Overview of Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild.
Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. is a climbing plant that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. It is commonly referred to as forest yam or wild yam and is native to Central and West Africa. It is an important crop in many African countries and has been traditionally used in African medicine for various ailments.
Description of Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild.
The plant has a tuberous root system and can grow up to 20 meters long. Its stem is slender and twines around supports such as trees. The leaves are simple, alternate and heart-shaped, with pointed tips. The plant produces male and female flowers, with the male flowers growing on long spikes while the female flowers grow on shorter spikes.
Uses of Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild.
The tubers of Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. are a staple food crop in many African countries. The tubers can be boiled, roasted or pounded to make fufu, a starchy food that is an important component of many African diets. The plant has also been traditionally used in African medicine to treat various ailments such as stomach ache, fever, and inflammation. Recent studies have shown that Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. contains compounds with potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
General Appearance of Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild.
The plant has a striking appearance with its heart-shaped leaves and long, thin stems that can twine around trees. The tubers themselves are also impressive, being large and bulbous. The male flowers form long spikes, while the female flowers form shorter spikes. Despite its impressive appearance, the plant is relatively low maintenance and can survive in a variety of tropical conditions.
Light Requirements
The Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. plant is adapted to tropical rainforests, where it grows in shady places. Therefore, it requires partial to full shade to grow best. Direct sunlight can harm the plant, and it is recommended to provide filtered light or dappled shade to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. plant is native to the tropical regions of Central and West Africa. It thrives in warm and humid conditions, and a temperature range between 22°C to 30°C (71°F to 86°F) is ideal for its growth. The plant cannot withstand frost and is vulnerable to cold temperatures, and it is recommended to protect the plant from extreme temperatures.
Soil Requirements
The Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. plant prefers well-drained and fertile soils, which are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a range between 5.5 to 7.0. The plant requires ample moisture, but the soil should not be waterlogged, as it can lead to root rot. It is recommended to add organic matter to the soil to improve its water-holding capacity. The plant can also tolerate sandy or clay soils, but the soil should be deep enough to accommodate the long tubers of the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. is a tropical plant best suited to warm and humid conditions. It grows best in well-drained, slightly acidic soils with good organic matter content. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 20°C to 30°C. This plant prefers partial shade, and full exposure to sunlight can lead to scorching of the plant.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential for the growth and development of Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. The plant requires moderate to high levels of water, and the soil must always be moist but not waterlogged. The frequency of watering depends on environmental conditions and the soil type. During hot and dry weather, it may be necessary to water the plant every day.
Fertilization
Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. can benefit from regular fertilization to promote healthy growth. A balanced fertilization regimen is recommended, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as trace minerals such as iron and zinc. The frequency of fertilization depends on the soil type and the growth rate of the plant. Mature plants can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer applied once a year.
Pruning
Pruning can help control the growth of Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. and improve its overall health. Pruning is best done during the dormant season, and dead or damaged branches should be removed promptly. The pruning technique will vary depending on the desired shape and size of the plant; however, it's recommended to avoid pruning more than a third of the plant at one time. Additionally, pruning can stimulate new growth and increase fruit production.
Propagation of Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild.
Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. is a plant species commonly known as the wild yam. Propagation of this plant is mainly carried out by vegetative means as it is difficult to grow from seeds. There are several propagation methods that can be used for the wild yam, including:
Tubers Division
The most common method of propagating the wild yam is by dividing the tubers. This is done by carefully digging up the plant, removing the tubers, and separating them. Each division should have at least one vegetative bud that will eventually produce a new plant. The best time to divide the tubers is during the dormant season, which is usually in the fall or winter. Once the tubers are divided, they should be planted immediately to prevent desiccation.
Cuttings
Propagation of Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. can also be done by stem cuttings. This method is best used for growing the plant in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse. The stem cuttings should be about 6 inches long and should be taken from the plant during the growing season. Once taken, the cuttings should be dipped in hormone rooting powder and then planted in a potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, shaded area until they have rooted.
Air Layering
Air layering is another propagation method that can be used for Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. This method involves making a small cut on a stem and then wrapping it with a damp sphagnum moss. The moss should be kept moist and after a few weeks, roots should develop. Once the roots have developed, the stem can be cut and planted.
Propagation of Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild. can be done using these methods. However, it is important to note that this plant is difficult to propagate and care should be taken to ensure that the plant is given the right growing conditions.
Disease and pest management for Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild.
Dioscorea sylvestris De Wild., commonly known as the wild yam, is a climbing vine that belongs to the family Dioscoreaceae. It is a valuable crop plant grown for its tubers, which are starchy and rich in essential nutrients. However, this plant is prone to various pests and diseases, which can reduce its yield significantly. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and suggestions for managing them.
Common diseases
1. Yam anthracnose: This is a fungal disease caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides that affects the leaves, stems, and tubers of the plant. The symptoms include dark spots on the leaves, stem cankers, and black, sunken lesions on the tubers, which can lead to rotting. To manage this disease, cultural practices such as crop rotation, removal of infected plant debris, and proper irrigation can help. Fungicides such as copper-based sprays and systemic fungicides can also be used.
2. Yam mosaic virus: This viral disease is transmitted by aphids and affects the leaves of the plant. The leaves develop yellow mosaic patterns and become distorted in shape. To manage this disease, insecticides can be used to control the aphids, and infected plants should be removed and destroyed to prevent further spread.
Common pests
1. Yam beetle: The adult beetles feed on the leaves, flowers, and tubers of the plant, causing significant damage. The larvae also bore into the tubers, leading to rotting. To manage this pest, cultural practices such as crop rotation and intercropping with repellent plants can help. Pesticides such as neem oil and pyrethroids can also be used.
2. Yam nematode: This pest is a microscopic worm that feeds on the roots of the plant, causing stunted growth, reduced yield, and susceptibility to other diseases. Infected plants may also show yellowing and wilting of leaves. To manage this pest, crop rotation, use of resistant varieties, and soil fumigation are effective control measures.
Overall, proper management of diseases and pests is essential for the successful cultivation of Dioscorea sylvestris. Using a combination of cultural practices and chemical control measures can help to reduce the incidence of pests and diseases and ensure good crop yield.
