An infestation by Araecerus fasciculatus (Degeer) (Coleoptera: Anthribidae) and Decadarchis minuscula (Walsingham) (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) on stored fresh yam tubers in South-East Nigeria

In the course of storage trials in South-East Nigeria, four species of yam became infested with Araecerus fasciculatus (Degeer) and Decadarchis minuscula (Walsingham). Infestation was first observed in early February on Dioscorea dumetorum (Kunth) Pax. but quickly spread to D. rotundata Poir. and thence to D. alata L. and D. cayenensis Lam. The order of species attacked was probably related to their rate of drying. Both insects occurred together and attacked mainly the cut and damaged areas of the stored tubers.