Studies on the unidentified agent causing damage to the tuberous roots of the Chinese yam, Dioscorea opposita THUNB, cultivated in Ishikawa Prefecture were carried out. It was found that African mole crickets caused the damage and a variety of symptoms affecting the size and shape of every part of the tuberous roots was observed. The damage which appeared in early September when the cracks under the ground around the yam began to be formed due to the rapid growth of the tuberous roots persisted until early October. It was considered that the cracks were used as tunnels through which mole crickets moved to the tuberous roots to attack them. Soil application of isoxathion micro-granules was effective in preventing the damage. Appropriate timing of the application of the chemical was early and late September which coincided with the active period of mole crickets. Soil treatment with isoxathion micro-granules or its dust mixed with rice bran before planting was not very effective.
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