Abstract

PREVALENCE AND DIVERSITY OF SPOILAGE FUNGI IN POSTHARVEST STRAWBERRIES FROM VASHI FRUIT MARKET, NAVI MUMBAI

Ramesh Baviskar*

Abstract

The current study investigated the aeromycoflora of the APMC fruit market in Vashi, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, conducted over two consecutive seasons from January to February 2023 and January to February 2024. Strawberry fruits (Fragaria ananassa Duchesne) were abundant in the market during this period. The aeromycological assessment utilized the gravity slide method and Petri plate exposure to establish a correlation between airborne fungi and the decay of Strawberries. A total of 25 aeromycoflora were identified in the market's air, with Penicillium expansum, Botrytis cinerea, and Mucor piriformis emerging as the primary causative agents of Strawberry fruit rot and subsequent losses.

Keywords: Strawberries, APMC fruit market, aeromycoflora.