ABSTRACT
Treatment with some of the fungicides tested initially reduced corm rots caused by Phytophthora colocasiae and Pythium splendens in open storage, but infection by Botryodiplodia theobromae from about day 10 led to complete loss by day 20. Wrapping in paper increased the effectiveness of chemical treatment to about 20 days, probably by protecting developing shrinkage cracks against infection by B. theobromae. Without chemical treatment, corms survived well for up to 30 days if kept in polyethylene bags, retaining acceptable taste and texture despite development of roots, cornels, and occasional leaves. Reduced susceptibility to rot appeared to be related to this increased physiological activity. Best results were obtained when tops (petioles and corm apex) were not removed. Dipping in 1 percent sodium hypochlorite before storage in polyethylene bags neutralized the effects of 131augmented inoculum of P. colocasiae, analogous to field contamination. Such a treatment would provide additional protection that might be practicable and useful in village storage or when corms are transported to distant markets.
