Evaluación morfoagronómica de la papa de aire (Dioscorea bulbifera L.) en Panamá

Abstract

"The objective for this investigation was to test and validate a proposed technical-productive proposal for handling of Dioscorea bulbifera in very humid rainy tropics conditions of the district of Donoso, Panama, and ran for the years 2012 and 2013. The proposal was locatedin sixpeasant communities, in each of them three plots with 25 plants were set in each, managing three variants: traditional system, technical system 1 (planting frame 1,5 x 1,5 m) and technical system 2 (planting frame 2,0 x 2,0 m). From the effective monitoring of plots, it was possible to define the phenological stages of the crop, its adaptability to different climate and soil conditions, and the incidence of pests and diseases. Obtained yields fluctuate between 0,79 and 2,0 kg plant-1, with an average of 1,18 kg plant-1 in the two years period. Considering yield per area, the average obtained was 3,82 t ha-1. However, the best crop yields were achieved in the technical system 1, with an average of 5 t ha-1. Crop yields of both technical system were always higher than those of traditional system, suggesting that the introduction of a certain level of technology contributes significantly to rising crop yields. Because of its low dependance of external supplies, its high plasticity, resistance to pests and diseases and high durability in stock, It concludes that, D. bulbiferahas attributes to become a plant resource that can contribute to improve the food security of peasant communities in Panama."