Nambiar, K.K.N.Koti Reddy, M.2014-06-192014-06-192007-02J.Plantn.Crops 1979 v-7 i-1 p-50-53http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/3100The betel nuts (Areca catechu L.) are infected by various fungi and bacteria during drying and storage. Most of the fungi gain access to the nuts through soil contact. The nuts are predisposed to infection by fungi when rainfall, high humidity, and favourable temperature are prevalent during drying and storage. The infection can be prevented or minimised by eliminating soil contact at the time of harvest and drying, by quick drying of nuts using mechanical driers or cement floors, and storing nuts in polythene-lined gunny bags or air tight store rooms.enArticle