Experimental Agriculture

Table of Contents - 1989 - Volume 25, Issue 02  

Research Article

Seed Yam Multiplication by the Mini-sett Technique in Three Yam Species in a Tropical Guinea Savanna Location

B. A. Kalua1, J. C. Normana1 p1, U. R. Pala1 and D. K. Adedzwaa1 p2

a1 Department of Crop Production, University of Jos, Makurdi Campus, PMB 2373 Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Seed yam production potential of three yam species (Dioscorea rotundata, Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea cayenensis) was assessed for two systems – the traditional method using 100 to 200 g setts, and the mini-sett technique using 25, 20, 15 and 10 g setts cut from mother tubers. The mini-sett technique required only 6–33% of the number of tubers needed for the traditional planting system, and resulted in plants superior to those produced by the traditional method in all their production attributes especially in the case of D. alata and D. rotundata.

(Accepted May 10 1988)

Correspondence:

p1 Present addresses: Department of Crop Production, University of Swaziland, Luyengo, Swaziland

p2 Present addresses: Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority, Makurdi, Nigeria.