Description of Dioscorea Cayennensis Lam.
Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. is a perennial climbing vine belonging to the Dioscoreaceae family. It is commonly known as Cayenne yam, Cayenne potato, and Guinea yam. The plant is native to tropical America, including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, and parts of Venezuela.
Appearance
The plant has a cylindrical stem that can grow up to 3 meters in length. It is a climbing vine that twines clockwise around any support it can find, including other plants and trees. The leaves are alternate, simple, and heart-shaped, and they can grow up to 35 centimeters long and 25 centimeters broad. The flowers are in clusters of greenish-yellow, and they bloom during the rainy season. The plant produces an edible tuber that can weigh up to 5 kg and can be as long as one meter.
Uses
The tuber of Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. is a food source for millions of people in tropical regions. The tubers are rich in carbohydrates and provide essential minerals and vitamins. In some traditional medicine practices, the tubers and other plant parts are used to treat various ailments like inflammation, fever, digestive issues, and wounds. The plant extracts are also used in cosmetics as an active ingredient to improve skin elasticity.
In conclusion, Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. is a valuable plant with many benefits. It is a food source and has medicinal and cosmetic uses. Its unique appearance makes it an excellent addition to the garden, and the plant is easy to grow and maintain.
Light requirements for Dioscorea cayennensis Lam.
Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. requires partial to full sun exposure to grow optimally. This plant can tolerate partial shade but does better with direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Temperature requirements for Dioscorea cayennensis Lam.
The ideal temperature range for the growth of Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. is between 20 to 30°C. This plant is unable to tolerate frost and temperatures below 10°C. Hence, in regions where temperatures fall below the ideal range, the planting should be done in a greenhouse to maintain the optimal temperature range.
Soil requirements for Dioscorea cayennensis Lam.
The soil should be well-drained, moist, loamy, and rich in organic matter to promote the healthy growth of Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. This plant thrives in soil with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. It is essential to avoid waterlogged soil, which can cause damage to the roots, leading to stunted growth or wilting. Additionally, a layer of mulch can be added to help compost the soil and retain moisture, ensuring the ideal soil condition for optimal growth.
Cultivation
Dioscorea cayennensis Lam., also known as Yellow yam or Yellow Guinea yam, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid environments. It is usually grown from the underground tubers known as yams, which are planted in well-draining soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5 and plenty of organic matter. The ideal temperature for growth is between 24°C to 30°C, and the plant requires full sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Watering Needs
Yellow yam requires consistent watering, especially during the dry season. The soil should always be kept moist, but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can lead to severe root damage and even death. The frequency of watering will depend on your location, rainfall patterns, and soil type. It is always best to water the plant deeply and less frequently, rather than frequently and shallowly, to promote deep root growth.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial for the optimum growth and development of Yellow yam. The plant requires adequate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for robust vegetative growth and tuber formation. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 15:15:15 or 20:10:10 should be applied every three months. Organic fertilizers like compost or well-rotted manure can also be used to improve soil fertility and promote microbial activity.
Pruning
Pruning is not required for Yellow yam, as it is a climbing vine that uses tendrils to support itself and access sunlight. However, it is essential to provide the plant with adequate support, such as trellises or stakes, to prevent it from crawling on the ground. You may also need to remove any weeds or other unwanted plants competing with the yam for nutrients and water.
Propagation of Dioscorea cayennensis Lam
Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. is commonly known as the Cayenne yam. It belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae and is native to South America. Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. is primarily propagated through vegetative means, including stem cuttings and tuber propagation.
Stem Cutting Propagation
Stem cutting propagation is one of the most common methods of propagating Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. In this method, stem cuttings from mature plants are used to grow new plants. Select healthy, disease-free stems from mature plants and make cuttings that are approximately 20-30 cm long.
Remove the lower leaves and plant the stem cutting at a 45-degree angle in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting moist and in bright, indirect light until roots and new shoots develop. Once the cutting has well-developed roots and new shoots, it can be transplanted into an appropriate container or into the ground.
Tuber Propagation
Tuber propagation is another common method of propagating Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. In this method, yam tubers are used to grow new plants. Choose healthy, disease-free tubers and cut them into sections, making sure that each section has an eye or bud.
Plant the tuber sections in a well-draining soil mix with the eye or bud facing upwards, approximately 5-10 cm below the soil surface. Keep the soil moist and in bright, indirect light until new shoots emerge. Once the new shoots have developed, the yam can be transplanted into an appropriate container or into the ground.
Propagation through stem cuttings and tuber propagation are both reliable and efficient methods of propagating Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. By following these propagation methods carefully, healthy new plants can be produced in a short amount of time.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea Cayennensis Lam.
As with any plant, Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. is susceptible to various diseases and pests. It is important to understand how to identify and manage these issues to ensure the health and productivity of the plant.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. is anthracnose. This fungal disease causes dark lesions on the leaves, stems, and tubers of the plant. It can quickly spread and lead to significant yield losses. Planting disease-resistant cultivars and maintaining proper irrigation and nutrition can help prevent anthracnose. If the disease is present, removing and destroying infected plant debris and applying fungicides may be necessary.
Viral diseases can also affect Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. Symptoms include yellowing and distortion of leaves, stunted growth, and root necrosis. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral diseases, and infected plants should be entirely removed and destroyed to prevent further spreading.
Common Pests
The sweet potato weevil is the most damaging pest to Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. It can cause significant yield losses by feeding on young leaves, stems, and tubers. Infected plants may have small holes, dark tunnels, and rotten areas. To manage sweet potato weevil, it is advisable to use certified seed potatoes, inspect cuttings thoroughly before planting, and apply insecticides as necessary.
Leafhoppers are another common pest that can cause significant damage to Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. They transmit viruses and also feed on plant sap, which leads to yellowing and stunting of the leaves. Planting in a location without a history of leafhoppers, removing infected plants, and applying insecticides can help manage the pest.
Conclusion
Disease and pest management is crucial for the productivity and survival of Dioscorea cayennensis Lam. plants. By understanding common diseases and pests, growers can take preventive measures and implement management strategies to minimize losses and ensure the health of their plants.
