Color of the Growing Container, Accession, Planting Density, and Wound Sealant Affect Tuber Weight and Yield of Dioscorea sparsiflora Hemsl

The mountain yam ( Dioscorea sparsiflora Hemsl), also known as ñame or camote de cerro , is an economically important food source found in nontimber forests. Currently, D. sparsiflora is under notable pressure because it is harvested but not cultivated. To develop an agronomic management plan for D. sparsiflora under rainfed conditions, the present study aimed to evaluate the following factors: accession (751 and 121), growing container color (black or orange), planting density [33,333 plants·ha −1 (1× density); 66,666 plants·ha −1 (2× density); 99,999 plants·ha −1 (3× density)], and cut tuber wound sealant [vinyl paint, white glue, or pruning and grafting paste (PGP)]. The study was conducted at Rancho El Soyatillo in Ixtlahuacán del Río, Jalisco, México. The analysis of variance indicated that container color, planting density, and cut tuber wound sealant were significant factors that affect tuber weight (yield). Higher yields were obtained with black containers, 2× planting density (66,666 plants·ha −1 ), and PGP. These findings inform cultivation practices to increase tuber weight from planting to harvest.