Light-Intensity and Leaf-Area Are Important Factors Development Tubers of Yam

Foliar area is the most important part of the plant as light energy (photons) which has an impact in biomass production is collected there. Mathematical models were developed in order to determine foliar area in Dioscorea sparsiflora Hemsley and its relationship with tuber (called camote de cerro ) weight. Three hundred and nine leaves type long cordate, 575 broad cordate, 41 long sagittate, and 45 broad sagittate were evaluated. For each type of leaf, a model was developed. Farming was done in three light intensities (26 000, 18 000 and 14 000 lx). Results showed that for each light intensity different behaviors correlating the characteristics of the tuber and the foliar area were obtained. At light intensity 14 000 lx there was no correlation between weight and foliar area. At light intensities of 26 000 and 18 000 lx results showed that to a bigger foliar area a greater yield of the tuber was obtained.