Assessment of Post-Harvest Fungal Rot of Yam (Dioscorea spp.) in Storage Facilities in Benue State, North Central Nigeria

Post-harvest yam losses attributable to fungal rot represent a major economic concern for smallholder farmers and traders in Benue State, a leading yam-producing region in Nigeria's North Central zone. This study evaluated the incidence and severity of post-harvest fungal rot in traditional yam barns across three local government areas in Benue State. Yam tubers showing signs of rot were sampled from 45 storage facilities, and fungal agents were isolated and identified using morphological and molecular characterisation techniques. Results revealed that Fusarium oxysporum, Botryodiplodia theobromae, and Rhizopus stolonifer were the predominant fungi associated with tuber rot, collectively accounting for over 80 percent of total post-harvest losses recorded. Storage conditions, particularly inadequate ventilation, high relative humidity, and physical wounds on tubers, were identified as key predisposing factors. Losses were significantly higher in earth-mound barns compared to improved ventilated structures. Farmers reported an average post-harvest loss of 30 to 45 percent over a six-month storage period, representing substantial reductions in household income. The study recommends the adoption of improved storage technologies, routine sanitation of storage structures, and pre-storage treatment of tubers with appropriate fungicidal compounds. The data generated are intended to support the design of evidence-based post-harvest management protocols relevant to the North Central zone. Keywords: yam, post-harvest rot, Fusarium, storage, Benue State.