Evaluation of Different Methods of Sterilizing Sprouting Media for in the Control of Minisett Rot of White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir)

Abstract

Different methods of sterilizing sprouting media for the control of rot in minisetts of Dioscorea rotundata var Pona and Dente were evaluated. Sawdust and topsoil sprouting media were sterilized by roasting, solarization and fumigation in a completely randomized block design replicated thrice in the laboratory. Significantly higher percentage rot was recorded for minisetts planted in unsterilized sprouting media than those in sterilized media. Incidence of minisett rot was, however, higher in unsterilized topsoil than in unsterilized sawdust. Roasting was most effective in sterilizing the sprouting media, followed by fumigation and the least was solarization. There was no significant difference between the effects of sterilized sawdust and topsoil on rotting and sprouting of yam minisetts. Pona minisetts planted in sterilized medium produced higher percentage sprouting and lower percentage rotting as compared with that of Dente minisetts.