New yam-growing technique

摘要

Yam farmers across Africa can look forward to better days ahead with the development of a tuber-less yam propagation technique developed by researchers at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and partners. In this innovative approach, yams are propagated from mini tubers that have been produced from vine cuttings instead of using tubers saved from the previous crop. The cuttings are rooted in a medium based on carbonised rice husks. By eliminating the use of tubers, more yams are made available for food or for sale while significantly lowering the risk of nematode infestation akin to using tubers as planting material. The technique also promotes faster multiplication and better and more uniform crop quality.