Origin
Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill, commonly known as Oya, is native to tropical Africa.
Common Names
It goes by a plethora of common names in different parts of Africa, including Eze nri (Igbo), Okong (Ejagham), Oya (Yoruba), Nya-sag (Frafra), Kponkpon (Baoulé), and Tungadu (Hausa).
Uses
The plant is known for its medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat various ailments such as snake bites, rheumatism, fever, and malaria. The roots and leaves contain potent alkaloids that possess antitumor and anticancer properties, making it a promising candidate for further research in cancer treatment. Additionally, the tubers are rich in dietary fiber, making them an excellent addition to diets for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders.
General Appearance
Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill is a climbing vine that can grow up to 10 meters in length. The leaves are alternate and simple, measuring 4-15 cm long and 2-12 cm wide. The flowers are small and greenish, growing in clusters. The tubers are large, fleshy, and oblong in shape, measuring 20-40 cm long and 10-15 cm wide. The skin is rough, and the flesh is white or yellowish. The plant is hardy and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, clayey, or loamy soils.
Growth Conditions of Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill
As a tropical plant native to Africa, Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light
The plant prefers to grow in partial shade, as full sunlight can be too intense and cause damage to the leaves. It is best to provide the plant with filtered or dappled sunlight, such as under a tree canopy or with the use of shade cloth.
Temperature
This plant grows best in warm conditions with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C. It does not tolerate cold temperatures well, and frost can cause significant damage to the plant. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the plant is kept in a warm environment, such as a greenhouse or indoors during colder months.
Soil requirements
The plant requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH level of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant also requires regular watering to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid allowing the plant to sit in standing water for extended periods, as this can cause root rot and lead to the plant's demise.
Cultivation Methods
Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill is a perennial vine plant that requires specific cultivation methods. The plant prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6 to 7.5 and moderate levels of organic matter. During cultivation, farmers can propagate the plant through stem cuttings or from the seeds. Stem cuttings are preferred as they generate faster-growing plants.
Watering Needs
The plant requires regular watering to maintain a moist environment for growth. During the dry season, farmers should increase the frequency of watering to avoid water stress. However, farmers need to avoid waterlogging, which may cause root rot and other fungal infections. The recommended method of watering is by using drip irrigation during the growing season.
Fertilization
To achieve optimal yields, farmers should fertilize their plants regularly. The best time to apply the fertilizer is at the beginning of the growing season and halfway through the season. The recommended fertilizers for Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill are organic compounds that are rich in potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. However, farmers should not apply too much fertilizer as this may lead to leaf burning and stunted growth.
Pruning
Pruning is an essential activity that helps to maintain the plant structure and health. During cultivation, farmers should prune off any dead or diseased vines and leaves to prevent the spread of infections. It is also recommended to remove any weak and thin vines to allow other healthy vines to grow. Furthermore, pruning increases light penetration to the lower parts of the plant, promoting growth and development.
Propagation of Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill
Propagation of Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill can be done through various methods.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill are a viable method of propagation. Seeds need to be planted in well-draining fertile soil and kept moist but not water-logged. Seeds can take up to six weeks to germinate, and it is recommended to sow them in the spring or early summer when soil temperatures are warm.
Tuber Propagation
The most common method of propagation of Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill is through the division of tubers. Mature plants produce underground tubers, which can be dug up and divided into sections, each containing a growth point. These sections can be replanted in a well-draining fertile soil and kept moist but not water-logged. Tubers are usually divided during the dormant season, which is in winter.
Cutting Propagation
Propagation of Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill can also be done through stem cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and planted in well-draining fertile soil. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, shady area until they start to produce roots.
Overall, the most efficient method of propagation of Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill is through the division of tubers.
Disease Management
Some common diseases that might affect the Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill plant are:
- Anthracnose: This disease causes patchy brown lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts, avoiding overhead watering, and using a copper-based fungicide to treat the plant.
- Leaf Spot: Leaf spots are small white or gray spots that appear on the leaves of the plant. They can be managed by removing infected leaves, avoiding overhead watering, and using a copper-based fungicide to treat the plant.
- Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to turn brown and mushy. It can be managed by improving soil drainage and avoiding over-watering the plant.
- Mosaic Virus: This virus causes yellow discoloration on the leaves of the plant. Infected plants should be removed to avoid transmission to healthy plants.
Pest Management
Common pests that might affect the Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill plant are:
- Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and can be found under the leaves, causing yellow discoloration. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap and increasing humidity around the plant.
- Aphids: Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be found in clusters on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap, removing infested plant parts, and introducing natural predators like ladybugs.
- Mealybugs: These pests are white and can be found in clusters on the leaves and stems of the plant. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or rubbing alcohol to kill them.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can eat through the leaves of the plant, causing significant damage. They can be managed by manually removing them or using a botanical pesticide.
Regular monitoring of the plant and early intervention is crucial in the management of diseases and pests affecting the Dioscorea hirtiflora Benth. var. polyantha (Rendle) Burkill plant.
