Description of Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the family of Dioscoreaceae. It is a perennial herb that originates from the tropical regions of Africa, particularly in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as the Half Hidden Yam due to its characteristic manner of growing in which it displays only half of its leaves, due to the vegetation pressing hard on the other half. Other names for Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill include Petite Yam, Hidden Yam, and Kube.
General Appearance
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill is a climbing plant that grows up to 4 meters long. Its leaves feature a heart-shaped or oval shape that are alternate and distichous. The leaves have a smooth surface and a green to dark-green color. Its stem is covered with longitudinal angles that may be pubescent near the base. Its cylindrical tuberous root, which measures about 10 to 45 cm in diameter, is elongated and may either be straight or twisted. The root's external surface is brownish, while its flesh is white or cream-colored.
Uses
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill is consumed for its edible tubers and leaves by local African communities. The plant is easy to grow, compared to other varieties of yams, and requires minimum care. The rich supply of carbohydrates, vitamin C, and minerals found in the plant make it an important source of food in Africa. Additionally, Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill has medicinal uses. Its tuber is essential in treating various diseases like lower chest pain, eczema, and diarrhea. It's also used to make poultice to treat burns, bruises, and corn.
Light Requirements
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill requires full to partial sunlight for healthy growth. It can thrive in environments with dappled shade or bright indirect light. The plant should be placed in an area with ample access to sunlight, as inadequate light can cause it to grow weak and leggy.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures and is best grown in tropical or subtropical environments. The ideal temperature range for its growth is 18°C to 30°C. It can survive in cooler climates but requires protection from frost and freezing temperatures. The plant should be placed in a warm and protected area during the colder months.
Soil Requirements
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill prefers well-draining, loamy soil with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5. It can also grow well in sandy soil with moderate fertility. The soil should be rich in organic matter and must have good aeration for healthy root growth. The plant can tolerate occasional dryness but requires regular watering during the growing season.
Cultivation Methods
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill is a climber plant that can grow up to 10 meters tall, and it generally thrives in the tropical parts of Asia. To cultivate it, you need to start by planting the tubers in well-draining soil in a location that receives partial shade. The best time to plant the tubers is during spring when the weather is warm. Once the plants are established, it is necessary to provide support or trellis for them to climb. You can use bamboo poles or other suitable vertical supports to create a trellis. Ensure that the trellis is strong enough to support the weight of the plant since they can get heavy over time.Watering Needs
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and eventually cause the plant to die. To ensure that the plant receives enough water, you can water it deeply once every week or whenever the topsoil appears dry. Always water the plant directly at the base and avoid wetting the foliage since this can cause the leaves to rot.Fertilization
To promote healthy growth, it is necessary to fertilize Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill regularly. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer or compost tea once a month when the plant is actively growing. Avoid using fertilizer that contains too much nitrogen since this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of tuber production. Instead, use a fertilizer with a balanced N-P-K ratio or one with a higher concentration of phosphorus and potassium.Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill; however, it can be beneficial to remove any dead or damaged parts of the plant. You can also prune the plant to control its growth and prevent it from taking over other plants. To prune the plant, use sharp and clean pruning shears to make clean cuts. Avoid cutting into the healthy parts of the plant since this can lead to infections. Prune the plant during the dormant season to give it time to recover before the next growing season.Propagation of Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill, commonly known as Air Yam, is a perennial vine plant that can be propagated through various methods.
Seed Propagation
Air Yam can be propagated from seeds, but this method is not preferred as the seeds are not readily available, and it takes longer time for the plant to yield tubers. The seeds are obtained from mature fruits, allowed to germinate, and then transplanted to pots or the field.
Tuber Propagation
Tuber propagation is the most common method of propagating Air Yam. The tubers are the underground part of the plant used for storage of nutrients that support the growth of the vine. Healthy tubers can be taken from mature plants, stored in a cool and dry environment until the planting season, and then planted directly in soil or pots. The tubers should be planted at a depth of 5-7 cm and covered with soil.
Cuttings Propagation
Air Yam can also be propagated through stem cuttings using either the apical (tip) or nodal parts. Cuttings are taken from healthy plants, preferably during the growing season, and planted into pots or soil. The cuttings should be planted vertically to a depth of about 2 cm and kept moist until they develop roots.
Air Layering Propagation
Air layering is another method of propagating Air Yam, where a portion of the stem is induced to develop roots while still attached to the mother plant. This is done by making a small cut on the stem, applying rooting hormone, and covering the area with moist soil, peat moss, or sphagnum moss. Roots will eventually develop from the cut portion, and when they are well established, the new plant can be separated from the mother plant and planted into a pot or soil.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea Hemicrypta Burkill
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill, commonly known as wild yam, is a popular medicinal plant commonly found in tropical forests. It is an important source of food and income for many communities in different parts of the world. However, like all crops, the plant is susceptible to diseases and pests that can lower yields and affect the quality of the produce. Here, we will look at the common diseases and pests that affect Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill and how to manage them effectively.
Common Diseases
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill is susceptible to several diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Yam Mosaic Virus: This is a common virus that affects yams, including Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill. The virus causes mosaic symptoms on leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yields. To manage the disease, it is essential to use virus-free planting material and practice good field sanitation.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. The disease causes brown circular spots on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation and reduced yields. To manage the disease, farmers can use fungicides and practice crop rotation to reduce the build-up of the pathogen.
- Rhizoctonia: This is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. The disease causes root rot, which can lead to wilting and death of the plant. To manage the disease, it is essential to plant in well-drained soils and practice crop rotation.
Common Pests
Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill is also susceptible to several pests. Some of the common pests that affect this plant include:
- Yam Beetle: The beetle feeds on the leaves and stems of the plant, causing defoliation and reduced yields. To manage the pest, farmers should use insecticides, practice crop rotation, and remove infected plants.
- Yam Wasp: The wasp attacks the developing tuber of the plant, causing deformities and reduced yields. To manage the pest, farmers can use pheromone traps and insecticides.
- Termites: Termites feed on the stems and roots of the plant, causing wilting and death. To manage the pest, farmers should use cultural practices like removing termite nests and using termite-resistant crop varieties.
In conclusion, disease and pest management is critical for the success of any agricultural enterprise, and Dioscorea hemicrypta Burkill is no exception. Farmers should monitor their crops regularly and take appropriate measures to manage any pests and diseases that may threaten the yields and quality of their produce.
