GROWTH RESPONSE OF WHITE YAM (Descorea rotundata) VARIETY TO DIFFERENT PLANTING TECHNIQUES FOR ENHANCING PRODUCTION

This study was conducted in Federal College of Education (Technical), Omoku to determine the growth response of white yam to different planting techniques. The study adopted a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three treatments, each replicates five (5) times and in five (5) experimental blocks. The treatments were three (3) planting methods- flat/mound, heap, and sack-bag techniques. Cultivation was performed during the first planting season of the year. Weeding, staking, and other cultural practices were duly observed. The sprouting rate, number of leaves, vine length, and number of vine branches were measured. The generated data were analyzed using percentage and mean separated using Duncan’s multiple range scale. The findings showed that the parameters tested were numerically and significantly different among treatments at certain stages of growth, particularly at 5 WAP, but the numerical increase was not significantly different among treatments at 6 WAP. It was concluded that the three planting methods can effectively support yam growth and the choice of planting method should be determined by resource availability, land conditions and management objectives