Abstract

The research evaluated the effects of using whole tubers versus minisetts of various sizes to produce seed yams in four different locations namely, Ila-Orangun, Ilesa, Ilorin and Omu Aran in Nigeria. Three different sizes of whole and minisetts tuber (50 g, 100 g and 150 g) were used to determine how rainfall variability affect yield and yield components in yam. Studies were conducted for two consecutive years in randomized complete block design with three replications of each treatment in each location and year. Growth data collected were number of leaves, vine length (m), number of vines and number of tubers per plant. Also, numbers of harvested tubers, the mean weight (kg) and the fresh yield (t/ha) were recorded. Rainfall values within the months of May and October were recorded and analyzed descriptively. Results showed that plants from whole tubers produced higher yield (64.18%) than those from minisetts. Yields in the area of short rainfall were statistically reduced compare to area with high rainfall. Tuber yield mean values were increasing size by size as yam seeds’ sizes were increasing in minisetts as well as whole yam tubers regardless of cultivation, seasons and locations. Small whole tubers’ seed are more profitable than minisetts and therefore recommended to yam-growing-farmers.

Key Words: Yam, Tuber, Minisetts, location, Soil fertility, Seed yield