Water yam (Dioscorea alata)

a plant called name similar to a potato

La Dioscorea alata (yams) is a staple diet food crop for millions of people around the world, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. This is also known as large yam or water yam, being one of the main cultivated species and widely distributed in the tropics.

Despite its economic and cultural importance, very little is known about its origin, diversity and genetics. As a consequence, breeding efforts for resistance to its main disease, anthracnose, have been quite limited.

From

leaves of the water name plant or dioscorea alata

It is said that the Dioscorea alata originated in Southeast Asia, where its cultivation began. It is cultivated throughout the tropical and subtropical region and represents the widest worldwide distribution of all the dioscoreas. In addition to Southeast Asia, its cultivation is very widespread in the Caribbean (where the most important yam is found), in West Africa (where it is only surpassed by the Dioscorea rotundata Poiret) and in Oceania.

It is certainly the most important species in Southeast Asia and its cultivation is practically widespread in all the countries of the region, especially in Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Vietnam.

Characteristics of Dioscorea alata

This is a very important plant in the regions of the tropics, where it is highly appreciated as food. It has roots and a type of bulbs very robust, which form underground tubers with a high nutritional value. In addition, it is a climbing plant that has interesting medicinal properties.

The leaves are large, heart-shaped and bright green in color, they can reach up to 25 cm long. The veins are marked and considerable varieties show purple tones on the blade. The plant produces tubers and bulblets (aerial tubers), which sprout from the axils of the leaves. These are cylindrical and rich in carbohydrates, which allow the plant to survive in very dry climates.

Care

It is a plant typical of the tropical climate, which develops well in hot and humid regions in the latitude band N and S of 30º (equatorial line). The appropriate temperature for this vegetable is between 25 and 30ºC, rainy season around 1.500mm / year, with a defined dry season of 2 to 5 months. The Dioscorea alata it does not tolerate cold and less frost.

It requires light soils with a not very sandy texture, deep, with good drainage, rich in organic matter, with good moisture retention capacity. During the period of its growth, the soil must be moist. Acidic soils, clay-textured soils and slopes subject to erosion should be avoided.

Farming

This is an asexual reproduction plant, its cultivation is done through whole tubers or pieces of this. In each tuber there are several dormant gems that sprout when environmental conditions are favorable. They can be used with weights between 50g and 250g.
Only tubers weighing 150g or more should be chosen for sectioning into two or three pieces; The cutting can be done at the time of sowing or with a short notice (cut 3 days before or up to 1 day before placing pieces in the shade). The chunks should be stored in a ventilated place and be protected from humidity, heat and insolation.

Uses

name of water also called Dioscorea alata

It is a food rich in carbohydrates, highly consumed in tropical countries, easily digested and suitable for diets. Yam is rich in starch, rich source of beta-carotene, vitamins C and B complex; it also contains calcium, iron and phosphorus.

It is a plant also known for its detoxifying and cleansing propertiesIt is also recommended for the treatment of diseases such as rheumatism, arthritis, uric acid and inflammation in general. It is also used for the prevention of diseases transmitted by the mosquito, such as dengue, malaria and yellow fever.

It also has the property of restoring and preserving the healthy and resistant immune system. In Africa it is said to be responsible for increased fertility in women who use it in their diet regularly.

Diseases and pests

The most common are anthracnose, a disease that limits the development and growth of Dioscorea alata and dry rot disease, caused by the yam nematode.


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