EFFECT OF PLANTING METHODS ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF FOUR VARIETIES OF YAM MINISETT (Dioscorea rotundata Poir)

Abstract

Field experiments were conducted in 2014 and 2015 rainy seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Technology, Minna and on-farm site at Kuta in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State, Nigeria to assess the effects of planting methods and yam varieties on minisett growth and yield. The experiment was a 4 x 2 factorial combination arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. The treatments consisted of four yam varieties (Kwasi, Laushi, Sule and Lagos) and two planting methods (heap and ridge). Five heaps were prepared in a row spaced at 1 m x 1 m and five ridges measuring 5m each. 25 minisett of 50g each was planted on each plot. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results obtained shows that heap method of planting minisett was significantly `better at (p≤0.05) in number of minisett sprouts, vine length, number of leaves and number of ware yam compared to the use of ridge. Lagos variety recorded the highest number of minisett sprouts and number of seed yam. Similar high number of ware yam (yield) was achieved when Kwasi and Laushi varieties were used. It is therefore recommended that farmers should use Kwasi or Laushi yam varieties as planting materials and heap method should be used //to achieve better yield of yam.