Origin
Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild. is a species of flowering plant in the family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to West and Central Africa.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Chevalier's yam" or "Aldrovanda yam" in English, and "Atiéké" in Ivory Coast where it is cultivated.
Uses
The tubers of Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild. are edible and have been traditionally used as a food source in Africa. In Ivory Coast, the tubers are used to make a local dish called "Atiéké", which is a type of couscous. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including stomachache and diarrhea.
General Appearance
Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild. is a climbing plant that can grow up to 10 meters long. It has heart-shaped leaves with a pointed tip and a rough surface. The plant produces small greenish-white flowers that are arranged in clusters. The tubers are elongated with a rough skin and can grow up to 50 centimeters long and weigh up to 5 kilograms.
Light Requirements
Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild. thrives in partial shade to full sun. It is recommended to place the plant in an area where it can receive about 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Exposure to excessive sunlight can damage the foliage, and therefore, it is important to monitor the plant during hot and dry weather conditions.
Temperature Requirements
Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild. is a tropical plant, and as such, it requires warm temperatures to grow optimally. The plant's ideal temperature range is between 18°C to 30°C. Anything below 15°C can lead to stunted growth, and frost can severely damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
The growth of Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild. is highly dependent on the soil type and quality. Well-draining soils are ideal for this plant as it dislikes wet feet. A loamy or sandy soil mixture enriched with organic matter such as well-rotted compost or manure is recommended. The pH range of the soil should be between 5.5 to 6.5, which is slightly acidic. Additionally, the soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, to encourage growth.
Cultivation methods for Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild.
Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild. is a herbaceous perennial plant that prefers a humid, tropical environment. It grows best in well-draining soils with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. The plant requires partial shade to full sun exposure and should be planted in an area with good airflow.
Propagation can be done through stem cuttings or by dividing the tubers. It's advised to plant the plant during the rainy season when the soil is moist. A regular watering schedule should be maintained during the first month of planting.
Watering needs of Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild.
Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild. requires regular and consistent moisture. During the rainy season, the plant can rely on natural rainfall. However, during dry periods, it's advised to irrigate the plants regularly. It's essential to ensure that the soil remains moist, but not water-logged.
It is inadvisable to let the soil dry out between watering intervals as this can cause the tubers to rot.
Fertilization of Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild.
Regular fertilization is essential in promoting the growth of Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild. The plant requires a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as cow manure or chicken droppings. Fertilization should be done during the rainy season, at least two weeks after planting.
It's essential to apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant, at a distance of about six inches from the stem.
Pruning of Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild.
Pruning of Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild. is only necessary to remove any dead or diseased foliage. The plant mainly spreads out through its tubers, which send out shoots. Therefore, cutting back the stems doesn't have any significant effect on the plant's growth.
However, it's essential to keep the plant in check and prevent it from spreading out uncontrollably. This can be done by controlling the size of the planting bed and removing any surplus tubers as they sprout.
Propagation of Dioscorea Chevalieri De Wild.
Dioscorea Chevalieri De Wild., also known as Chevalier's yam, is a perennial plant species that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. The plant is native to tropical Africa and is grown for its edible tubers that contain high levels of starch and nutrients. There are several ways to propagate Dioscorea Chevalieri De Wild., including:
Propagation via tubers
One of the most common methods of propagating Dioscorea Chevalieri De Wild. is through the use of tubers. The plant produces large, round tubers that can be harvested and replanted to grow new plants. To propagate using tubers, select healthy, disease-free tubers from mature plants and plant them in soil or a well-draining potting mix. The tubers should be planted in a sunny location and kept moist until new shoots emerge.
Propagation via cuttings
In addition to tubers, Dioscorea Chevalieri De Wild. can also be propagated using stem cuttings. To do this, take a stem cutting from a mature plant and place it in water or a rooting hormone to encourage the growth of roots. Once roots have developed, the cutting can be planted in soil or a potting mix and grown into a new plant. This method is best done in the spring or summer months when plant growth is most active.
Propagation via seeds
Finally, Dioscorea Chevalieri De Wild. can be propagated using seeds. This method is less common than using tubers or cuttings but can be effective if done correctly. To propagate using seeds, collect mature seed pods in the fall and allow them to dry out. Once the pods have dried, remove the seeds and plant them in soil or a potting mix. Keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate.
Overall, Dioscorea Chevalieri De Wild. can be propagated using a variety of methods, including tubers, stem cuttings, and seeds. By using one or more of these techniques, it is possible to grow new plants from existing stock and to expand the cultivation of this important food crop.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea Chevalieri
Dioscorea chevalieri De Wild, commonly known as Guinea yam, is a tuber crop extensively cultivated in West and Central Africa. The plant is valued for its high nutritional and medicinal properties but is prone to various diseases and pests. To ensure optimal yield and quality, it is essential to implement effective disease and pest management practices.
Common Diseases
Anthracnose: Anthracnose is a fungal disease characterized by dark and sunken lesions on the plant's stems, leaves, and tubers. The disease thrives in high humidity environments and spreads through wind, water, and contaminated tools. To manage anthracnose, farmers should practice crop rotation, keep field hygiene, and apply fungicides when necessary.
Root rots: Root rots are caused by several fungi, including Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia solani, and Pythium spp. The disease presents symptoms such as stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and root decay. Root rots are managed through soil sterilization, planting disease-free tubers, and promoting proper drainage.
Viral diseases: Dioscorea chevalieri is prone to several viral diseases, including Yam mosaic virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, and Yam mild mosaic virus. These diseases cause stunted growth, leaf mottling, and yield reduction. Farmers can manage viral diseases by planting disease-free tubers, using virus-free planting materials, and controlling insect vectors.
Common Pests
Tuber moths: Tuber moths are major pests of Dioscorea chevalieri. The larvae bore into the tubers, causing extensive damage and reducing their market value. To manage tuber moths, farmers should implement phytosanitary measures, such as field sanitation, crop rotation, and use of insecticide.
Yam beetles: Yam beetles are known to feed on the plant's foliage, causing defoliation and yield reduction. The pests also damage the tubers, reducing their longevity and market value. Farmers can manage yam beetles by practicing proper field sanitation, crop rotation, and use of insecticide.
By implementing proper disease and pest management practices, farmers can enhance Dioscorea chevalieri's productivity, profitability, and sustain its food and nutritional security. Regular monitoring of the plant's health will also help farmers identify and control pests and diseases timely.
