Symptoms and some aspects of etiology of cocoyam root and storage rot were studied. Botryodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium solani, F. moniliforme, and Sclerotium rolfsii were found to be in constant association with storage rot of cocoyam in Nigeria. Field symptoms of the disease included extensive root decay, leaf chlorosis followed by necrosis and shriveling of affected parts, and finally premature death of the aerial portions of the plant. Poor production of cormels and reduced corm sizes were other field symptoms of the disease.

Domestic crops suffer a much higher level of loss than export crops due to poor handling, poor packaging material, poor storage facilities and transportation. Pest and disease organisms play a less significant role as storage life is so drastically reduced. Hucksters play an important role in the marketing of domestic crops and much work is to be done with that group. Data on common pest and disease problems and their causal organisms, and estimated total value of post harvest losses of fruit and vegetables in 1978, 1979 and 1980 are tabulated

Soil types, acidity, fertilizer application, weed, pest and disease control, harvesting and storage are discussed in relation to production of beans. Weed control is very important as it is the main limiting factor in the early stages of growth

In the rain-forest zone of Nigeria, Corticium rolfsii desease of cocoyam is widespread and has been well known since 1954. The field symptom is sudden collapse of the outer petiole from the base due to the maceration of the tissues by the pathogen. Infected corm exhibits cheesy rot and the periderm is encrusted with the fungal mycelial mat. Yield losses could be up to 90%. Soil inoculum is reduced by grass mulch and monocrops of maize. Farmers may reduce disease by hilling but enhance it by narrow spacing. Planting deep reduces field rot and increases corm yield. Increased disease severity in the field increases storage rot and reduces sprouting. Storage of Xanthosoma sagittifolium on uncovered raised rafters and Colocasia esculenta in soil pits or baskets ashed and covered with fresh pieces of plantain trunk reduces corm rot. Varietal differences exist for resistance and yield.

The influence of temperature and period of storage and BEI toxicity and inactivating activity on foot and mouth disease virus was studied. Toxicity of BEI was higher when estimated in cell culture than did in mice. Toxicity increased after being kept at 37 degrees Centigrade. The inactivating activity of BEI solution kept one month at 4 degrees Centigrade was potent as one freshly prepared. However, this activity was reduced if BEI was kept at 26 degrees Centigrade or 37 degrees Centigrade. There was no significant differences of inactivating activity of BEI on foot and mouth disease virus from various sources of preparation.