Effect of Tuber Parts Planted on Growth, Yield and Shelf life of Yam Cultivars in Southern Guinea Savanna, Kogi State

Abstract

The experiment was carried out at Okoro in Ijumu Local Government Area and Ponyan in Yagba East Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria to investigate the effect of tuber parts planted on growth, yield and shelf life of yam cultivars in Southern Guinea Savanna, Kogi State, Nigeria. The experiment was a 2x3 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The treatments consisted of two yam cultivars (Ekumo-Odo and Gambari) and three tuber parts planted (head, middle and bottom). Data on growth, yield and shelf life were taken. The results of the analysis of variance indicated that germination was highest in head region at Okoro and Ponyan with respective values of 97.50 and 98.10%. Sprouting and cumulative germination were earlier in Gambari cultivar at Okoro (90.80%) and Ponyan (94.80%). Yam sett planted using head region had more vines (3.14 and 3.56 cm), greater number of branches (22.86 and 28.41) and consequently higher yield (8.63 and 9.13 t ha^-1) at Okoro and Ponyan, respectively. Greater significant weight loss at 30 and 90 days (15.2% and 133.9%) and (16.1% and 93.8%) were recorded for Okoro and Ponyan, respectively. Highest number of defected tubers were observed in cultivar Gambari at 30 and 90 days (15.2 and 133.9%) and (16.1 and 93.8%) were recorded for Okoro and Ponyan, respectively. Conclusively, head region that gave better growth and yield and Ekumo-Odo that produced higher yield and had longer shelf life are recommended for yam producers in the study area.