Discuss the production of yam under the following headings : (a) materials of propagation; (b) soil requirement; (c) land preparation; (d) planting and spacing; (e) cultural practices (f) three major pests and their control.
Explanation
Production of yam: (A) Materials of propagation : Yam seeds, yarn setts and mini-setts are used for propagation
(B) Soil requirement: Yarn requires (i) loamy soil rich in humus (ii) sandy loam soil (iii) well drained soil
(C) Land preparation This includes (i) the clearing of the land or vegetation (ii) Ploughing and harrowing (iii) Making of ridges )r mounds or heaps. (D) Planting and spacing: (i) Early planting is done at the onset of dry season (Oct – Nov) (ii) Late planting is done at the beginning of rainy season (Feb – March) (iii) Yarn seeds/setts are placed in the soil with cut surface up but slanted (iv) Spacing is 90 cm x 100 cm
(E) Cultural practices : These include: (i) The application of appropriate fertilizer. (ii) Regular weeding to ensure the growth of crop. (iii) Mulching to prevent evaporation and Insure water conservation. (iv) Staking to spread out leaves to receive sunlight (v) Training of vines.
(F) Three major pests and their control are: (i) Yam beetle Control : By dusting seed yam or yam sett with insecticides eg Aldrin dust before planting (ii) Termites Control : (i) Destroy the termitorium or ant hill (ii) Spray with insecticides (iii) cricket : Spray with insecticides