Effect of Different Storage Methods on Development of Post Harvest Rot of Solenostemon rotundifolius (poir) J.K.Morton in Yola, Adamawa State-Nigeria.

Abstract

Investigation into the effects of different storage methods on the development of post-harvest rot of Hausa potato [Solenostemon rotundifolius (Poir.)] were carried out in the Biological Sciences Laboratory of Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola using completely Randomized Design (CRD). One thousand grammes of healthy  Hausa  potato tubers were stored in medium-sized (25x20x19cm) clay pots labeled as A,B,C and D. Tubers in A were covered with guinea corn chaff, B with saw dust, C  with wood ash and D served as control (untreated). Data were collected every month for four months on percent weight loss and disease incidence, the data obtained were analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the means that were significant were separated using the Least Significant Difference (LSD). Results showed that wood ash provided the best storage medium with a mean weight loss of 74g after four months, followed by sawdust 113g and the least was guinea corn chaff which gave 162g. On disease incidence wood ash also proved most effective in controlling rot development with a percentage of 2.4, followed by sawdust 3.2 while guinea corn chaff was the least with 4.1. Analysis of variance showed significance differences among the various treatments. Storage of Solenostemon rotundifolius tubers in wood ash and sawdust are the most suitable control measure.

Key words: Solenostemon rotundifolius, weight loss, disease incidence, sawdust, guinea corn chaff and wood ash.