Nutrient deficiencies in lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) characterized using constant–water table sand culture

Nutritional deficiencies in Dioscorea esculenta (Lour.) Burk were studied using a novel culture system, applying a constant water table in acid‐washed sand, and a demand‐driven nutrient supply schedule. This system provided a stable growth environment and was highly efficient with respect to resources and labor. Yam plants (cv. Balbal) were propagated from 30 g tuber head setts and grown for 12 or 20 weeks, with nutrients supplied in the water reservoir to meet demand according to weekly leaf counts. Deficiencies of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur were induced by reducing supply of the relevant nutrient to one tenth of normal. Deficiencies of iron, boron, manganese, zinc, copper, and molybdenum were induced by omitting the relevant nutrient from the culture medium. After 12 weeks, leaf blades of the main stem were sampled from four positions (immature, young expanded, mid, and old) weighed and analyzed for nutrient concentration, and dry weight of plant parts was recorded. Significant growth reduction was achieved for each deficiency except Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mo, which nonetheless developed some foliar symptoms. Effects on nutrient concentrations in leaves are reported, providing concentrations indicative of adequate and deficient status. Dioscorea esculenta was found to be particularly sensitive to Mn deficiency, although symptom presentation was atypical. Unusually low translocation of phloem‐mobile nutrients was also observed, paralleling reported observations on D. alata.