EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT GROWTH MEDIA FOR THE PRODUCTION OF SEED YAMS FROM YAM SEEDS AT UMUDIKE

The effect of different growth media on the growth and yield of yam seed was evaluated using a completely randomized design in a greenhouse at National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. The experiment had four treatments and five replications. The treatments included sterilized top soil, sterilized top soil + carbonized rice husk, unsterilized top soil and unsterilized top soil + carbonized rice husk. The results of the study indicated that both emergence, growth and yield parameters of Dioscorea rotundata were significantly influenced by the application of different growth media. Yam seeds planted in sterilized top soil + carbonized rice husk (CRH) emerged earlier (19.2 days), followed by those planted in unsterilized top soil + carbonized rice husk that emerge on the 22.8 days. At 20 WAP, yam seeds planted in sterilized top soil + carbonized rice husk produced plants with the highest number of leaves (27.76). Yam seeds planted in sterilized top soil produced yam plants with 26.48 leaves, while the least number of leaves was produced by yam seeds planted in unsterilized top soil (18.12 leaves). Yam seeds planted in sterilized top soil + carbonized rice husk had the highest tuber yield/plot (98.80 g) and highest tuber yield/ha (6,175.00 kg). Significant and positive correlation was recorded between tuber yield/ha and tuber yield/plot (r = 0.999**). Number of tubers/plot (r = 0.881**), number of tubers/plant (r = 0.744**), vine length at 20 WAP (r = 0.533*), leaf length at 20 WAP (r = 0.687**).