An Improved Method for Storing Yam (Dioscorea alata)

Abstract

By storing cured yam tubers of the variety "Florido" (D. alata) at a temperature of 16° C and a relative humidity of 80 percent their dormancy period can be extended 4 additional months. No significant chemical changes are observed during the storage time. Their flavor remains unchanged and they lose very little weight. When yam tubers stored for 7 months under controlled conditions are treated with the sprout inhibitor CIPC in Dinafog form, their inactivity period is prolonged for 20 additional days. This sprout inhibitor could be used as a good and practical method to increase the transit period of the tubers if and when its use is authorized. The effects of gamma radiation in yam tubers stored for 7 months under controlled conditions were also studied. Irradiation doses of 7.5 and 10 Krad controlled their sprouting process satisfactorily. No change was observed in flavor. Treatments with 7.5 and 10 Krad doses extend the dormancy period of the tubers kept at prevailing ambient conditions for 60 additional days, thus extending the yam shelf life.