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Pests and pathogens of yams in storage
Abstract/Description
Pests and pathogens in storage are frequently identified as constraints to yam (Dioscorea spp.) production in West Africa. At a one-day workshop (International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Ibadan, May 1995), it was recognized that nematodes, a range of fungal pathogens and insect pests cause economic losses of both seed and ware yams in storage, although damage is often initiated prior 10 harvest. Yam scientists described examples of strategic and applied research on biotic constraints in storage that are being undertaken within the yam zone of West Africa. Working groups were subsequently established to develop research initiatives on the use of survey work to quantify the problems 01 pests and pathogens in storage, mechanisms of resistance and strategies for control. Despite the importance of yam as an indigenous staple food and also as a cash crop, the crop has received inadequate research and funding. It was, therefore, concluded that by forming cross-institutional linkages among yam scientists, it could be possible to present a stronger case to donor agencies for funding in yam research.