Studies on incidence and effect of temperature and relative humidity on post-harvest rot of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) were conducted in Bolari, Pantami and Tudun Wada district headquarters in Gombe LGA of Gombe state, Nigeria. The aim was to determine the incidence and severity of post-harvest rot of cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta), to isolate and identify the fungi responsible for the rot, to determine the virulence of the pathogen and the effect of temperature and relative humidity on the isolates. The pathogenic fungi isolated from the rotten rot of cocoyam were Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Rhizopus stolonifer and Colletotrichum gloesporiodes. Optimum temperature for disease development was 35oC, while optimum relative humidity for the development of isolates was 80%. A significant decrease in the radial growth of the organisms occurred between 35oC – 40oC. Extreme temperature of 50oC was not favorable for the growth of most organisms. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was adopted as the experimental design. Data was analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and means were separated using Least Significant Difference (LSD) statistical test. Results indicated that Pantami had the highest percentage incidence (55%) and mean severity (50.6mm), followed by Bolari (45%), with mean severity (41.6mm) and Tudun Wada with incidence (42%) and mean severity (48.1mm).
Keywords: Colocasia esculenta, Incidence, Humidity, Severity, Temperature, Pathogenicity.
Igwillo, U., A, B , M, A , F.I, I , C.C., N & C., I (2021). Studies on Incidence and Effects of Temperature and Relative humidity on Post harvest rot of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) in Gombe community, Gombe State, Nigeria. Afribary. Retrieved from https://afribary.com/works/studies-on-incidence-and-effects-of-temperature-and-relative-humidity-on-post-harvest-rot-of-cocoyam-colocasia-esculenta-in-gombe-community-gombe-state-nigeria
Igwillo, Ugochukwu, et. al. "Studies on Incidence and Effects of Temperature and Relative humidity on Post harvest rot of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) in Gombe community, Gombe State, Nigeria" Afribary. Afribary, 05 Nov. 2021, https://afribary.com/works/studies-on-incidence-and-effects-of-temperature-and-relative-humidity-on-post-harvest-rot-of-cocoyam-colocasia-esculenta-in-gombe-community-gombe-state-nigeria. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
Igwillo, Ugochukwu, Baba A , Abdullahi M , Ikhiboya F.I , Nwokeke C.C. and Ihekorom C. . "Studies on Incidence and Effects of Temperature and Relative humidity on Post harvest rot of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) in Gombe community, Gombe State, Nigeria". Afribary, Afribary, 05 Nov. 2021. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. < https://afribary.com/works/studies-on-incidence-and-effects-of-temperature-and-relative-humidity-on-post-harvest-rot-of-cocoyam-colocasia-esculenta-in-gombe-community-gombe-state-nigeria >.
Igwillo, Ugochukwu, Baba A , Abdullahi M , Ikhiboya F.I , Nwokeke C.C. and Ihekorom C. . "Studies on Incidence and Effects of Temperature and Relative humidity on Post harvest rot of Cocoyam (Colocasia esculenta) in Gombe community, Gombe State, Nigeria" Afribary (2021). Accessed April 26, 2024. https://afribary.com/works/studies-on-incidence-and-effects-of-temperature-and-relative-humidity-on-post-harvest-rot-of-cocoyam-colocasia-esculenta-in-gombe-community-gombe-state-nigeria