Overview
Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél. is a perennial plant native to Cameroon in West Africa. It belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae and is commonly known as "Adamaoua yam" or "Abui". This plant is an important crop in Cameroon, where it is used for food and medicine.Appearance
Adamaoua yam is a vine with a tuberous root system. The plant produces twining stems that can reach up to 10 meters long. The leaves are simple, alternate, and heart-shaped, with a dark green color. The flowers are small and greenish in color, and they grow in clusters on long stalks. The fruit is a capsule with three wings that contain black seeds.Uses
The tubers of Adamaoua yam are a staple food in Cameroon, where they are boiled, roasted, or mashed. They are rich in carbohydrates and provide a good source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. In addition to being a food crop, Adamaoua yam has medicinal properties. The plant has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach problems and fungal infections. Research has shown that extracts from Adamaoua yam possess antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.Cultivation and Harvest
Adamaoua yam is typically grown in fields using vegetative propagation. The tubers are planted in the soil during the rainy season, and they sprout to produce new plants. The crop is harvested between 7 to 10 months after planting, depending on the desired size of the tubers. After harvest, the tubers are dried and stored for future use. Adamaoua yam is an important crop for small-scale farmers in Cameroon, where it provides food security and income.Growth Conditions of Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél.
As a plant species, Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél. prefers a tropical climate to thrive. It mainly grows in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa. It is a perennial vine that requires adequate support to grow, such as trees, poles, or other vegetation.
Light
Light is an essential growth requirement for Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél. As a tropical plant, it needs a considerable amount of sunlight to grow optimally. The plant can tolerate partial shade conditions, but it will thrive better in full sun exposure.
Temperature
The optimal temperature range for the growth of Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél. is between 20 and 30 °C. The plant cannot tolerate extreme cold or hot temperatures. When the temperatures drop below 10 °C, the plant may become dormant, and its growth will stop.
Soil
The plant grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5, slightly acidic to mildly acidic. Soil structure and quality play a crucial role in the development and growth of the root system. Therefore, the soil should be deep and loose to allow for proper root penetration and development. Additionally, ensure the soil has enough nutrients to support the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods
Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél is a woody climbing plant that requires support to grow. It thrives well in warm and humid conditions. To cultivate this plant, prepare a well-draining soil mixture rich in organic matter. Plant the vine in a sunny or partially shaded location and provide support to allow it to climb upwards.
When planting, ensure that the soil depth is equal to the size of the container. Water the soil immediately after planting and keep the plant moist during the growing season.
Watering Needs
Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél requires moderate watering throughout the growing season, especially during the dry season. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is slightly dry, and avoid overwatering as this may cause root rot. Reduce the frequency of watering during the dormant season.
Fertilization
You can fertilize Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél during the growing season to enhance its growth and development. Feeding the plant with a balanced fertilizer once every two weeks will suffice. Avoid over-fertilizing, which may cause leaf burn or stunted growth.
Pruning
Pruning is crucial to maintain plant health and enhance the appearance of Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél. Prune the plant to control its size and shape, prevent overcrowding, and remove dead or diseased branches. Prune regularly to promote new growth and maintain a healthy plant.
Propagation of Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél.
Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél. can be propagated through various methods. However, the most common method of propagation is through the use of tubers.
Tuber Division
Tuber division involves separating the tubers from the parent plant to create new plants. This method is recommended during the dormant period when the tubers are mature and have developed buds. Care should be taken to avoid damage to the tubers during the separation process. The separated tubers should be immediately planted in soil.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation involves collecting mature seeds from the parent plant and planting them in soil. This method is more time-consuming than tuber division and is best done in the spring. The seeds should be planted in loose soil, and a little bit of sand can be added to help with drainage. The soil should be kept moist, and the newly sprouted plants should be transplanted in individual pots.
Vine Cuttings
Vine cuttings can also be used to propagate Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél. This method involves taking a cutting from the parent plant and planting it in soil. The cutting should be from the tip of the vine, and a little bit of rooting hormone can be added to help with the growth. The cutting should be kept moist, and new growth should appear within a few weeks. After new growth appears, the cutting can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Dioscorea schimperiana Hochst. ex Kunth var. adamaouense Jacq.-Fél. is a hardy species that can resist many diseases. However, some pathogens may affect the plant's health and yield. Below are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that affects many plant species, including Dioscorea schimperiana. It can cause leaf spot, stem cankers, and fruit rot. To manage anthracnose, remove infected plant parts and dispose of them away from the garden. Avoid overhead watering and ensure proper air circulation to reduce humidity. Apply fungicides with copper and sulfur as active ingredients.
Bacterial blight
Bacterial blight is a serious disease that affects Dioscorea schimperiana. It causes yellowing and death of leaves, stems, and roots. The bacteria can survive in the soil for years, infecting new plants. To manage bacterial blight, remove infected parts and destroy them. Avoid working on wet plants and use clean tools. Apply copper-based fungicides as a preventive measure.
Pest Management
Dioscorea schimperiana may suffer from various pests that can reduce plant vigor and yield. Here are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arthropods that can damage Dioscorea schimperiana leaves and stems. They suck plant sap, causing yellow spots and webbing. To manage spider mites, use a strong jet of water to dislodge them from the plant. Use organic miticides containing neem oil or pyrethrin if necessary.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars can feed on Dioscorea schimperiana leaves, making large holes and defoliating the plant. The most common caterpillars attacking yams are the sweet potato leaf folder and the armyworm. To manage caterpillars, pick them by hand and destroy them. Use biological control with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) if infestation is severe. Apply organic insecticides with spinosad or pyrethrin as active ingredients.
