Overview of Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev.
Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev., also known as the "wild yam" or "cannibal yam," is a species of yam in the family Dioscoreaceae. It is a perennial plant that is native to tropical Africa and is found in the countries of Cameroon, Gabon, and Congo Basin.
General Appearance of Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev.
The plant has a slender, twisted tuber that is cylindrical in shape, which ranges from light to dark brown in color. The height can range from 50cm to 1.5 meters. Its leaves are tough, smooth and shiny to the touch, and can be up to 1 meter long.
Uses of Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev.
The tubers of Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev. are edible, but require special treatment before consumption, as they are high in alkaloids that need to be processed out before they are eaten. The plant's extracts are also believed to have medicinal properties, and have been used to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and stomach pains in traditional African medicine.
Furthermore, the tubers of Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev. contain high levels of diosgenin, a steroid sapogenin that is used as a precursor to the production of many synthetic hormones. This has led to commercial interest in the species, and it is now being cultivated for this purpose.
Conclusion
Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev. is an important plant in tropical African agriculture, and has both nutritional and medicinal uses. Its potential commercial value due to its high diosgenin content makes it an important crop for future study and cultivation.
Light Requirements
Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev. prefers bright but indirect light. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant's growth, leading to leaf scorch. Therefore, it's best to place the plant in a spot that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Temperature
The plant grows best in warm temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It is sensitive to frost and cold weather, so it's important to protect it in the winter. A greenhouse or indoor environment with regulated temperatures is best suited for this plant.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mixture of sand, peat, and perlite is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 6.0 to 6.5, to ensure optimal growth. Good drainage is crucial to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev. is a vine plant that grows best in tropical regions. It requires a warm and humid climate with an average temperature of 25°C. It is best grown in well-draining soil and can also do well in sandy soils. Plant the tubers in shallow pits so as not to disturb the roots and cover them with soil. The plant needs support, such as stakes, trellises, or other structures, to climb. It prefers partial or full sunlight and grows well in areas with an elevation of up to 1000 meters.
Watering Needs
The plant requires a consistent supply of water to achieve optimum growth. It prefers moist soil but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and irrigate the plant regularly, especially during the hot, dry season. However, avoid overwatering the plant as it is susceptible to root rot.
Fertilization
Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev. is a heavy feeder and responds well to regular fertilization. Apply fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to promote healthy root and foliage growth. Apply organic fertilizer or compost in the planting hole and top-dress with a balanced chemical fertilizer every two months. Avoid overfertilization, as it may burn the roots and harm the plant.
Pruning
The vine plant needs regular pruning to promote healthy growth and prevent the plant from getting too dense. Prune the plant during the growing season to control its growth and remove any dead or damaged stems. Cut back the vines that have grown too long or have overtaken other plants. Prune the plant so that it maintains its shape and does not become too unruly.
Propagation of Dioscorea anthropophagorum var. sylvestris
Dioscorea anthropophagorum var. sylvestris can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and tuber divisions. The choice of propagation method will depend on the availability of plant materials, intended use, and desired outcomes.
Seed propagation
Seeds can be collected from mature fruits and sown directly on the ground or in a nursery. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 3-4 cm and kept moist until germination. Germination can take up to 6-8 weeks, depending on the prevailing environmental conditions. Once the seedlings have grown to a height of 20-30 cm, they can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Stem cutting propagation
This propagation method involves taking stem cuttings from mature plants. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants during the growing season when the stems are actively growing. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and planted in prepared soil or rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and protected from direct sunlight until they develop roots. Once the roots have developed, the new plants can be transplanted to their permanent location.
Tuber division propagation
Tuber division is the easiest and most common method of propagating Dioscorea anthropophagorum var. sylvestris. The tubers should be dug up when the plant is dormant or after harvest. The tubers are then divided into sections, making sure each section has a bud that will sprout. The sections should be planted in a prepared bed or container and kept moist until they start to sprout. Once the sprouts have emerged, they can be transplanted to their final location.
Disease Management
There are several common diseases that might affect the Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev. plant. Some of these diseases include:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves and stems. It can be managed by planting resistant varieties, providing good air circulation around the plant, and avoiding overhead irrigation.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by waterlogged soil and can lead to yellowed leaves, wilting, and plant death. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and improve soil drainage.
- Leaf blight: This fungal disease causes irregularly shaped brown spots on leaves and can be managed by removing infected plant parts, practicing good sanitation, and planting resistant varieties.
To prevent the spread of diseases, always use clean gardening tools and avoid working with wet plants. In some cases, fungicides can be used to manage diseases, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and not overapply.
Pest Management
There are several common pests that might affect the Dioscorea anthropophagorum A.Chev. var. sylvestris A.Chev. plant. Some of these pests include:
- Mites: These tiny pests suck sap from leaves and can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and plant death. To manage mites, use a strong stream of water to knock them off the plant and apply insecticidal soap as needed.
- Snails and slugs: These pests can damage leaves and stems by eating holes in them. To manage snails and slugs, handpick them off the plant and create barriers with copper tape or diatomaceous earth around the plant to prevent them from crawling back onto it.
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cause curling and yellowing of leaves, as well as plant stunting. To manage aphids, wash them off the plant with a strong stream of water and encourage natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings to feed on them.
Using insecticides should be a last resort for pest management, as they can harm both pests and beneficial insects. Instead, try to encourage natural pest control through practices like crop rotation, planting companion plants, and creating habitats for beneficial insects.
