Overview
Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. is a species of yam that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. It is a perennial vine that is native to Central Africa and is commonly used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Ntudu, Nkansa, and Ngansa in Ghana, while it is called Odika in Nigeria.
Appearance
Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. is a climbing plant that can grow up to 10 meters long. It has a thick stem that is usually brown in color and hairless. The leaves of the plant are alternate, heart-shaped, and are about 7-10 cm long. The plant has separate male and female flowers, and the fruits are usually 3-winged capsules that contain seeds.
Uses
The tuber of Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. is an important source of food for many communities in Central Africa. It is usually boiled, roasted, or fried and is consumed as a staple food. In addition to its culinary uses, the plant has medicinal properties, and it is used to treat various ailments such as stomach ache, ulcer, dysentery, and infertility in women. The plant is also used in traditional African medicine to treat snakebites and scorpion stings.
Furthermore, the plant has potential environmental uses due to its ability to improve soil fertility and prevent soil erosion. It is widely used in agroforestry practices to improve crop yields and promote sustainable land use.
Growth Conditions for Dioscorea lecardii De Wild.
Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. is a climber plant species, primarily found in tropical regions with high humidity and rainfall. They require specific conditions to grow and thrive. Here are some of the typical growth conditions of this plant:
Light Requirements
As a tropical plant, Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. requires bright, indirect light to grow and produce foliage. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and hinder the plant's growth. Placing the plant near a window with a sheer curtain or in a room with bright, natural light would be ideal.
Temperature Requirements
Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. thrives at an optimal temperature between 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F). It is important to keep the plant within this temperature range to ensure its survival. Temperatures above 27°C can cause the plant to wilt or develop yellow leaves, while temperatures below 20°C can slow down its growth rate.
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should have a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Additionally, it needs to be moist but not waterlogged, as the roots can rot in waterlogged soil. To improve drainage, mix sand or perlite with the soil.
To sum up, Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. requires bright, indirect light, a temperature range between 20°C to 27°C, and well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH. Following these growth conditions will ensure the plant grows and thrives successfully.
Cultivation of Dioscorea lecardii De Wild.
Dioscorea lecardii De Wild., commonly known as Lamio in Cameroon, is a perennial climbing plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. It is usually cultivated for its edible tubers in Africa and is gaining popularity as a cash crop due to its high nutritional value and low maintenance cost.
The ideal soil for the cultivation of Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. is loamy soil that is rich in organic matter, well-draining and slightly acidic (pH between 5.5-6.5). Soil preparation before planting can involve adding compost, mulch, and manure to enhance soil fertility and improve soil structure.
Apart from loamy soil, the plant also requires adequate sunlight for optimal growth and development. Therefore, it is recommended to plant in an open field or an area with partial shade.
Watering Needs
Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. requires regular watering, especially during the growing season (spring and summer) to maintain optimal growth and yield. In areas with high rainfall, supplementary irrigation may not be necessary. However, in dry areas, regular irrigation twice a week may be required. The frequency and amount of watering depend on the prevailing weather condition and soil type.
Fertilization
The cultivation of Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. requires the application of organic and inorganic fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and increase yield. Before planting, it is recommended to add compost, manure, and other organic amendments to the soil. During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20:10:10 or 15:15:15 can be applied in split doses to avoid fertilizer burn.
In cases where the soil is deficient in some nutrients, a soil test can be conducted to determine the missing nutrients and apply specific fertilizers. However, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizers to avoid over-fertilization, which can cause plant damage and environmental pollution.
Pruning
Pruning of Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. is not necessary as the plant climbs and trails on support. However, it is essential to support the plant trellis or stake to prevent it from sprawling on the ground and improve air circulation, which reduces the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases.
In conclusion, with proper cultivation, watering, fertilization, and support, Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. can thrive and produce a significant yield of edible tubers.
Propagation of Dioscorea lecardii De Wild.
Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. is a species of yam native to the tropical rainforests of Africa. It is a perennial vine that requires a trellis or other climbing support to grow properly. Propagation of this plant can be done in several ways:
Seed Propagation
The most common way to propagate Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. is by seed. The seeds are easy to collect and can be sown in a pot or directly in the ground. It is important to note that the seeds have a short viability period and should be sown as soon as they are collected. To ensure good germination, the seeds should be soaked in warm water for 24-48 hours before sowing. The pot or soil bed should be kept moist and warm, and the seedlings should emerge within 2-3 weeks.
Tuber Propagation
Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. can also be propagated by tubers. Tubers are underground storage organs that are formed by the plant to store nutrients. To propagate from tubers, select healthy tubers that have buds or growing points on them. Cut the tubers into pieces, each with a bud or growing point. The tubers can be planted directly in the ground or in a pot with well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and the new plant should emerge within a few weeks.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings can also be used to propagate Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. Cuttings are taken from a mature plant and placed in a pot with well-drained soil. The cuttings should be about 10cm long, and the lower leaves should be removed. The pot should be kept moist and warm, and the cuttings should root within 2-3 weeks.
In conclusion, Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. can be propagated by seed, tuber, and cuttings. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of propagation method will depend on the availability of resources and the desired outcome.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea lecardii De Wild.
Dioscorea lecardii De Wild. is a vigorous plant and generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, under unfavorable conditions, the plant may be vulnerable to various ailments. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that can affect the plant:
Diseases
1. Wilt disease: This is a common disease that occurs when the plant is infected with a soil-borne fungus. The leaves turn yellow, and the stem becomes weak and eventually dies. To manage wilt disease, remove and destroy infected plants and avoid planting in infected soil. Also, ensure that the soil has good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
2. Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves and stems, which can eventually cause the plant to wilt and die. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plants and avoid planting in wet soil. Also, avoid overcrowding the plants and ensure proper air circulation.
3. Leaf spot: This disease is caused by fungi and is characterized by circular spots on the leaves with a yellow halo around them. The spots can eventually merge to form large patches, causing the leaves to wither and die. To manage leaf spot, remove and destroy infected plants and ensure good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup.
Pests
1. Aphids: These are small insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and become distorted. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
2. Mealybugs: These are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and stunted growth. To manage mealybugs, spray the plant with rubbing alcohol or use insecticidal soap.
3. Spider mites: These are tiny insects that suck sap from the plant, causing the leaves to turn yellow and become speckled. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a mixture of water and soap. You can also introduce natural predators such as ladybugs.
Regular monitoring of the plants and quick identification of any disease or pest infestation is essential to manage them before they spread to the other plants. Use of chemical pesticides should be avoided as much as possible as it can be harmful to beneficial insects and the environment.
