Effect of substrate on cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium L. Schott) seedling production by PIF method and analysis of yield variables in comparison to conventional seeds

Cocoyam production is hindered by the scarcity of seedlings in both quantity and quality for producers. This study seeks to evaluate the influence of Tithonia diversifolia on cocoyam seedling production using the plants issus de fragments de tige (PIF) technique and the field performance of these seedlings compared to conventional seeds. Seedlings were established in propagators using white sawdust under four treatments: T. diversifolia fermented leaves extract and dried leaves, NPK, and control with no application. Thereafter, seedlings were transferred in the field alongside conventional seeds under three treatments: poultry manure, NPK and T. diversifolia fermented leaves extract, for yield performance analysis. The results indicate a significant effect of substrate on bud formation and seedling production. The highest number of buds and seedlings production was recorded with the control and T. diversifolia fermented leaves extract treatments. Field trials reveal that fertilization significantly increases the number of tubers per plant, with the highest number of tubers recorded in the treatments with NPK (11.28±1.27) and poultry manure (11.3±1.87) in seedlings from PIF. Furthermore, the application of NPK significantly increases the average weight of the tuber, with the highest average weight recorded in seedlings from PIF of about 325.29 ± 26.07 g, compared to 177.6 ± 7.8 g for conventional seed. The mass production of cocoyam seedlings through the PIF technique appeared as a promising, cost-effective, and an efficient alternative for enhancing cocoyam production. Key words: Cocoyam, PIF, substrates, Tithonia diversifolia, growth, yield attributes.