Effect of Various Cultural Practices on Yields of Yams in Puerto Rico

Abstract

Staking sharply increased yields of the Guinea Blanco variety of yams mainly by increasing size of tubers. Planting in raised beds markedly increased yields of staked yams. Yields of yams growing in raised beds and supported by stakes increased with population up to 10,890 plants per acre with a standard 4 feet between beds. Planting approximately on the square further increased yields above those obtained with 4-foot rows. Highest yields, exceeding 26 tons of tubers per acre, were obtained with 10,890 plants per acre and 2 feet x 2 feet plantings. Combining closer planting, staking, and planting in beds more than tripled yields of yams. Simazine applied at the rate of 8 pounds per acre soon after planting, gave excellent results as a herbicide for yams.