Effect of Pesticides and Fertilizer on the Dormancy Period of White Yam Tubers (Dioscorea Spp) during Storage

Abstract

An experiment was conducted with three varieties of white yams namely Faketsa, Mumuye and Ogede,
obtained from the three Senatorial Zones of Benue State to determine the effect of using insecticides,
herbicides and fertilizer during the cultivation of white yam on the dormancy period of its tubers. The
experimental design was a 3 x 3 factorial with 3 replications. The three yam varieties were planted on an
experimental farm raised in Gboko, Benue state. Insecticide, herbicides and fertilizer were used on one
plot, organic manure only was used on a second plot while the control plot was raised without herbicides,
organic manure or fertilizer. The yams were harvested at full maturity and stored on shelves in a well-
ventilated zinc-covered-room. Signs of sprouting were monitored and recorded at 10 days interval for up to
120 days. A dormancy period of from 70 – 120 days was recorded for all the treatments. Significantly higher
sprouting rate was observed in Faketsa from day 70-100, while the highest sprouting rate of 100% was
observed in Ogede at the end of 120 days (P < 0.05). The Control group showed higher rate compared to
the organic manure group from day 70 – 90. No significant difference was however observed in the groups
treated with chemicals when compared to the Control group from day 100 – 120 (P > 0.05). Ogede yam
however had the highest sprouting rate of 100% in all the treatments at day 120 (P< 0.05)