Ubi

(Yam)
Introduction
Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a major source of food for millions
of people in tropical and subtropical areas of the world
and especially in West and Central Africa where it
contributes to the income and food of more than 60
millions of people (Asiedu and Sartie 2010). In West and
Central Africa and in the Caribbean, yam is one of the
most important sources of carbohydrates to many people
and is considered a food security crop. Global
projections for root and tuber crops foresee an
increase in its economic importance, through the increase
in both the production and demand (Scott et al. 2000;
Alexandratos and Bruinsma 2012).
Objectives
identify consumer
preferences for fresh ubi
through focus groups.
Promote production of ubi.
Appreciate the importance
of ubi through its nutritious
value.
Land preparation

Tillage – Two plowings and two harrowings are usually

enough for ubi for a field that has been previously
cultivated. Plow deeply. Ubi needs a deep loose soil.
Harrow along and across the length of the field to
pulverize the soil.
Seedbed – Plant ubi on flat or ridged seedbeds. These are
preferable to other types of seedbeds;
If flat beds are used, plant after the last harrowing.
On sloping or rolling fields, contour the ridges to minimize
soil erosion.
Planting methods
Planting is done from March to June. However,
planting time for ubi depends upon the time tuber
dormancy is broken and the start of rain in the area.
a. Non-sprouted Setts
Plant setts in the seedbed at a distance of 1m x 50cm or
60cm x 60cm. Plant the setts 10cm deep during the rainy
season and 15cm during dry season, especially if the field
will not be mulched. Setts can be planted in any position
b. Pre-sprouted Setts
Plant the setts at the start of rain if it is not possible to
irrigate or mulch the field. Plant the setts in the seedbed at
a depth of 10cm and a distance of 1m x 50cm or 60cm x
60cm. Be sure to orient the sprout upward in planting.
Fertilizer application
a. Inorganic Fertilization – The recommended amount
of fertilizer should be split into two, one half to be
applied about one month after emergence (or one
month after planting of pre-sprouted setts) and the
other half about 2 months after the first application.
Apply the fertilizer following the band method and
placing the fertilizer about 10 cm away from the plants.
b. Organic Fertilization – Use of compost which is a
mixture of decayed organic matter from plant parts
and animal manure. Mix the compost with the soil
during land preparation or place the compost just
below the setts during the planting.
Pest and Diseases
Category : Fungal
Anthracnose (Scorch) Colletotrichum gleosporoides
Symptoms
Small, dark brown spots or black lesions on leaves which may be
surrounded by a chlorotic halo; leaf necrosis; dieback of stem;
withered leaves and scorched appearance
Category : Nematodes
Dry rot disease (caused by yam nematode) Scutellonema bradys
Symptoms
The infected tubers show dry rot of 1 to 2 cm. Initially this dry rot is
of cream and light yellow lesions appear just below the outer skin
without any external symptom.
Category : Insects
Mealybugs Rastrococcus spp.
Symptoms
Flattened oval to round disc-like insect covered in waxy
substance on tree branches; insects attract ants which may
also be present; insect colony may also be associated with
growth of sooty mold due to fungal colonization of sugary
honeydew excreted by the insect.
Control measures
Yams require 100 cm of water distributed evenly
throughout the growing season. Yam plants should
be mulched after planting to prevent plants from
drying out. Failure to mulch the plants will result in
drastic decreases in yield.
 Conclusion
As an important staple for an
increasing population of people in
Philippines, yam will likely continue to
be cultivated using traditional methods
of obtaining Tissue Culture and Vine
Cuttings until better options that the
yam producers can rely on are made
available.
Thank
you!!!