Phenotypic Elasticity of Yam Tuber Dioscorea rotundata Dior. Shapes: A Case Study of œKpako White Yam Landrace

Abstract

The study was carried out with the intention of finding out if geographical location or differences in heap sizes will have any significant effect on the phenotypic elasticity of yam tuber shapes of Kpako yam (Dioscorea rotundata Dior). The seed yam was purchased from Katamba Bologi in Edati Local Government of Niger State, Nigeria. The result showed a non-significant difference in the shape of yam irrespective of the agro-ecological place of production. The resultant shape did not depend on the heap sizes either. The study concluded that tuber shapes of yam varieties or landraces are elastic attributes that may not depend on phenotypic features but rather a varietal characteristic. Fertilizer may also not have any effect on the expression of tuber shapes either. More work is needed to confirm this finding.