How to grow yam (Chinese yam) to prevent diseases effectively? Growing experience shared

1. Selecting disease-resistant varieties 

is an effective method for preventing and controlling yam diseases and pests. For example: choosing Taigu hairy yam can resist stem rot. When cultivating disease-resistant varieties, rational layout is needed, rotate varieties every 2-3 years, and pay attention to variety purification and rejuvenation. 

2. Crop rotation 

can reduce or avoid the harm of yam stem rot and root-knot nematodes. Rotate at least once every 3 years with crops that are not infected, such as corn, wheat, radish, and watermelon; in old areas where yam is cultivated year-round, rotate once every year; in areas with suitable conditions, paddy-upland rotation can be implemented for better control results. 

3. Land preparation 

can directly eliminate pathogenic bacteria that overwinter in the soil. Choose high, dry terrain with lower humidity and fertile, loose sandy loam soil, and carry out land preparation in autumn, so that diseased residues left on the surface can be turned into the soil, accelerating the decomposition and rotting of diseased residues; after winter freezing and spring sun exposure, some pathogens can lose their vitality. 

4. Fertilization and irrigation 

Yam is a fertilizer-loving crop, so thoroughly decomposed organic fertilizer must be applied during land preparation. Generally, increasing the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers helps the formation of yam mechanical tissues and enhances resistance to pathogenic bacteria. Applying too much nitrogen fertilizer easily causes excessive vegetative growth, and the stem and leaf tissues become tender, making the plant susceptible to yam anthracnose. The principle of watering is “do not water if not early”; when watering, use clean water sources and be sure to water thoroughly. There must be no standing water in the field, and drainage should be done promptly in the rainy season to avoid root rot. 

5. Field sanitation 

Field weeds are best removed manually. Promptly remove the leaves and stems of diseased yam, which can reduce reinfection by pathogens. When harvesting yam, the diseased residues, weeds, and rotting stems left on the ground should be centrally burned or taken outside the field and buried deeply to reduce overwintering pathogens.