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

Abstract

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