Origin
Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill is a perennial climbing plant that belongs to the Dioscoreaceae family. It is native to tropical West Africa, specifically found in the countries of Ivory Coast, Liberia, and Ghana.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as "Mpui," "Anon," or "Nyot Nyot" in the Cote d'Ivoire region. In Liberia, it is known as "Gbowe" or "Gbaome."
Uses
Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill is primarily considered a food crop. Its tubers are an important source of carbohydrate and are consumed in various ways, such as boiled, mashed, or fried. The tubers are also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. The plant has been found to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
General Appearance
The plant has a heart-shaped leaf structure with long, thin vines that can reach up to 15m in length. The leaves are smooth and glossy and are typically 10-22cm long and 8-18cm wide. The tubers range in color from light brown to dark brown and can grow up to 50cm in length and 15cm in diameter. The plant's flowers are inconspicuous and have a greenish-yellow color.
Growth Conditions for Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill
Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill is native to Madagascar and is a twining, perennial vine that can grow up to 5 meters in length. It requires specific growth conditions to thrive and produce its tubers effectively.
Light
Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill primarily grows in the understory of tropical forests and, as such, is adapted to grow in partial to full shade. It can tolerate some amount of direct sunlight, but excessive exposure can lead to leaf scorching and stunted growth. Therefore, it is best to grow it in a location that receives partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Temperature
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill is between 20°C - 30°C. The plant prefers a warm tropical climate with high humidity levels. It cannot tolerate frost and will go dormant if exposed to temperatures below 10°C for prolonged periods. Therefore, it is best to grow it in areas with a minimum temperature of 15°C and a maximum temperature of 35°C.
Soil Requirements
Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill prefers well-draining, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. The soil must be rich in organic matter and have good water-holding capacity. The plant can grow in soils with low fertility but will grow better with the addition of fertilizers. Heavy clay soils that retain moisture can cause root rot and plant death. Therefore, it is best to grow it in fertile, well-draining soils.
Cultivation
Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It thrives in well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The plant prefers partial shade to full sun and needs protection from strong winds.
The best time to plant Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill is in the spring when the soil temperatures have warmed up. Plant the tubers to a depth of about 4-6 inches and space them 18-24 inches apart. The plant can be propagated through tuber division or stem cuttings.
Watering
Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill requires regular watering to maintain its growth. The soil should be kept moist but never waterlogged. It is recommended to water the plant deeply once or twice a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter.
During periods of drought, it is essential to supplement the plant's water needs. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain soil moisture. However, the plant is tolerant of dry conditions and can survive short periods without water.
Fertilization
Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill requires regular fertilization to maintain its growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, every three to four weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, use organic compost or aged manure as a natural fertilizer.
It is important not to over-fertilize the plant as this can lead to foliar burn and other health issues. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and adjust the fertilizer application based on the plant's growth response.
Pruning
Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill does not require heavy pruning. However, it is recommended to remove any dead or diseased stems to prevent the spread of diseases. Pruning can also be done to shape the plant and promote a more bushy growth habit.
If the plant has outgrown its space, it can be divided in the spring to reduce its size and replanted in a new location. Always use sterile pruning tools to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill
Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill, commonly known as "Yellow yam," is a popular food crop and medicinal plant in West Africa. Propagation of this species can be carried out through various methods.
Vegetative Propagation
The most common method of propagating Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill is through vegetative propagation. This can be accomplished through using stem cuttings or using the tubers or bulbils produced by the parent plant.
Stem cuttings should be taken from the parent plant during the dormant season, ensuring that each cutting has at least one bud. These cuttings can then be planted in a mixture of soil and sand, kept moist, and placed in a warm, shaded area until roots and new growth develop.
Bulbils, small vegetative propagules produced on the stem or in the leaf axils of the parent plant, can also be used for propagation. These can be removed from the parent plant and planted directly into soil, or they can be stored over the winter and planted in the spring.
Seed Propagation
Although seed propagation of Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill is possible, it is not commonly used due to the low yield and variability of the resulting plants. However, if seed propagation is desired, seeds should be sown during the rainy season in a mixture of soil and organic matter. Seeds should be kept moist and in a warm, shaded location until germination occurs.
It is worth noting that because Dioscorea quartiniana A.Rich. var. schliebenii (R.Knuth) Burkill is a heterozygous species, seeds produced may not produce identical or desirable traits to the parent plant. Therefore, vegetative propagation is often the preferred method to maintain desirable plant characteristics.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea quartiniana var. schliebenii
Dioscorea quartiniana var. schliebenii is a tuberous plant native to Africa. Although it does not have many known pests and diseases, it is still important to take preventative measures to ensure the plant’s health.
Common Pests
The most common pests that affect Dioscorea quartiniana var. schliebenii are aphids, mites, and whiteflies. These insects suck the sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and a decrease in yield.
One of the best ways to manage these pests is to practice good cultural practices. Insects are attracted to weak plants, so it is important to make sure the plants are healthy and well-maintained. Additionally, beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings can be introduced into the garden to help control the pest population.
If the pest infestation is severe, insecticides can be used. However, it is important to use them sparingly and according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid harming beneficial insects or the plant itself.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affect Dioscorea quartiniana var. schliebenii is anthracnose. This fungal disease causes sunken lesions on the plant's leaves, stems, and tubers, leading to a decrease in yield and quality.
Fungicides can be used to control anthracnose. However, this method should be used as a last resort as it can have negative impacts on beneficial fungi and microorganisms present in the soil.
One of the best ways to manage fungal diseases is through preventative measures. This can be done by practicing crop rotation, using disease-resistant cultivars, and ensuring good air circulation between plants to prevent the growth and spread of fungal spores.
In conclusion, while Dioscorea quartiniana var. schliebenii is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, it is essential to take preventative measures to protect the plant's health. Practicing good cultural practices and taking appropriate measures to manage pest and fungal infestations can go a long way in ensuring a healthy and abundant harvest.
