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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.
The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of different disinfectants and protectants in improving sprouting and controlling rotting of yam minisetts. Results revealed that disinfection of both the sprouting medium and yam minisetts increase significantly the percentage sprouting of the Ponaminisetts. Benlate was more effective in reducing the incidence of minisett rot and enhanced sprouting of the minisetts in roasted sawdust than the other protectants or disinfectants. Benlate-treated Pona minisetts gave high percentage sprouting and low percentage rotting in the roasted sawdust compare to that of Dente minisetts. Quicklime and neem wood ash were also effective in reducing incidence of minisett rot and increased sprouting of yam minisetts significantly compared with sodium hypochlorite, aqueous neem leaf extract and untreated minisetts (control).
