A Detailed Explanation of the Causes of Deformed Chinese Yam and the Control Methods

During the cultivation of Chinese yam, adverse environments, cultivation methods, management methods and other factors cause changes in the tissue structure of Chinese yam during its growth process, producing all kinds of bizarre shapes, such as forked upper ends, forked lower ends, snake shape, flat-head shape, foot-sole shape, gourd shape, etc. These are collectively called deformities. So how should Chinese yam deformities be prevented and controlled? Come and take a look with the editor.

1. Foreign objects in the soil

Chinese yam is suitable for growing in sandy soil. If hard objects such as stones and bricks are mixed into the soil, the tubers of Chinese yam will touch these hard objects during growth, the growing points will be blocked, and their growth direction will change, forming deformities such as forks and flat heads.

Control method: Therefore, before planting, foreign objects in the ditch must be carefully removed. When digging the ditch by hand, it should be done before winter, so that the erosion of winter and spring rain and snow and freezing weathering can completely crush the soil. In addition, when backfilling soil, stones, bricks and other hard objects in the soil must also be carefully removed, and large clods of soil should not be filled into the ditch.

2. Blind use of seed fertilizer

When farmers plant Chinese yam, in order to make the seedlings strong and grow quickly, after opening the ditch and before placing the Chinese yam seed pieces, they abuse various seed fertilizers, so that because too much seed fertilizer is used or it is not fully mixed with the soil, the seed stems and seed fertilizer come into direct contact, causing the buds and growing points to be burned by the fertilizer, thereby producing deformities.

Control method: The use of seed fertilizer must be reasonable, the amount must be strictly used according to the packaging instructions, and attention must also be paid to the concentration. After application, it must be fully and evenly mixed to avoid direct contact with the seed stems.

3. Application of undecomposed organic fertilizer

The growth period of Chinese yam is relatively poor, and it needs a continuous supply of fertilizer for its growth and development, so sufficient base fertilizer is applied before planting, and the base fertilizer is generally mainly organic fertilizer, such as barnyard manure, compost, cake fertilizer, etc. If these fertilizers are applied without being fully decomposed, they will produce a large amount of heat during fermentation in the field, thereby burning the root system and causing deformities to appear later.

Control method: When applying organic fertilizers such as barnyard manure, compost, and cake fertilizer, they must be composted and decomposed in advance before application. Remember not to apply them directly and cause root burning. It is recommended that after planting, spread the fertilizer on the surface of the two rows of Chinese yam beds, then rake it once so that the soil and fertilizer are evenly mixed.

4. Damage from underground pests

When planting Chinese yam, if insecticides are not scattered in the ditch to control underground pests, pests such as wireworms, white grubs, mole crickets, and root-knot nematodes will harm the tubers of Chinese yam throughout the entire growth period, for example by biting off the growing points, causing the tubers of Chinese yam to be unable to elongate normally and causing deformities.

Control method: Underground pests should be controlled promptly and early. Once underground pest damage occurs, chlorpyrifos, abamectin, or phoxim can be chosen for root drenching control.

The above is an introduction to the causes of Chinese yam deformities and the control methods. I hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please follow us.