Nematodes in Stored Yams

SUMMARY Preliminary observations on tubers of yam (Dioscorea spp.) showed that there were increases in nematode populations during storage at ambient temperatures, whereas nematode counts were very low after storage at lower temperatures (12–13°C). Hot water treatments (50°C) for different lengths of time reduced the number of nematodes but damaged the tubers. Fumigation with methyl bromide, ethylene dibromide and hydrogen phosphide was not successful, as concentrations which reduced nematode numbers caused injury to the tubers. The effect of ethylene dibromide was not lasting.