Group 3 - Activities

1. Characterisation of the cocoyam diversity

A survey cocoyam production areas will be conducted in each iof the participating countries. Data will be collected by observation and using a questionnaire administered to farmers. The following information will be collected:

• Phenotypic characteristics of the sampled germplasm,
• IK on production practices,
• Varietal diversity on farm,

• Yield potential of different varieties
• Occurrence of pests and diseases,
• Maturity period,

• Tuber yield.

2. Agronomic performance and diseases and pest trials on-station

From on-station trials, the following data will be collected:

• Reaction to pests and diseases.
• Performance under varying plant densities.
• Performance under differenr planting methods (mounds vs. flat).
• Nutritional content of the diffrent yam materials
• Optimum soil nutient requirements.