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American Journal Of Agriculture And Horticulture Innovations

Peer Reviewed | Open Access | E-ISSN: 2771-2559
Published Article

Integrated Management of Yam Tuber Rot and Value-Added Utilization of Pumpkin for Functional Food Development: A Postharvest, Phytopathological, And Nutraceutical Perspective

Integrated Management of Yam Tuber Rot and Value-Added Utilization of Pumpkin for Functional Food Development: A Postharvest, Phytopathological, And Nutraceutical Perspective

Authors

  • Dr. Helena M. Duarte
    Department of Plant Science and Food Systems, University of Porto, Portugal

Keywords:

Yam tuber rot pumpkin processing postharvest pathology

Abstract

Background: Yam is one of the most important staple tuber crops in many tropical regions, especially in West Africa, yet postharvest losses caused by fungal and bacterial rot continue to reduce storage life, market value, and food security. At the same time, pumpkin and related cucurbits are increasingly recognized for their compositional richness, processing versatility, seed oil value, antioxidant potential, and application in functional food development. The reference base supplied for this article spans plant pathology, yam storage rot, antimicrobial plant extracts, fungitoxic treatments, pumpkin chemistry, pumpkin seed bioactivity, dehydration technology, and value-added food product development.

Objective: This article develops an original, publication-ready research narrative that integrates two ordinarily separate lines of scholarship: postharvest pathology of yam tubers and value-added processing of pumpkin into nutritionally enhanced foods. The central objective is to construct a unified analytical framework explaining how postharvest crop loss reduction and food product innovation can jointly support agricultural sustainability, nutritional improvement, and rural livelihoods.

Methodology: A text-based integrative research design was employed using only the references provided. The article synthesizes evidence from plant disease diagnostics, crop pathology, crude plant extract antifungal studies, microbial preservation logic, cucurbit classification, pumpkin compositional and technological studies, and processed food applications.

Results: The analysis indicates that yam tuber rot is a multifactorial postharvest problem driven by pathogen diversity, storage conditions, handling injury, and insufficient protective interventions. Botanical extracts and selected chemical agents show promise for disease suppression, but practical management must be integrated rather than single-factor in orientation. The pumpkin literature demonstrates parallel opportunities in crop diversification and product development, including dehydrated pumpkin products, seed-based nutrient enrichment, antioxidant-bearing foods, and bakery or beverage applications.

Conclusion: The study argues that postharvest protection of staple tubers and value-added transformation of nutrient-rich crops should be treated as complementary pillars of agricultural development. An integrated approach linking yam loss reduction with pumpkin-based functional food processing can improve storage efficiency, dietary diversity, and farm-level resilience.

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