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Yam leaf-bud cuttings, rapid quality seed production!
The Leaf-bud Cuttings technology involves cutting yam vines into small segments (each with a leaf and a bud), which are then planted in a shaded, well-managed nursery or field in moist substrate or soil. Within 16-20 weeks, plants from these cuttings produce seed tubers, which can be used for food yam production. This technique achieves a multiplication ratio of up to 1:300—far higher than the traditional method of using large tubers for propagation. It lowers seed cost, reduces virus (especially yam mosaic virus) and nematode spread, and makes clean seed available to smallholder farmers. The method is simple, adaptable to low-resource settings, and suitable for inclusion in community-based seed systems and resilience-building programs.
This technology is pre-validated.
Adults 18 and over: Positive high
This group is also curious and follows up to see the outcome of the technology. Most of them have a good understanding of yam production and have practised it using tubers, as in the traditional system. Some have collected vines to try out, and others have followed the entire process at the research station or with partners who are practising. Many are eager to produce on a large scale.
The poor: Positive medium
The primary impact on people in this category is through the provision of labour to those who practice the technology.
Under 18: Positive medium
This group is curious and wants to find out if it is possible to produce yams from vines. They lack extensive farming experience, are eager to learn, but lack the resources to establish seed production units.
Women: Positive high
Where the technology is used, more women than men are usually engaged in preparing the LBCs because they are more patient and careful in handling the vines to avoid damage. Some women's groups have shown a strong interest in starting small-scale production. Training and vines will be provided for them to start this season.
Climate adaptability: Highly adaptable
The technology works well in all regions where yam is cultivated, specifically where temperatures range from 22 to 30 °C and rainfall is between 1,000 and 1,400 mm per year. However, due to the short crop duration, the technology will work with less rainfall. Additionally, it works well in controlled conditions where temperature and water supply are regulated.
Farmer climate change readiness: Significant improvement
With seed yam production using LBCs, more seed is produced in a limited area, with potential environmental benefits. The risk of not having seed from a second harvest of a food yam crop due to a shortened rainy season is eliminated.
Biodiversity: Positive impact on biodiversity
In traditional yam cultivation, trees are cut down to provide stakes for the plants. With the LBC technology, the use of trellis, which significantly reduces the quantity of stakes required, is promoted.
Water use: A bit less water used
The traditional method of seed production is completely rainfed. With the LBCs, although water must be applied during the first two weeks of planting, the crop duration is shorter (4-5 months instead of 7-10 months in traditional systems).
Soil quality: Not yet estimated
When organic mulch, such as fermented rice husk, is used, soil improvement occurs; however, the magnitude of this impact has not been evaluated.
Leaf-bud Cutting (LBC) technology provides a practical and scalable solution for addressing seed yam scarcity and improving food security across yam-growing regions. By using vine segments instead of bulky tubers, LBC enables rapid, cost-effective multiplication of improved yam varieties—critical for accelerating varietal dissemination and resilience building. The technology reduces seed costs (which account for up to 60% of production expenses), increases seed availability for smallholder farmers, and supports climate-smart agriculture by eliminating tuber-borne diseases and pests. LBC aligns with development priorities such as inclusive agribusiness, nutrition, women’s empowerment, and private sector engagement in seed systems.
To integrate this technology into your program, include these activities:
Open source / open access
| Country | Testing ongoing | Tested | Adopted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
| Nigeria | –No ongoing testing | Tested | Adopted |
This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones. Any zones shown in white are not suitable for this technology.
| AEZ | Subtropic - warm | Subtropic - cool | Tropic - warm | Tropic - cool |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arid | – | – | – | – |
| Semiarid | – | – | – | – |
| Subhumid | – | |||
| Humid | – |
Source: HarvestChoice/IFPRI 2009
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that are applicable to this technology.
The technology enhances the production and productivity of yam seeds, leading to increased yam yields and more food.
In scaling the technology, women and youths are targeted because they can fit easily into the niche of seed production, which is simple and does not require much capital, especially land.
Its increases yam production and food availability.
Its promotes efficient use of planting material and reduces waste.
Last updated on 1 July 2025
This technology can be used in the colored agro-ecological zones.
Leaf-bud Cuttings: Rapid Yam Multiplication Method
https://e-catalogs.taat-africa.org/org/technologies/leaf-bud-cuttings-rapid-yam-multiplication-method
Last updated on 1 July 2025, printed on 10 July 2025
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