Adaptation on low light intensity of lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) under artificial shading

Abstract. Lestari P, Utami NW, Wawo AH. 2019. Adaptation on low light intensity of lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) under artificial shading. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 5: 374-382. Tubers can be used as an alternative food to reduce dependence on rice. Current status of lesser yam is considered rare. However, it can still be found in people's yards in some areas of Java island, especially the older generation. The high content of inulin in the lesser yam tuber makes it feasible to be one candidate potential functional food source. The planting of lesser yam in the agroforestry component has important meaning to increase the productivity of the alleyway between forest crop and ex situ lesser yam conservation. The introduction of low-input lowland cultivation can be a factor to attract the farmer to cultivate lesser yam. The experiments were prepared based on the RCBD nested design. The research is intended as a baseline data to determine the adaptation of lesser yam to low light intensity stress. The data can be applied to determine the age of main timber plant commodities that can still be interspersed with lesser yam. The study was conducted with nesting plots. The level of shade as the main plot consists of 0% shade, 25% shade, 55% and 75% shades. Organic fertilizer as a subplot consists of no fertilizer and with fertilizer. Each treatment having 3 replications consisting of 3 plant observations. Organic fertilizer gave since 2 weeks after planting with a dose of 25cc / lt every week until the plant is 3 months old. Observations were made in plant growth, yield, and physiological phases. Almost all observation variables showed shade treatment more affecting growth and production of crops than fertilizer treatment. This good growth shows that the canopy of the plant grows optimally in full light conditions. Under different shade conditions, total yields did not differ between shade levels up to 50%, but tuber production was more uniform in shade 25% and 50%. Further research is needed on the interaction of lesser yam in various timber commodities as a major component of agroforestry.