2015 Volume 59 Issue 4 Pages 207-211
Mass propagation techniques are required to alleviate seed yam challenges. To validate the field performance of mini-seed tubers (MSTs) from vine cuttings in yams, the growth and tuber productivity were investigated. From results of influence of MST weights on sprouting rate and tuber yield in white yam (D. rotundata), the MST showed a high sprouting rate even in tubers less than 5 g. Also, the fresh shoot weight and tuber yield was influenced by MST weights. In addition, productivity of MST was evaluated by comparing between MST and minisett which was cultivated under staking and non-staking cultivation condition on the sprouting rate and tuber yield in field with two varieties each of white yam and water yam (D. alata). The sprouting rate of MSTs was higher than minisetts in three of the selected varieties (P < 0.05). From the result of the comparison of tuber productivity between MST and minisetts, it was clarified that MST under staking cultivation was able to harvest tuber, which comparable yield of minisett under no-staking cultivation. To shorten the breeding cycle and to early distribute new varieties with desired traits is expected through seed tuber production from MSTs.