Yield Variations of Yams and Aroids as Influenced by Shade Intensities

The tuber yields of four minor tuber crops viz., greater yam, lesser yam, tannia and elephant foot yam were signiicantly influenced by shade level. The different crops responded differently to variations in shade intensity. Except tannia, all the other crops recorded their best yields under open (0% shade) conditions, whereas severe reduction ia yield was observed at intense shade (75%). Tannia yielded maximum at 25% shade which was on par with 50% shade. Thus among the four crops tannia alone can be recommended as a shade tolerant crop. Greater yam can be recommended for cultivation upta 50% shade with 30% reduction in yield. Lesser yam and elephant foot yam can be grown under only upto 25% shade without much yield reduction.