ABSTRACT

This study evaluated the growth performance and yield potential of selected yam cultivars propagated through YMT (Yam Minisett Technique) and vine-cutting techniques. The experiment was conducted at the AGR 305 Research Farm and the Horticultural Nursery, Department of Crop Science, University of Benin, Edo State, Nigeria, from July 2024 to January 2025. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications was employed for the YMT experiment, while a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications was used for vine cutting. Eight yam cultivars which are Abuja 1, Abuja 2, Abakiliki, Ada-onicha, Igiowa 1, Igiowa 2, Ikpen 1, and Ikpen 2, were selected for the study. Growth and yield parameters were taken and plant performance, including leaf area, vine height at first branching, number of vines per plant, internode length, petiole length, number of nodes, tuber yield per hectare, survival percentage, and number of vines replanted for regeneration were assessed. For the YMT experiment, parameters were taken at 16 weeks after planting (WAP) to analyze specific growth characteristics. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using GenStat statistical software (version 12), and treatment means were compared using the least significant difference (LSD) test at a 5% significance level (P < 0.05). Results revealed significant differences among cultivars and propagation methods. The vine-cutting technique showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in the number of sprouted vines and nodes. Meanwhile, YMT exhibited a highly significant difference (P < 0.01) in the number of tubers per vine and a significant increase in leaf area. The findings underscore the potential of integrating vine-cutting and YMT techniques to optimize seed yam production. Vine cuttings offer a rapid multiplication strategy, while YMT remains a cost-effective and scalable method for large-scale seed yam production.