Tannia Production

Diseases
The “Burning Disease” of Tannia or the “Root Rot Disease” is now also known as the Tannia Rapid Yellowing Disease” (TRYD). The disease causes destruction of the roots resulting in rapid yellowing of leaves and no production of cormels.

Land Preparation
The land must have adequate drainage, that allows run-off of surface water and free water movement through the soil are essential.
Main drains must be below the level of the furrows, and laid out in such a way as to collect all run-off water quickly.

Varieties
Two major types grown in the Windward Islands are
1. The purple leaf stalk (petiole) and purple flesh (matures in 11-12 months)
2. Green petiole and white flesh (matures in 9-10months)

Planting Material
Planting material should be harvested from only the healthy and most vigorous plants of the preceding crop.
They should be stored away from soil and diseased plants in a moist, shaded spot of the field.
All planting material should be cleaned of all roots by cutting, and washing of all soil. Damaged corms or planting material with any signs of decay should be discarded. The next step is to dip the planting material in a mixture of Ridomil and Benlate (3g (1tbsp) Ridomil MZ 58 + 1g (3/4 tbsp) Benlate WP 50 per litre (gal.) of water) for 15-30 minutes.

Planting
Tannia can be planted any time during the provided there is sufficient rainfall or irrigation water to wet the soil. Plant during months of May to June and September to November. Tannia thrives in rainy weather but cannot stand “wet feet” (water logging) like the dasheen.

Information from CARDI workshop with NEFO Farmers