Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI) has provided detailed information regarding ongoing dasheen trials and the broader scientific future of the agricultural sector in St Vincent.
Last week, Donawa Jackson said CARDI is currently conducting trials to identify the optimal fertilizer rate and spacing for dasheen production. He says since fertilizer is expensive, CARDI aims to provide an “optimal rate”, so farmers do not use too much or too little.
CARDI introduced a new cultivar called the Somoya variety, which is high-yielding, drought-tolerant, and resistant to pests and diseases. Because this variety is relatively new, CARDI is developing a “tech pack” (a set of technical recommendations) that did not previously exist for it.
The trial tests four spacing types (including 1.5×2, 2×2, and 3×3) and four fertilizer rates ranging from 0 grams to 45 grams per plant.
Jackson noted that plant arrangement affects growth patterns; wider spacing causes dasheen to grow wider, while closer spacing tends to make the plants grow taller, maturity time might not change significantly. CARDI explained that fertilizer is essential for a plant to reach its full development potential, providing nitrogen for protein and potassium/calcium for leaf functions and enzymatic actions.
To determine the most productive combinations, CARDI is performing a comprehensive analysis. They are measuring leaf number, width, and length, as well as “below ground” data such as corm weight, length, and circumference. Once the data is collected from 8-month-old plants, CARDI will use statistical analysis to provide the “best recommendation” for farmers.