Origin
Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy, also known as the Wild Yam, is a plant species that is a part of the Dioscoreaceae family. It is indigenous to South Africa, where it thrives in naturally occurring forests and woodlands.
Common Names
The Wild Yam goes by several common names. In South Africa, it is referred to as the “Bosveldpatat” or “Bushveld yam”. In Zimbabwe, it is known as “Mucoro” or “Muna”. It is also sometimes called the “Short-stalk yam” in English-speaking countries.
Appearance
The Wild Yam is a climbing, twining perennial plant that can reach up to 3m in length. It features heart-shaped leaves that grow alternately along the stems and are typically 10-16cm in length. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in spring and summer, which are followed by seed capsules. The plant has distinctive rhizomes – modified stems that grow underground and store nutrients.
Uses
The Wild Yam has both medicinal and culinary uses. In South Africa, the rhizomes are often used as a traditional remedy for various ailments, including digestive problems and menstrual cramps. It is said to contain a compound called diosgenin, which is also found in some species of yams, and has been used to synthesize progesterone and other steroid hormones. The plant is also sometimes used as a natural contraceptive. In terms of culinary applications, the rhizomes are used to make a starchy dish in Zimbabwe.
Light Requirements
The Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy plant thrives in a partially shaded environment. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight as it may cause scorching of the leaves. However, the plant requires enough light for photosynthesis. The ideal location for its growth is under the shade of other plants, preferably those with large leaves that can diffuse the light to create a dappled effect.
Temperature Requirements
The Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy plant prefers warm temperatures, with the ideal range being between 16°C to 29°C. Temperatures below 16°C may cause the plant to go dormant and eventually die. On the other hand, extremely high temperatures above 29°C may scorch the leaves and affect the growth of the tubers. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain a temperature range within the ideal range for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy plant requires fertile, well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter with adequate aeration and good water retention capacity. The plant has a deep root system; thus, the soil should be deep enough to allow the roots to penetrate and access nutrients and water. Although the plant can tolerate a range of soil types, it grows best in loamy soils.
Cultivation of Dioscorea Brevipes Burtt Davy
Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy, commonly referred to as the Short-stemmed yam, is a robust, perennial, vine-like plant that thrives in warm and humid environments. To cultivate this plant successfully, the following guidelines should be followed:
- Planting: Dioscorea brevipes is often propagated through tubers or cuttings. It should be planted in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth. The plant should be placed in a position that receives partial shade to prevent sunscald. The planting hole should be slightly larger than the root ball, and the plant should be watered immediately after planting.
- Training: Short-stemmed yam is a vining plant. Training it on trellises or support systems will prevent the vines from wrapping around each other, and encourage growth upwards, thereby improving ventilation and reducing disease incidence.
- Harvesting: Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy is a late maturing plant that can take between 9-12 months to mature. Mature tubers are harvested by carefully digging them out of the soil. Care should be taken not to damage the roots or other tubers in the process.
Watering Needs of Dioscorea Brevipes Burtt Davy
Watering is a critical aspect of Short-stemmed yam production as it affects plant growth and development. The following are the watering needs of Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy:
- Irrigation: Dioscorea brevipes requires frequent watering, particularly in the first few weeks after planting. The plant should be watered two to three times a week, depending on the prevailing weather conditions.
- Moisture Management: The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Mulching can help to retain soil moisture, reduce weed growth, and regulate soil temperature.
Fertilization of Dioscorea Brevipes Burtt Davy
Fertilization is a crucial aspect of Short-stemmed yam production that can significantly influence plant growth and yield. The following guidelines should be followed when fertilizing Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy:
- Soil Analysis: A soil test should be conducted to determine the soil's nutrient status and pH. Based on the results, appropriate fertilizers can be applied.
- Fertilizer Application: Short-stemmed yam requires a high level of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers should be applied twice a year, during planting and six months after planting. Organic fertilizers are preferred over synthetic fertilizers as they improve soil characteristics, increase soil organic matter, and promote biodiversity.
Pruning of Dioscorea Brevipes Burtt Davy
Pruning is necessary to limit plant growth, increase ventilation, and prevent disease spread. The following tips should be used when pruning Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy:
- Remove damaged leaves, branches, and vines as soon as possible to prevent disease spread. Any plant material that shows signs of insect infestation or disease should be removed and destroyed immediately, to prevent contamination of healthy plants.
- Trim the vines to encourage the plant to grow upwards, thereby reducing pest pressure and improving ventilation.
Propagation of Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy
Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy is commonly known as the Short-stalked Yam and is a tuberous perennial vine belonging to the family Dioscoreaceae. The plant is native to and widely distributed across Africa. It is a significant food crop in many parts of the continent, and its tubers are consumed by both humans and animals. Propagation of Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy can be achieved through various methods, some of which include:
Sexual Propagation
The plant can be propagated sexually by seed. The hormone-treated seeds are sown in a seedbed with deep, fertile soil. The bed should be well-watered, and the seedlings thinned out when they are about 30 cm tall. After thinning, the plants can be transplanted to their permanent positions in the field or garden. However, this method of propagation is not suitable for commercial production as the yam seeds are scarce, and the process is time-consuming.
Asexual Propagation
Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy can also be propagated asexually. The following are some of the methods of asexual propagation:
Tubers
Yam tubers can be divided into pieces and planted individually. The tubers should be firm and free from diseases. A single tuber can be divided into several pieces, each containing a bud. The pieces should be planted horizontally, about 10-15 cm deep into the soil, with the buds facing upward. The use of tubers as seed material is the most common method of yam propagation in Africa.
Minisetts
Minisetts are small pieces cut from the tubers, about 5 cm in length, and usually 30-50 g in weight. Selected tubers should be cleaned and soaked in a suitable solution to promote sprouting. After sprouting, the minisetts are planted into the soil at a depth of about 5 cm. They require a high level of care and management to ensure good yields.
Cutting
This method involves the use of stems or vine cuttings. The cuttings should be obtained from healthy plants, about 30 cm in length, and with at least two nodes. They should be treated with a suitable hormone before planting. After treatment, the cuttings are planted in the soil at a depth of about 10 cm; rooting occurs after 7-10 days.
In conclusion, Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy is propagated both sexually and asexually. Although sexual propagation results in genetic variation, asexual methods such as tubers, minisetts, and cuttings are the most viable for commercial production. These methods result in uniform plants which produce tubers of good quality and size.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy Plant
Dioscorea brevipes is generally a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, if not properly cared for, it can be prone to a variety of pests and diseases. Below are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Pests
Aphids: One of the most common pests affecting the Dioscorea brevipes plant are aphids. They suck the sap from the leaves, leading to stunted growth and deformation. To manage an aphid infestation, you can spray a solution made of water and insecticidal soap. Another option is to introduce natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings.
Spider mites: Spider mites thrive in hot and dry environments and can cause yellow spots on the leaves. To prevent a spider mite infestation, you should keep the plant well-watered and in a cool and humid environment. If an infestation occurs, you can wash off the plant with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
Snails and slugs: These pests can chew small holes into the leaves and flowers. To prevent an infestation, you should remove any debris or mulch around the plant that could serve as a hiding place for snails and slugs. Another option is to handpick the pests early in the morning or apply a copper barrier or snail bait around the plant.
Diseases
Leaf spot: The most common fungal disease affecting Dioscorea brevipes is leaf spot, which causes brown or gray spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, you should remove any infected leaves and avoid getting the leaves wet during watering. You can also apply a copper-based fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose: Another fungal disease that can affect the plant is anthracnose. It causes brown or black spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage an anthracnose infestation, you should remove any infected plant parts, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.
Root rot: Root rot is caused by overwatering the plant or keeping it in waterlogged soil. It causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted or yellow growth, and eventually death. To prevent root rot, you should ensure that the plant is in well-draining soil and not overwater it.
In conclusion, with proper care and management, Dioscorea brevipes Burtt Davy is a hardy and disease-resistant plant. However, if affected by pests or diseases, it is important to take prompt action to manage the infestation and keep the plant healthy.
