stems, causing yellowing, wilting, and death. To manage mealybugs, use an insecticidal soap or oil, introduce natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, or remove them by hand.
Regular field monitoring and prompt action are essential to minimize the occurrence of pests and diseases in Dioscorea acarophyta De Wild. chemical control should always be used as the last resort and applied according to label instructions.
