Overview
Dioscorea preussii Pax, also known as Preuss's yam, is a species of yam plant that is native to the West African region. It is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae, and it is well-known for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Being part of a group of yams known as 'white yams,' it is one of the most popular yams in the region and is used as a staple food source for the population.
General Appearance
The Dioscorea preussii plant is a climbing and coiling type of yam whose vines can grow up to 10 meters long. The leaves are heart-shaped and can reach up to 30 centimeters long and 15 centimeters wide. The tuber, which is the edible part of the plant, is bulbous and can grow up to 70 centimeters long and 30 centimeters wide. The skin is light brown while the flesh inside is white with a coarse texture.
Common Names
Aside from Preuss's yam, Dioscorea preussii has different common names across the various regions it grows, including "Opobo yam," "Cocoyam yam," and "Kachin yam."
Uses
Dioscorea preussii is mainly used for its nutritional benefits as it is a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. The tubers are usually boiled, roasted, or made into flour for use in various dishes. In addition to its use as a food crop, Preuss's yam has some medicinal properties and is used to ease symptoms of malaria, diarrhea, and other ailments in traditional medicine.
Furthermore, the yam's extract is currently being studied for its potential use as an anticancer agent in clinical research.
Overall, Dioscorea preussii is a valuable plant that plays a crucial role in the economy and health of the West African population where it is commonly grown.
Growth Conditions of Dioscorea Preussii Pax
Dioscorea preussii Pax is a climbing plant with minimal branching, with its leaves arising alternately from the stems. It requires specific growth conditions to thrive optimally, which include:
Light Requirements
In its natural habitat, the forest, Dioscorea preussii Pax grows in a partial shade environment. It would be best if you placed the plant in an area with a similar light level, preferably where it can receive partial sunlight daily. It's advised to avoid direct sunlight as it can lead to leaf scorching and may hinder the growth of the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Dioscorea preussii Pax is between 22°C to 28°C. The plant can withstand a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum temperature of 40°C. The plant requires a consistent temperature throughout the day and should be protected from extreme temperature fluctuations and frost.
Soil Requirements
Dioscorea preussii Pax requires well-draining soils with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. The soil should be of medium fertility, rich in organic matter. Loamy soils are the best for this plant as they provide the perfect balance between sand and clay.
The soil's moisture level is also essential, and it should be kept moist but not water-logged. It's better to water the plant deeply and less frequently than to water it frequently with little water.
It's also important to note that Dioscorea preussii Pax has a deep-rooted system and requires ample space to grow. Therefore, it's advised to plant the plant in a large container or in the ground.
Cultivation of Dioscorea preussii Pax
Dioscorea preussii Pax, commonly known as Guinea yam, is a perennial herbaceous vine that is native to tropical African countries. Growing this plant requires a warm and humid climate, rich soil, and enough sunlight. When it comes to cultivation, follow these guidelines:
- Ensure that you plant your yam in well-drained soil with the right balance of nutrients for best growth. The ideal soil is loam soil with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5.
- Ensure the plant is grown in a warm place with a temperature between 70-90°F, and full sun to partial shade exposure for several hours daily.
- The best time to plant the bulb is after the last frost date in late spring or early summer when the soil temperature has warmed up. Make sure the planting depth is approximately 4-5 inches deep, and the spacing between plants should be 3-4 feet apart in the rows of the garden.
Watering needs
Watering the Dioscorea preussii Pax is necessary to ensure that the plant receives enough water for proper growth and development. The watering needs of yams depend on the climatic conditions and the type of soil. Here's what you should keep in mind:
- The plant relies on steady and consistent moisture levels and requires regular watering during the growing season.
- Ensure the soil is moist and not waterlogged since the plant roots can easily rot if the soil is very wet.
- Reduced watering is recommended during the dry season when the soil can easily dry out.
- Depending on the rainfall and temperature variations, the plant may require a little additional irrigation for optimum yields.
Fertilization and pruning
The incorporation of adequate fertilizers, such as organic and inorganic fertilizers, into the soil will provide the necessary nutrients required for the plants' growth and development. Pruning, on the other hand, ensures that the plant remains tidy and inhibits the spread of disease. Here are some tips for fertilization and pruning of the Dioscorea preussii Pax:
- It is recommended that you fertilize the soil before planting using well-composted manure, and use nitrogen-rich fertilizers periodically throughout the growing period.
- Make sure not to over-fertilize, as excessive fertilizer can cause root damage and stunted growth.
- Regular pruning of unwanted tendrils is necessary for controlling the growth of the vine.
- Prune the plant using sterilized tools to prevent the spread of disease.
By following these guidelines, cultivating and caring for the Dioscorea preussii Pax can be successful, leading to better growth and high yields.
Propagation of Dioscorea Preussii Pax
Dioscorea Preussii Pax, commonly known as the African Guinea Yam, is a perennial plant that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. It is a valuable crop plant in West Africa due to its highly nutritional tubers. The plant is propagated both vegetatively and sexually.
Vegetative Propagation
In vegetative propagation, the plant is propagated using vegetative plant parts such as tubers, bulbs, and rhizomes. The tubers are the most common plant parts used for propagation. The plant is propagated vegetatively due to high purity maintenance, high yield, and early maturity of the plantlets.
The propagation process involves the selection of healthy and disease-free planting material. The selected tubers are cut into small pieces with a minimum of two buds on each piece. The pieces are usually treated with a suitable fungicide and planted in soil. The planting depth should be approximately 10cm deep, and the plant should be planted in a place with partial shade to allow for proper growth.
Sexual Propagation
Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds to propagate the plant. It is a less common propagation method and is usually used for the production of new cultivars or varieties. The propagation process starts with the collection of mature fruits from the plant. The fruits are washed, cut open, and the seeds are extracted. The seeds are then dried and sown in a suitable propagation medium.
The propagation medium should be well-draining and have a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The seeds should be sown at a depth of 3cm and watered regularly. Seedlings begin to emerge after three to four weeks. The seedlings should be acclimatized for 6-8 weeks before transplanting to the field. The plants should be spaced 60-90cm apart to allow the proper development of tubers.
In conclusion, Dioscorea Preussii Pax can be propagated both vegetatively and sexually. Vegetative propagation is the most common method due to its high yield and early maturity of the plantlets. However, sexual propagation is used for the production of new cultivars or varieties. The propagation process involves the careful selection of planting material and the use of suitable propagation media.
Disease Management for Dioscorea preussii Pax
One of the common diseases that affect Dioscorea preussii Pax is anthracnose. It is a fungal disease that appears as dark brown and black spots on the leaves, stems, and fruits of the plant. To manage anthracnose, ensure proper sanitation by removing and destroying infected plant debris. Apply a fungicide that is effective against anthracnose, such as copper-based fungicides.
Another disease that affects Dioscorea preussii Pax is powdery mildew. The disease appears as white or gray powdery patches on the plant's leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, ensure proper air circulation and avoid overcrowding of the plants to reduce humidity. Application of fungicides such as sulfur-based fungicides can significantly help in controlling the disease.
Other diseases that may affect Dioscorea preussii Pax include stem rot, bacterial leaf spot, and yellow mosaic virus, all of which can be managed through proper sanitation, crop rotation, and application of appropriate fungicides and pesticides.
Pest Management for Dioscorea preussii Pax
One common pest that can affect Dioscorea preussii Pax is the sweet potato weevil. The pest feeds on the plant's tubers, causing significant damage to the yield. To manage sweet potato weevil, ensure proper sanitation and hygiene practices in the field, plant resistant varieties, and apply pesticides such as neem oil.
The yam tuber beetle is another pest that can affect the yield of Dioscorea preussii Pax. The beetle feeds on the plant's foliage and tubers and can cause significant economic damage. To manage the pest, ensure proper sanitation practices in the field, plant resistant varieties, and apply appropriate pesticides such as spinosad and pyrethrin.
Other pests that may affect Dioscorea preussii Pax include cutworms, root knot nematode, and spider mites. These pests can be managed through the use of appropriate pesticides, implementation of cultural practices such as crop rotation, and maintaining proper soil fertility and moisture levels in the field.
