Overview
Dioscorea polygonoides Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. is a type of yam that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. It is also known by several common names including "huagan" and "papa de arenque". This plant is native to regions in South America such as Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Appearance
Dioscorea polygonoides is an herbaceous perennial with a tuberous root system. The stems of this plant are slender and twining, growing up to 5 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate and heart-shaped with a long petiole, growing up to 15 cm long and 12 cm wide. The plant produces small whitish-green flowers that grow in clusters.
Uses
Dioscorea polygonoides is commonly consumed by indigenous communities in South America. The tuberous roots of this plant are used as food and have a nutty flavour when cooked. It is often boiled, fried or roasted and served as a side dish or used to make a nutritious drink. The plant is also used for medicinal purposes in traditional medicine for conditions such as arthritis, fever, and inflammation. Additionally, the plant has potential as a source of phytochemicals that can be used to develop new drugs.
Growth Conditions for Dioscorea polygonoides
Dioscorea polygonoides Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. is an important plant that is widely grown for its starchy tuberous roots, commonly known as yam. This plant thrives in tropical and subtropical regions and requires certain conditions to grow properly and produce good yields.
Light Conditions
Yams require a significant amount of sunlight, about 6-8 hours per day, for optimal growth. Being a tropical plant, they cannot tolerate frost or extreme cold and require warm temperatures throughout the year. The plant must be grown in full sun or partial shade if the sun is intense. With enough sunlight, the plant can be trained to grow in a particular direction to maximize light exposure.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil for yams should be fertile, well-draining, and rich in organic matter. These plants prefer slightly acidic soil with pH levels between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil must be deep enough to allow tubers to grow to their maximum size without any hindrance. They also do best in loose and loamy soil, which is not too dense to allow tubers to expand easily.
Temperature Conditions
Dioscorea polygonoides thrives in warm temperatures, with the ideal range being around 26 to 30 degrees Celsius (78.8-86°F). They grow best in areas with high humidity but require enough air circulation to keep the foliage healthy. The plant may suffer in very hot conditions, so it is important to water them frequently to keep the soil moist. On the other hand, frost and cold temperatures can be detrimental to their growth and yield.
Overall, yams are relatively easy to grow and maintain. With the right growing conditions, this plant can produce high-quality tubers that are an important source of food in many cultures.
Cultivation of Dioscorea polygonoides Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
Dioscorea polygonoides Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. is a climbing plant that is found mainly in South America, Central America, the Caribbean, and parts of Africa and Asia. It is commonly referred to as “Polygonoid yam” or “Winged yam” due to its distinctive shape and appearance. The plant is propagated through tubers and requires a specific set of growing conditions to thrive.
When cultivating Dioscorea polygonoides Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd., it is ideal to plant the tubers during the rainy season to provide adequate moisture. The best soil type is a well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. The tubers should be planted at a depth of approximately 10-15 cm and spaced 0.5-1 m apart within rows that are 1-2 m apart. The plant requires a warm and humid environment to grow, with temperatures ranging from 25-30°C.
Watering Needs
Dioscorea polygonoides Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. requires consistent moisture levels, especially during the dry season. The plant should be watered regularly, ensuring that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering can result in root rot and ultimately lead to the plant's death.
Fertilization
The ideal time for fertilizing Dioscorea polygonoides Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. is during land preparation or early growth stages, applying a balanced fertilizer. A top dressing can be applied as the plant grows tall or after harvest to improve soil fertility. The use of organic matter such as compost is vital, providing essential plant nutrients while improving soil structure and promoting water retention.
Pruning
Pruning is not a crucial practice when tending to Dioscorea polygonoides Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. unless the plant becomes too large or unmanageable. If necessary, pruning should be carried out after harvest when the vines have dried. It is recommended to cut the vines near the soil surface and dispose of them correctly to avoid disease spread. Cutting off the vines will ensure that the plant remains dormant and minimizes pest and disease incidences during the fallow period.
Propagation of Dioscorea polygonoides
Dioscorea polygonoides is mainly propagated through vegetative means such as stem cuttings and tuber pieces.
Stem cuttings
The best time to take stem cuttings is during the wet season. The cuttings should be taken from healthy mother plants and should have at least two nodes. They should be planted in well-drained soil in a shaded area. The cuttings take about four weeks to root.
Tuber pieces
Propagation through tuber pieces involves using mature tubers to produce new plants. The tubers should be stored in a cool and dry place to prevent rotting. When planting, the tuber pieces should have at least one bud and should be buried 5-10 cm deep in well-drained soil. The best time to plant the tubers is during the wet season. The tubers take approximately six weeks to sprout.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea polygonoides
Dioscorea polygonoides, commonly known as "bejuco" or "guaconejo," is a tropical plant that thrives in hot and humid conditions. While it is generally disease and pest-resistant, it can still be affected by some common ailments. Here are some diseases and pests that can affect Dioscorea polygonoides, and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One common disease that can affect Dioscorea polygonoides is anthracnose, which is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms of anthracnose include brown or black sunken spots on leaves, stems, fruits, or flowers. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy all infected plant parts, and apply a fungicide according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Another disease that can affect Dioscorea polygonoides is root rot, which is caused by the fungus Phytophthora nicotianae. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing or wilting leaves, stunted growth, and rotting roots. To manage root rot, avoid over-watering, ensure good soil drainage, and treat with a fungicide containing fosetyl-al or metalaxyl.
Pests
Dioscorea polygonoides can also be affected by some pests. One common pest is the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius, which damages the plant's tuber. Symptoms of sweet potato weevils include small holes or tunnels, as well as larvae or adults in the tuber. To manage sweet potato weevils, remove and destroy infected tubers, and apply an insecticide containing carbaryl, malathion, or permethrin.
Another pest that can affect Dioscorea polygonoides is the whitefly, Aleurodicus cocois. Symptoms of whiteflies include yellowing or curling leaves, sticky honeydew, and a sooty mold. To manage whiteflies, introduce natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, or apply an insecticide containing imidacloprid or acetamiprid.
By following these disease and pest management techniques, you can help protect your Dioscorea polygonoides plants and keep them healthy and productive.
