ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPOILAGE OF AVOCADO PEAR (Persea americana)

ABSTRACT

This study investigated fungi associated with the spoilage of avocado (Persea americana) fruit obtained from different vendors. Eight samples of avocado fruit were brought from New Benin and Uselu market in Benin City, Edo State. The samples were taken to the laboratory for fungi isolation and identification. Using Cultural and morphological parameters, the spoilage fungi were identified. The result shows that a wide range of fungi isolates were associated with the spoilage of avocado fruits. The mean fungal counts of spoilt avocado fruit obtained from different vendor were as follows: Vendor 1 NBM was 1.4×104 , Vendor 2 NBM (8.0×104 ), Vendor 3 UM (1.7×104 ) and Vendor 4 UM (3.6×104 ). The highest fungi count was associated with Vendor 2 NBM samples collected from New Benin Market, while the lowest fungi count was associated Vendor 3 UM sample obtained from Uselu Market respectively. The fungal isolates were Saccharomyces spp., Candida spp., Mucor spp., Aspergillus niger and Penicillium spp. The results of this study suggest the need of developing appropriate management strategy to control post-harvest diseases caused by the prevalent fungi such as Saccharomyces spp., Candida spp., Mucor spp., A. niger and Penicillium spp. However, pathogenicity tests are still to be carried out to confirm and to characterize their virulence on avocado fruits.