Research strategy

Study 1

The first step was to carry out field trials to determine planting date and organic fertiliser effects on plant growth, yield, mineral content and corm crisping quality of taro corms. It was of interest to compare performance across different locations in order to advise farmers and extension officers of the suitability of different landraces in different environments. The experiment was therefore replicated in two locations to provide indications of potential genotype x environment interactions.

Two field studies were planned – one at Umbumbulu (29⁰ 36'S 30⁰ 25'E) and one at Ukulinga (University of KwaZulu-Natal Research Farm) (29⁰ 37'S 30⁰ 16'E). Ukulinga was chosen as the second site in order to represent an inland area where increasing interest in the growing of taro is being shown by farmers. Each trial was planned as a split-plot design. The crops were to be planted on different dates as main plots with factorial arrangements of fertiliser and landrace as sub-plots randomised within planting date.