African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (22), pp. 2086-2091, 16 November 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

The effects of seedbed types on yam-minisetts yield: A case study of Ushongo local government area of Benue state of Nigeria

IJOYAH, M.O.¹, ABA , J. ² AND  UGANNYAN, S. ²

¹College of Agronomy and ²F.S. Idachaba Library, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: janeaba2002@yahoo.com.

Accepted 6 December, 2005

The effects of seedbed types on yields of yam-minisetts were studied in field trials at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi Research farm in 2002 and 2004 cropping seasons.  The results indicated that the raised flattened top beds improved yam minisett emergence count by 22%, establishment by 23%, total tuber number by 24%, and yield of minisetts by 21% over the ridge system. Generally, higher number of ware yam (401 – 3000 g) were obtained from ridges. On technical grounds, the raised, flattened top bed was superior to the ridge system and had increased yam yield. The result of this study was shared with farmers in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State of Nigeria. It was discovered that the farmers were more responsive within the community using the various methods of information dissemination. This could be due to frequent personal contacts with the researchers as a channel of communication. It was also discovered that the improved technique satisfied the Information needs of the farmers. Thus, the result of this study has led to an innovation.

Key words: White guinea yam, Dioscorea rotundata, minisetts, seedbed types.