Origin
Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum (A.Chev.) Summerh. is a species of yam that is native to West Africa. It can be found in many African countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, and Cameroon.
Common Names
Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum (A.Chev.) Summerh. has several common names which include Aghalu (Igbo), Iyinbo (Yoruba), Bafour-kakro (Fanti) and Jungle yam.
Uses
The plant has various uses in traditional medicine and as food. The yam is edible and is often boiled, roasted or processed into flour. It can also be used as a vegetable in stews and soups. The leaves of the plant are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as fever, malaria, and high blood pressure. Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum (A.Chev.) Summerh. is also used to treat infertility and is believed to boost male potency.
General Appearance
The Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum (A.Chev.) Summerh. is a climbing vine with a sturdy stem that can grow up to 10 meters long. The plant has large, heart-shaped leaves that are glossy green in color. The yams produced by the plant are bulbous and can grow up to 60 cm long. The yams have a rough, scaly skin that ranges from grey to brown in color. The plant also produces bulbils which can be used to propagate the plant.
Light Requirements
Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum (A.Chev.) Summerh. prefers full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to develop well. Insufficient light may lead to poor growth or lack of tuber formation.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in tropical to subtropical climates with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C. The minimum temperature required for the plant to survive is 15°C, while temperatures above 40°C may lead to heat stress. The plant is sensitive to frost and cold weather and cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum (A.Chev.) Summerh. prefers well-drained loamy soils with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The plant has a shallow, fibrous root system, and the soil should be able to retain moisture while also allowing excess water to drain. Sandy soil is not suitable for this plant as it does not retain water well and may lead to drying out of the plant. The soil should be rich in organic matter and should be free from heavy metals or pollutants.
Cultivation Methods
Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum (A.Chev.) Summerh. is a vine that grows best in tropical climates with ample rainfall. It can be grown from seeds or propagated through stem cuttings. The plant prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.
Watering Needs
The plant requires consistent moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot. It's best to water deeply but allow the soil to dry out partially before the next watering. During the dry season, the plant may need additional watering to maintain its growth.
Fertilization
A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every 2-3 months during the growing season. Organic fertilizers, such as compost or aged manure, can also be used. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to excess foliage growth and smaller bulbils.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum (A.Chev.) Summerh., but it can be done to control its size and shape. The vine can become quite long, so it's best to provide a trellis or other support. Any dead or diseased leaves or stems should be removed promptly to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum
Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum (A.Chev.) Summerh., commonly known as the "cannibal yam," is a perennial climbing vine that is primarily propagated vegetatively.
Propagation Methods
The following are the different propagation methods that can be employed for Dioscorea bulbifera:
- Bulbils: Bulbils are the most reliable and commonly used propagation method for Dioscorea bulbifera. The bulbils are small, potato-like structures that grow at nodes on the stem. Each bulbil has the potential to become a new plant. They can be harvested when mature, which is indicated by yellowing of the leaves, and are then planted into the soil.
- Vine cuttings: Vine cuttings can also be used as a propagation method. Cuttings from mature vines are taken and planted in the soil. However, this method is less reliable than bulbils.
- Tissue culture: Tissue culture is a more advanced propagation method that involves growing plant cells in a laboratory under controlled conditions. This method can produce a large number of plants from a small amount of plant tissue.
Propagation of Dioscorea bulbifera is relatively easy, and the plant can be grown in a range of soils and climates. However, it is important to note that the plant is considered invasive in some areas and can quickly spread, so it should be grown with caution.
Disease Management
Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum is susceptible to a number of diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on leaves and stems, leading to defoliation and reduced yield. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plants, avoid overcrowding and ensure proper ventilation.
- Black rot: A bacterial disease that leads to rotting of the plant's stem. To manage this disease, remove and destroy infected plants, avoid irrigation of the plant's foliage and ensure proper drainage.
- Leaf blight: A fungal disease that causes lesions on leaves and can lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, apply a fungicide, remove and destroy infected leaves and practice crop rotation.
Pest Management
Dioscorea bulbifera L. var. anthropophagorum is also prone to insect and other pest infestations, including:
- Yam beetles: These beetles can cause defoliation and reduce yield. To manage them, use insecticides, practice crop rotation and remove and destroy any infected plants.
- Mealybugs: These sap-sucking insects can cause stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage them, use insecticides, prune affected plants and avoid over-fertilization.
- Root-knot nematodes: These microscopic worms can cause root damage and reduced yield. To manage them, practice crop rotation, use resistant varieties and apply organic soil amendments like compost and manure.
Regular monitoring of the plant and prompt action in case of any disease or pest infestation is crucial to ensure a healthy crop yield. Additionally, following good agricultural practices, such as proper irrigation and fertilization, can help promote plant health and reduce the risk of diseases and pests.
