2021, Vol. 2, Issue 1, Part A
Microorganism associated with the deterioration of tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Shasha Market, Akure, Ondo State
Author(s): Aguda OY, Faola DB, Oyedeji MB, Adegboyega DA, Akala AO and Omotoso TP
Abstract: Tomato is a very important fruit in Nigeria and the world as a whole, as it constitutes major world dishes. It is widely grown for home consumption and for sale. Tomato in its fresh form is highly demanded for both domestic and commercial purposes. However, tomato post-harvest losses are a threat to the harvested tomatoes as they are being subjected to harsh environmental factors as well as biological factors. From this study, it was seen that these losses are due to improper handling of the tomato fruits by man during cultivation, harvesting and even all other processes it undergoes after harvesting till it gets to the final consumer. This study was designed to validate the pathogens associated with deterioration of tomatoes fruits. The pH, proximate analysis, total bacterial and fungal counts and Pathogenicity test were carried out using laboratory standard technique. Fourteen (14) pathogens both bacteria and fungi were isolated from infected tomato samples and they varied significantly with Aspergillus niger being the most prevalent and Rhizopus stolonifer being the least prevalent for the fungal isolates while Bacillus sp. was the most prevalent and Proteus mirabilis the least prevalent from the bacterial isolates. Damage caused by the pathogens on tomato fruits also varied with Aspergillus niger causing about 100% rot for the fungal isolates while Escherichia colica used the most significant rot for the bacterial isolates. Data was analysed using SPSS and SAS One way ANOVA. This study recommends that farmers and traders should properly handle the tomato fruits right from cultivation to final consumers. The general public at large should be educated on the detrimental effects of consuming deteriorated tomato fruits.
Pages: 01-06 | Views: 1959 | Downloads: 1314
Download Full Article: Click Here
How to cite this article:
Aguda OY, Faola DB, Oyedeji MB, Adegboyega DA, Akala AO, Omotoso TP. Microorganism associated with the deterioration of tomato fruits (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Shasha Market, Akure, Ondo State. J Adv Microbiol Res 2021;2(1):01-06.
