Effect of seed yam weight on growth and tuber yield of white yam (D. rotundata Poir)

Abstract

The effect of different weights of seed yam (250, 300 and 350 g) on growth and tuber yield of white yam were evaluated. The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) among the three seed yam weights in vine length, number and basal diameter, and leaf number measured at 8, 10, and 12 weeks after planting, respectively. There were gradual increases throughout the sampling period. The highest mean values of 4.5, 175 cm, 8 mm, and 69.8 were recorded for vine number, length and basal diameter, and leaf number, respectively, at 12 weeks after planting. The results showed that there were no significant differences (P>0.05) between seed yam weight of 300 and 350 g, but they were significantly higher than seed yam weight of 250 g for vine number, and basal diameter and leaf number. The results on yield parameters showed that tuber number, length and fresh weight increased. The results showed that there were no significant differences (P<0.05) between seed yam weight of 300 and 350 g, but they were significantly higher than seed yam weight of 250 g for fresh tuber weight, number, and length. However, the highest values were recorded in seed yam weight of 350 g. There were no significant differences between 300 and 350 g. Thus, this study suggests that seed yam weight of 300 g could be the ideal size for farmers growing white yam in acidic soils of Anwai, Delta State, Nigeria.