Minisett Technology

The Minisett Technology is one key technology that can ensure the expansion of yam cultivation, leading to the improvement in food security and high export values of yam. 

Minisett is based on a simple technology whereby one tuber is used to produce multiple seed yams that lead to the cultivation of healthy tubers.

In this technology, one yam tuber can be cut into approximately 40 pieces (setts) of about 50-100 grams each. The setts are dipped in fungicide and nematicide which kills any infections already present before planting and minimizes diseases from appearing once planted. 

The yam setts then produce disease free seeds, which are ready for harvesting about five months after planting. The planting is normally done on ridges. Harvesting would usually be done in April. 


Why Minisett technology?
Seed yam is usually a limiting factor in the expansion of yam cultivation 

• It is expensive and often scarce
• Is an improved and alternative system of seed yam production with the following advantages:
• High multiplication ratio of 1-:20
•  More uniform tuber sizes harvested and better storability of small whole tubers

To use the Minisett Technology, you will a knife/machetes. Tools should be very sharp to ensure clean cuts.

The Minisett Technology consists of nine steps
Step 1

Select clean , disease-free healthy mother seed yam (500gms)
(Minisetts(small pieces of yam) prepared from ware yams sprout late and uneven)
Select tubers immediately after dormancy is broken (2-3 months after harvesting) 
  






Step 2
 
Clean mother seed yam and cut into minisetts(50-100gms).
Minisetts that weigh up to 150gms produce milked yams weighing above 1kg.
A mother seed yam of 500gms can produce 15-20 minisetts.
Ensure that each piece has a skin or periderm.
 

Step 3

Treat minisetts with broad spectrum fungicide,insecticide and wood ash.
Wear gloves to protect the hands when treating with fungicides.

This treatment is necessary to protect minisetts against fungi and bacteria.

Step 4
Spread treated minisetts under shade for 1-2 hours to air-dry the surfaces.
Do not expose directly in the sun

Step 5
 
Pre-sprout minisetts in 1 meter wide nursery beds or in baskets with moist sawdust or plant in-situ
Pre-sprouted minisetts give good plant establishment in the field after transplanting

Step 6 

Transplant pre-sprouted minisetts after 1 month into the field.
Plant at a spacing of 25cm on ridges. 
Plant at a depth of 5-7cm below the soil 









Step 7
Stake using Trellis system

















Step 8
Harvest milked yam 4 months after transplanting
Take care not to damage seedlings at harvest

















Step 9

Harvest seed tuber 5-6 months after transplanting
Avoid bruising and damage during harvesting and transporting