https://scialert.net Journal of Plant Sciences en-us Science Alert Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:11:57 +0200 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:14:14 +0200 RssPublisher 0.2.0 beta https://scialert.net/images/logo.gif https://scialert.net 41 233 Journal of Plant Sciences Identification and Characterization of Rot-Causing Fungi Affecting Yam Tubers During Storage in Calabar, Nigeria Background and Objective: Post-harvest deterioration of yam by microorganisms is a major constraint militating against yam production and marketing in many yam-producing countries. This study aimed to identify the fungal pathogens causing rots and their impact during the storage of yam tubers in Calabar. Materials and Methods: Twenty yam tubers were collected from a warehouse at Akim Market in Calabar and kept to rot. Eighteen of the tubers developed different symptoms of dry, wet and soft rots during storage from which 15 fungal pathogens were isolated. The pathogens were isolated and characterized based on identified morphological characteristics, in addition to molecular data. Results: The main fungi isolated were Aspergillus spp., Lasiodiplodia spp. and Rhizopus spp. Nucleotide sequence identities ranging from 60.0 to 97.6% were obtained among the isolates indicating various degrees of affinity. Pathogenicity test on Dioscorea rotundata and Dioscorea alata showed that all the isolates displayed typical symptoms of different yam rots as were observed in the original rotted yams from which the pathogens were isolated among the fungi isolates. Rhizopus spp., was the most invasive causing up to 100% rot of the tubers. Conclusion: Based on the present study data, it is recommended that in addition to employing improved methods of handling and storing yam tubers, developing resistant varieties will effectively cut down on postharvest losses caused by biological agents.]]> https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=jps.2024.1.17 11 June, 2026