Morse, S., Acholo, M., McNamara, N., & Oliver, R. 2000 Control of storage insects as a means of limiting yam tuber fungal rots.. Journal of Stored Products Research 36(1): 37-45.

Notes: Yam rots caused by fungal pathogens (mostly Fusarium spp.) are a major cause of storage losses, and previous work has shown that fungal lesions were only found if there was pre-existing physical damage to the tuber. The general perception is that damage inflicted in the field prior to storage is far more important in this regard than damage caused during storage, and this has led to much research directed at the minimization of field damage with relatively little work on the amelioration of insect damage during storage. This study examined whether insect damage inflicted on yam (cvs. Akpaji and Ekpe) tubers during storage in specialized barns near Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria, is an important agent in the incidence of fungal disease. It was found that treatment of tubers with insecticide dust (Actellic 2% Dust; ai=pirimiphos-methyl) significantly reduced fungal infections (caused by Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Curvularia spp., Epicoccum spp. and Helminthosporium spp.) resulting from insect attack (mainly by storage beetles (Coleoptera), mealybug (Planococcus citri) and scale insect (Aspidiella hartii)) during storage. In addition, physical damage acquired during harvest appeared to be ameliorated by the insecticide, resulting in significantly fewer fungal lesions. The results suggest that insecticide treatment of yam tubers prior to storage could provide a relatively cheap and effective means of preservation.