Origin and Common Names
Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. is a plant belonging to the genus Dioscorea, family Dioscoreaceae. It is native to Central Africa and is commonly known as the "cannibal yam" or "human-eating yam".
General Appearance
The plant has a thick stem that can grow up to 30 meters long and a diameter of up to 2 meters. The stem is usually brown in color and cylindrical in shape. The leaves are heart-shaped and can grow up to 30 centimeters in width. The plant produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are not very showy.
Uses
The tubers of Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. are edible but toxic when raw due to the presence of dioscorine. The toxicity can be removed by cooking the yam thoroughly. In Central Africa, the yam is often consumed as a staple food and is used in various traditional dishes. Additionally, the plant has medicinal properties and is used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and fever.
Growth Conditions for Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev.
Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. is a tropical climbing plant that requires specific growth conditions for optimal growth and development. The following are the growth conditions that are essential for the optimal growth and development of the species.
Light
The plant requires plenty of light for optimal growth and should be planted in an area that receives full sunlight. Insufficient light can result in stunted growth, weak stems, and a reduced yield. The plants require at least six hours of sunlight per day to ensure good growth and development.
Temperature
The plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 25°C can slow down the growth rate of the plant, while temperatures above 30°C can result in wilting or death of the plant. The plant is sensitive to frost and should not be exposed to temperatures below 15°C
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained, moist, and rich soil for optimal growth and development. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic, typically around 6.0 to 7.5. Additionally, the plant requires a soil environment that is rich in organic matter, such as compost and manure. To ensure good drainage, the soil should be loosened, aerated and free from any heavy or compacted soils. The use of mulch helps retain moisture in the soil, which is important for optimal growth and development.
Cultivation Methods for Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev.
Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. is primarily cultivated by vegetative propagation methods such as vine cuttings, aerial tubers, bulbils, and tubers.
The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. It grows well in tropical and subtropical regions with an average annual rainfall of 1000-2000 mm and temperatures between 25-35°C. The crop requires both sunshine and shade for optimal growth and development.
The plant begins producing tubers in the second year of planting and reaches full maturity in 4-5 years.
Watering Needs for Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. Anthropophagorum A.Chev.
Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. requires frequent watering, particularly during the growing season. The plant needs consistent moisture, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent rot and fungal diseases.
During the dry season, the crop may require supplemental irrigation to keep the soil moist. Watering should be done early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent water stress and evaporation.
Fertilization for Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. Anthropophagorum A.Chev.
Fertilization is an essential component of Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. cultivation, especially in areas where the soil is nutrient-deficient.
The plant requires a balanced fertilization program tailored to its growth stage. Nitrogen is the most critical mineral nutrient and can be supplied by applying organic manure or chemical fertilizers.
Phosphorus and potassium are also vital and should be applied in the early growth stages of the plant. Calcium and magnesium are also essential to the plant's growth and development and can be supplied by incorporating dolomite lime in the soil.
Pruning for Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. Anthropophagorum A.Chev.
Pruning is essential to maintain plant size, shape, and vigor. Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. requires minimal pruning beyond removing dead and damaged stems.
The plant's vines can be trained to climb on supports such as trellises or tree trunks.
Pruning should be done during the dormant season to prevent damage to the growing shoots.
Propagation of Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev.
Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev., commonly known as the "cannibal yam," is a rare and endangered plant species found in West Africa. Propagation of this plant species is critical for its conservation as well as for its potential use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Vegetative Propagation
One of the common methods of propagation for Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. is through vegetative propagation. This method involves the use of stem cuttings, tubers, and rhizomes for propagation. Stem cuttings are obtained from mature plants and treated with rooting hormones. The cuttings are then planted in soil or in a rooting medium until roots and shoots appear. Tubers and rhizomes are cut into small pieces, treated with fungicides and planted in soil to produce new plants.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. through seed propagation is not common due to the plant's low seed production and viability. However, this method involves the collection of mature fruits and seed extraction. The seeds are then sown in soil or in a rooting medium to produce new plants.
Tissue Culture Propagation
Tissue culture propagation is an important method in the propagation of Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. This method involves the in vitro culture of plant tissues such as stem, leaves, or embryo. The tissues are then cultured in a nutrient medium with plant growth regulators to promote cell division and differentiation. The resulting plantlets are then transferred to soil or acclimatized to soil-like conditions for growth and development.
Overall, propagation of Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. is critical for conservation and potential use in different industries. Vegetative propagation, seed propagation, and tissue culture are some common methods that can be used to propagate this rare plant species.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea Latifolia Benth. var. Anthropophagorum A.Chev.
Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev. is a vulnerable plant species that is susceptible to different types of diseases and pests. Here are some of the most common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them effectively.
Diseases
Viral Diseases: Viral diseases like Dioscorea latent virus, Dioscorea mosaic virus, and Dioscorea polystachya virus can affect this plant. Symptoms of viral infections include yellowing of leaves and stunted growth, resulting in low crop productivity. The best way to manage viral diseases is to prevent their spread through proper sanitation and by controlling the vectors that transmit the virus.
Fungal Diseases: Fungal infections like anthracnose, stem rot, and leaf spot can also affect the plant. These diseases are often caused by humid weather conditions, which allow fungi to thrive. To manage fungal diseases, it is best to remove infected plant material and destroy it. Additionally, ensuring proper drainage, ventilation, and spacing between plants can help prevent the spread of fungal diseases.
Bacterial Diseases: Bacterial infections like bacterial wilt can also affect the plant. Bacterial wilt often results in wilted leaves and can be transmitted through water or insects. To manage bacterial diseases, it is important to remove and destroy infected plants. Additionally, avoiding over-watering and ensuring proper soil drainage can help prevent the spread of bacterial wilt.
Pests
Leaf-eating Insects: Leaf-eating insects like beetles, caterpillars, and grasshoppers can damage the plant, causing stunted growth and reduced crop yield. To manage leaf-eating insects, hand-picking and destroying the insects can be effective. Alternatively, using insecticides that target the specific type of insect can also be effective. It is important to consult with a professional to determine the appropriate insecticide to use.
Tuber-boring Insects: Tuber-boring insects like weevils and moths can damage the tubers, leading to reduced crop productivity. To manage tuber-boring insects, it is important to limit damage to tubers during harvesting and to store them properly. Additionally, practicing crop rotation and using pest-resistant varieties can help prevent the infestation of tuber-boring insects.
By implementing proper disease and pest management strategies, it is possible to prevent and control the damage caused by various diseases and pests that can affect Dioscorea latifolia Benth. var. anthropophagorum A.Chev..
