Introduction
Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild. is a species of yam that is native to Central Africa. The plant is a member of the family Dioscoreaceae and is commonly known as the heart-leaved yam or "Kokombé" in the Democratic Republic of Congo.Description and Features
The heart-leaved yam is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows up to 2 meters high. The leaves are large, heart-shaped and alternate, measuring about 14 cm long and 17 cm wide. The plant produces distinctive unisexual flowers on a branched inflorescence. The fruit is a capsule that contains many winged seeds.Uses
The tubers of Dioscorea stellato-pilosa var. cordata are edible and highly nutritious. They are a staple food for many people in Central Africa and are often boiled or roasted. The plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments including fever, snakebite, and malaria. Extracts from the tubers have been found to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.Cultivation
The heart-leaved yam is found in humid tropical forest areas and is typically grown in arable lands by local farmers. The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and consistent moisture. It is typically propagated by stem cuttings or by planting the tubers. The plant takes about nine months to mature before harvesting.Conclusion
Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild. is an important crop plant in Africa, providing both food and medicine. Its heart-shaped leaves and large, winged seeds make it a distinctive plant to look out for in the tropical forests of Central Africa.Light requirements
Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild. typically grows in areas with partial shade to full sunlight. As such, it requires at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight every day to thrive.
Temperature requirements
The plant is native to tropical regions and prefers warm temperatures. It grows best in temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. Temperatures below 18°C can adversely affect growth and development.
Soil requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in nutrients. It grows well in sandy loam soils with a pH of 5.5-7.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. A good drainage system is critical in ensuring the plant's roots receive adequate air circulation.
Cultivation methods
Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild. is a climbing plant that requires support for growth. It is essential to provide sturdy support from the initial stage of planting, ensuring that the stem stays upright. The plant thrives well in well-drained soils rich in organic matter and is fond of warm temperatures and high humidity environments. These conditions must be continually maintained for optimal growth.
The plant is propagated either by seedlings or by cuttings. In seedling propagation, plant the seeds in loamy soil and keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. Transplant the seedlings to bigger pots or the planting site. In cutting propagation, take healthy cuttings and put them in a rooting hormone solution. Once they have developed roots, plant them in a well-drained, rich organic matter soil.
Watering needs
The plant enjoys well-drained soils, meaning that it shouldn't be waterlogged. Water the plant consistently but make sure the water is draining out of the soil. Avoid watering during the rainy season. Consistent watering will promote optimal growth rate and prevent deformities that come with water stress.
Fertilization
Applying a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season will promote optimal plant growth. Use a fertilizer rich in essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilization encourages the development of a vigorous stem, leafy growth, and a well-established root system that ensures the plant can withstand adverse weather conditions.
Pruning
Pruning should be done annually after the harvest season. The aim of pruning is to remove unwanted growth, old stems, and diseased or pests affected sections. Pruning also encourages the growth of new shoots that are ideal for a healthy new harvest. Only use clean and sharp pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Dispose of the pruned sections properly to avoid the spread of diseases between plants.
Propagation of Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild.
Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild., also known as Chinese yam, is a perennial vine that is grown for its edible tubers. The plant is native to China and is now widely cultivated in many parts of the world. There are several methods of propagation that can be used to grow new plants.
Seed Propagation
One of the easiest methods of propagation is through seed. Seeds are sown in well-drained soil in the spring after the last frost. They should be sown at a depth of about 1 inch and spaced 6-8 inches apart. In about 2-3 weeks, the seeds will germinate, and the plants will begin to grow. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during this time to prevent damping-off disease.
Division
If you already have an established plant, you can propagate it by division. This method is done by digging up the plant and cutting it into smaller pieces. Each division should have at least one shoot and some roots attached. The new divisions can be replanted in a well-drained soil mixture and watered generously until they establish themselves. This method is best done in the spring or fall.
Stem Cuttings
You can also propagate Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild. using stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem that is about 6-8 inches long with at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting. Dip the cut end into hormone rooting powder and plant it in well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the cutting in a shaded location until it has roots and new growth. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring.
Propagation of Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild. is relatively easy and can be done using seeds, division, or stem cuttings. With proper care and maintenance, you can grow new plants and enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious and nutritious tubers.
Disease and Pest Management for Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild.
Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild., commonly known as the yam plant, is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can weaken it, affect its growth, and reduce yields. Therefore, proper disease and pest management practices are essential to maintain its health and productivity. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Yam anthracnose: Yam anthracnose, caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, is one of the most important diseases affecting yam crops. Symptoms include dark, sunken lesions on leaves, stems, and tubers, which can lead to rotting and yield losses. To manage yam anthracnose, it is essential to practice good hygiene and sanitation, such as removing and destroying infected plant parts, using clean planting materials, and avoiding overhead irrigation. Fungicide applications can also be helpful but should be used as part of an integrated disease management program.
Yam mosaic virus: Yam mosaic virus is a viral disease that causes yellowing and mottling of leaves, stunting, and malformation of tubers, and can result in significant yield losses. It is transmitted by aphids and infected seed tubers. To manage yam mosaic virus, growers should use healthy seed tubers, avoid planting in areas with infected plants, manage weed hosts and insect vectors, and practice good sanitation and crop rotation.
Pests
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small sap-sucking insects that can cause yellowing, stunting, and leaf curling in yam plants, and transmit viral diseases. To manage whiteflies, growers can use yellow sticky traps, insecticides, and cultural practices such as removing weeds and using reflective mulches or row covers. Biological control agents, such as predatory insects or fungi, can also be an option.
Tuber moth: Tuber moth larvae can bore into yam tubers and cause internal damage, rot, and yield losses. To manage tuber moth, growers should inspect planting materials and remove any infested tubers, and use pheromone traps to monitor and control the adult moths. Growers can also use biological control agents such as parasitic wasps or nematodes.
By following these disease and pest management practices, growers can maintain the health and productivity of Dioscorea stellato-pilosa De Wild. var. cordata De Wild.
