Abstract
The study was undertaken to evaluate the performances of an experimental box and platform, as storage structures for white yam tubers (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.). The criteria used for evaluation were the degree of mass loss during storage, tuber sprouting and rotting during the 20 weeks storageperiod: March - June 2015. Measurements of temperatures and relative humidity of the storage environment were taken three times daily during the period. Mass loss in each tuber was measured weekly while sprouts were removed from tubers weekly. Results show that the average temperature and relative humidity in the experimental box were 29.7 °C and 78.6 % respectively, while for the platform, they were 30.7 °C and 76.5 %., respectively. Rotting was completely absent on tubers in both storage approaches. White yam tubers stored in the box exhibited a cumulative mass loss of 9 %, while on the platform, it was15.0 %. The experimental box performed better in respect to mass loss and nutritional composition.
Highlights
The term yam is used for several economically important species of the genus of Dioscorea which belong to the monocotyledonous family Dioscoreaceae
Temperature distribution trend is significant in the storage of yam tubers as it has a great influence on massloss High environmental temperature increases respiration rates, enhances significant sprouting activity during the late storage period and causes a significant massloss of the tubers
Yam tubers were stored in an experimental storage box and storage platform over a period of 20 weeks
Summary
The term yam is used for several economically important species of the genus of Dioscorea which belong to the monocotyledonous family Dioscoreaceae. Yams originated in the Far East and today are grown in most of the trpical regions for their edible tubers (enlarged, fleshy, usually underground storage stems). West and Central Africa account for about 94 % of the world production, Nigeria being the major producer (Osunde, 2008). Reduction of temperature, protection from direct sunlight and flood, and regular inspection are the basic requirements for successful and long term storage of yam tubers (Orhevba and Osunde, 2006; Sunmonu et al, 2017). Most edible yams species reach maturity in 8 to 11 months after planting. As a seasonal crop, harvested yam tubers are stored to meet the demand during the off
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