Microwave Treatment to Eradicate Seed-borne Pathogens in Cassava True Seed

A high percentage of cassava seeds, collected from five different edapho-climatic zones, were found infected by several fungal and bacterial pathogens. The incidence and severity of seed infections were not correlated with the climatic conditions at, harvest. These pathogens were eradicated from seeds by a microwave oven treatment (1400 W heating power, 2450 MHz) for 120 s. The effectiveness of this treatment depended on reaching an optimum temperature of 77°C. Several factors, such as container capacity, water volume and seed number can affect the time required to reach 77°C. An Arasan dust treatment after microwave exposure, reduced seed re-infestation.