Ethno-Botanical Studies of Post-harvest Rot of White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) in the Five South-eastern States of Nigeria

White yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) is the most important species of yam in West Africa cultivated for the consumption of its starchy tuber. Indigenous knowledge and usage of white yam in some parts of South-Eastern, Nigeria was investigated. This research work aimed at conducting ethno-botanical studies of post harvest rot of white yam in the five South-Eastern states of Nigeria. A well-structured, pre-tested questionnaire on cultivation, post harvest handling of yam, and conservation was designed and administered to obtain crucial information from the respondents within the study area. Five South-Eastern states of Nigeria namely; Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states were randomly surveyed. Ethno-botanical studies revealed that five hundred and eighty two households about 97% of the respondents were interviewed out of the six hundred questionnaires administered which were successfully retrieved and fully responded to. It was observed that more men (63.67%) were involved in yam farming than women (33.33%) who engage in yam farming. Overall, respondents within the study area who were aware of the indigenous knowledge of yam were significantly (P˂0.05) higher than those who were unaware. This ethno-botanical study revealed the traditional concepts and practices relating to yam cultivation and its conservation. Findings from this survey will be utilized as a basis for further investigations on emerging indigenous practices and sustainability impact.