Evaluation of Yield Productivity and Economic Returns of Some Yam (Dioscorea esculenta Poir) Genotypes Grown in a Kaolinitc Ultisol

Abstract

A two-year (2008 and 2009) study was carried out at the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm, Use-Offot to evaluate yield productivity of eight yam genotypes (TDr 200/3/7A, M₂/75/3, M₂/25/1, M₂/50/5x, 99/AMO/053, 99/AMO/094, 95/18894, and local -Eteme).and  their economic returns to management. Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates was used. Results of the study indicated significant differences in all the yield and yield components of the different yam genotypes considered in both years., Cost of production in 2009 was 2% above the cost of production in 2008 due to increase in cost of land preparation. The cost -benefit ratio of all the genotypes were above 10.00 except in local variety, Eteme with values of 4.9 and 6.3 in  2008 and 2009, respectively. The average cost- benefit ratio of 14.25 recorded in TDr 95/18894 suggesting strongly that the genotype is more adaptable to Uyo, agro- ecology than others.

Keywords; yield productivity, economic returns, yam, genotypes