General Appearance
Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. is a perennial vine that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. This plant is dioecious, which means that there are separate male and female plants. The vines can grow up to 15 meters long and have a slender stem with a diameter of approximately 1.5 cm. This species' leaves are alternate, simple, and heart-shaped, with a length of up to 15 cm and a width of up to 11 cm.
Origin
This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of central and western Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, and Angola.
Common Names
Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. is commonly known by several names, including ekolo, boboya, cosoana, pompon, and fourmi rouge.
Uses
The tubers of Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. are edible and are a significant source of carbohydrates for many communities in central and western Africa. The tubers are prepared by boiling, roasting, or frying and are used as a staple food in many local dishes, including stews, soups, and porridges. In addition to its edible uses, this plant is also used for medicinal purposes. The leaves and stems of this plant are used in traditional herbal medicine to treat a range of ailments, including fever, malaria, hepatitis, and snake bite. Furthermore, the tubers of Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. have been found to contain compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
Light Requirements
Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. generally requires moderate to high levels of light to grow. It thrives under direct sunlight or partial shade.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. growth is between 25°C and 35°C. It cannot tolerate frost and can be susceptible to damage by cold winds. Temperatures below 20°C can also slow down the plant's growth.
Soil Requirements
Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. grows optimally in well-drained, loamy soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 6.0. The plant is particularly sensitive to waterlogged soil, which can cause root rot and other diseases. It is important to ensure that the soil has adequate drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Cultivation Methods
Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. is a perennial plant that grows best in tropical or sub-tropical regions. It requires well-drained soil with high organic content. The plant can be propagated through tubers, which should be planted in pits of around 30cm deep with a spacing of 1-2m between the plants. The plant needs a support system for proper growth.
Watering Needs
Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The plant needs a well-drained soil, so watering should be done moderately to avoid waterlogging. The best time to water the plants is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun's heat is low. During the dry season, regular watering is necessary to keep the plant healthy.
Fertilization
Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. requires regular fertilization to maintain healthy growth. The plant needs nitrogen-rich fertilizers during the growing season. Organic fertilizers like compost or manure are recommended for the plant's healthy growth. Fertilizers should be applied moderately to avoid over-fertilization, which can damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. The plant grows vigorously without pruning. However, removing dead or diseased parts of the plant helps to maintain healthy growth. After harvesting, dry vines should be trimmed to the soil level to avoid the spread of diseases to the next season's plants.
Propagation of Dioscorea Ekolo De Wild
Dioscorea Ekolo De Wild. is a plant belonging to the family Dioscoreaceae and is commonly known as ‘water yam’. It is a perennial climbing plant that grows up to 5 meters long and it is prevalent in tropical Africa. Below are the methods used for propagating this plant:
Vegetative Propagation
This is the most common propagation method used for Dioscorea Ekolo De Wild. The plant can be propagated using its tubers, roots, and shoots. The tubers or roots should be free from pests and diseases and have at least two buds for successful propagation. To propagate Dioscorea Ekolo De Wild. using its shoots, select healthy stem cuttings and treat them using root-promoting hormones before planting them in a suitable soil mixture.
Seed Propagation
The propagation of Dioscorea Ekolo De Wild. using seeds is a less common method, and it’s challenging. The seeds are not easy to germinate, but it’s possible with proper techniques. Collect the seeds from healthy plants, clean them and soak them in warm water for 24 hours before planting. It’s essential to provide warm temperatures and high humidity when propagating the seeds. Germination takes about two to three weeks, and it’s advisable to transplant the seedlings to their permanent location after they have developed strong roots.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used on Dioscorea Ekolo De Wild. It involves wounding and wrapping a selected branch with moist sphagnum moss to stimulate root growth. After the roots develop, cut the stem below the newly-developed root ball and transplant it to its permanent location.
Propagation of Dioscorea Ekolo De Wild. is a simple process that can be done by many plant growers and enthusiasts. Both vegetative and seed propagation techniques can be used to multiply this plant, while air layering is another option for experienced growers.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea ekolo De Wild.
Dioscorea ekolo De Wild., commonly known as Ekolo yam, is a tuberous plant that grows in tropical Africa. It is an important food crop that provides both a staple food for local communities and a source of income through trade.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Ekolo yam is yam mosaic disease. This is a viral disease that is spread by aphids. Symptoms of yam mosaic disease include yellowing and malformation of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. Another disease that affects Ekolo yam is anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes black spots on leaves and stems. Anthracnose can cause defoliation and reduce yield if not controlled.
Pest Management
Aphids are the main pest that affects Ekolo yam. They feed on the sap of the plant and can transmit viruses such as yam mosaic disease. To manage aphids, it is important to keep the area around the plant clean and free of weeds, which can harbor aphids and other pests. Additionally, natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings can help to control aphids.
Disease Management
The best way to manage yam mosaic disease is to prevent its spread. This can be achieved by planting disease-free yam seeds and controlling aphids, the main vector of the disease. Removing and destroying infected plants can also help to prevent further spread of the disease. For anthracnose, it is important to space plants properly to allow for proper air circulation, as this can help to prevent the spread of the disease. The use of fungicides may also be effective in controlling anthracnose.
Overall, effective disease and pest management practices are crucial for the successful cultivation of Dioscorea ekolo De Wild. By implementing preventative measures and monitoring plants regularly for signs of disease and pest infestation, farmers can ensure healthy and productive crops.
