Overview: Dioscorea engbo De Wild.
Dioscorea engbo De Wild. is a perennial climbing vine that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. It is commonly found in central and eastern Africa and grows in a variety of habitats such as humid forests, savannas, and grasslands. The plant is known for its several medicinal properties and is also used as a food source.
Common Names:
The Dioscorea engbo De Wild. is commonly referred to by several names depending on the region. Some of its popular names include Angola/Chin Hills yam and Wild yam. In Cameroon, it is known as mówó, while in Nigeria, it is known as eneisha and uwem.
Uses:
The Dioscorea engbo De Wild. plant is known for its various medicinal properties. It has been traditionally used to treat a range of ailments, including stomach infections, colic, and fever. The root and stem extracts of the plant have also been found to exhibit potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Additionally, the plant's tubers are a crucial source of food in Africa, and they are often eaten boiled, steamed, or roasted.
Appearance:
The Dioscorea engbo De Wild. plant has a characteristic brown and rough stem that can grow up to 10 meters long. The leaves are heart-shaped and grow alternately along the stem. The plant's flowers are small and inconspicuous, with both male and female flowers growing on the same plant. The tubers are large and cylindrical, with a brown, scaly exterior and a white, starchy interior.
In summary, Dioscorea engbo De Wild. is a plant found in central and eastern Africa with several medicinal properties. It is commonly used as a food source, and its tubers have high nutritional value. The plant has a rough stem, heart-shaped leaves, small flowers, and large cylindrical tubers with a brown scaly exterior and a white starchy interior.Light Requirements
The Dioscorea engbo De Wild. plant thrives well in areas with high amounts of sunlight exposure. It requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly. Hence, planting the vine in areas with direct access to sunlight is essential for its growth and development.
Temperature Requirements
The plant flourishes well at a warm temperature range of 25-30°C, which is typical of tropical climates. Temperatures below 20°C may slow down the growth of the plant. In colder climates, it's best to grow the plant in a greenhouse for optimal temperature control.
Soil Requirements
Dioscorea engbo De Wild. prefers a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil. The ideal soil pH for this plant is between 5.5 and 6.5. Sandy loam, laterite, or clay loam soil, enriched with organic matter, is suitable for the plant. The soil should also have good water-retention capacity to ensure that the plant gets enough water during the growth period.
Cultivation Methods for Dioscorea engbo De Wild.
Dioscorea engbo De Wild. is a climbing plant that thrives in warm, humid conditions. It's best to cultivate this plant in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant requires full sunlight to grow, but can also grow in partially-shaded areas.
The plant can be propagated through aerial tubers, yam chunks, or seeds. If using seeds, ensure that they are sown in a greenhouse about four to six weeks before the last frost. Transplant the seedlings once they have grown to about six inches tall.
When transplanting the plant, ensure that the soil is thoroughly moistened and loosened. Bury the entire rootball with the shoot tip slightly above the soil surface. The plant should be spaced about 2 feet apart and trained to climb a trellis or other support.
Watering Needs for Dioscorea engbo De Wild.
Dioscorea engbo De Wild. requires regular watering to maintain optimal growth. It's best to water the plant at least once a week, or more often during periods of drought. Ensure that the soil is watered thoroughly, but avoid waterlogging the plant.
The plant should be watered early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize water evaporation. Mulching around the plant can also help retain soil moisture.
Fertilization of Dioscorea engbo De Wild.
To ensure healthy growth of Dioscorea engbo De Wild., it's essential to fertilize the plant regularly. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
The first application of fertilizer should be made about two weeks after transplanting the seedlings. Subsequent applications should be made every three to four weeks until the vines have reached maturity.
Pruning of Dioscorea engbo De Wild.
Pruning of Dioscorea engbo De Wild. should be done once the plant has reached maturity. The plant tends to develop multiple shoots that can become tangled and limit growth.
The plant should be trained from a young age, and all side shoots should be removed to encourage the main stem to grow straight. After the plant has matured, it's best to prune any dead or damaged stems and remove any side shoots that are hindering growth.
It's also important to prune the plant to control its height and spread, as it can become invasive if left unchecked.
Propagation of Dioscorea engleri De Wild.
Dioscorea engleri De Wild. is a dioecious climbing vine that is native to Cameroon and Nigeria. It is commonly known as African yam and is cultivated for its edible tubers. The plant can be propagated through the following methods:
Tuber division
The easiest method of propagation is by dividing the tubers during the dormancy period, usually in late winter or early spring. Each tuber should have a bud or eye, which will sprout into a new plant. The tubers can be planted directly into the ground or potted up and placed in a warm, bright location.
Seed propagation
Dioscorea engleri De Wild. can also be propagated from seed, although this method is less common. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The best time to sow the seeds is in the spring, indoors or in a greenhouse. The seeds should be planted in individual pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the seedlings should emerge within a few weeks. Transplant the seedlings outdoors once they have developed several leaves.
Cutting propagation
Dioscorea engleri De Wild. can also be propagated by taking stem cuttings. Cut a stem section that is about 10-15 cm long, making sure it has at least one node. Remove all but the top few leaves and plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be transplanted into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea Engbo De Wild
Dioscorea engbo De Wild. is also known as the African cluster yam and is grown for its edible tubers. However, several diseases and pests can affect the plant, leading to a reduced yield and the spread of the infestation to other nearby plants. Good disease and pest management practices are essential to protect your crop. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the Dioscorea engbo De Wild and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Yam Anthracnose - This is the most common disease that affects yams, and it is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. The disease causes dark spots on the leaves, stem, and tuber surface, leading to rotting and reduced yield. To manage this disease, use healthy yam seeds, maintain good hygiene practices, and apply appropriate fungicides.
Yam Mosaic Virus - The yam mosaic virus causes yellowing of leaves and stunting of the plant's growth. The virus spreads through infected plant material, soil, and pests. To manage this disease, remove infected plants from the field, use certified seeds, and prevent pests' invasion.
Pests
Yam beetle - The yam beetle is one of the most common pests that attack yams, and it causes small holes in the leaves. The beetle's larvae feed on the tuber, leading to rotten and low-quality yams. To manage the yam beetle, practice crop rotation, handpick the beetles, and use insecticides.
Termites - Termites can cause severe damage to yam tubers, leading to rotting and reduced yield. They are most active during the rainy season when the ground is moist. To control termites, use appropriate termiticides, remove termite-infested plants, and avoid planting yams in termite-infested areas.
Overall, it is essential to select healthy yam seeds, practice good hygiene practices, use appropriate pesticides, and prevent pests and diseases' spread to manage the common diseases and pests that might affect the Dioscorea engbo De Wild.
