Abstract

FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH THE SPOILAGE OF POST HARVEST TOMATO FRUITS IN DIFFERENT MARKETS OF JABALPUR, MADHYA-PRADESH, INDIA.

Sajad A. M.,* Jamaluddin, Abid H. Q, Anju P., Jitendra Nagpure and Shoket Ali

Abstract

Market survey of Jabalpur city for post harvest fungal pathogens of tomatoes revealed occurrence of Aspergillus niger, Geotrichum candidum, Alternaria solani, Mucor racemosus, Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium monilliforme, Penicillium digitatum and Rhizopus stolinifer. Result showed highest occurrence of Aspergillus niger followed by Alternaria solani in rainy season. Geotrichum candidum showed dominance in winter season. Least frequently occurred was that of Mucor racemosus. Highest fungal infection was recorded during month of April to October. Study was carried out to isolate, characterize and identify the fungi causing fungal infection on tomatoes. Pathogenicity test revealed that all these fungi were pathogenic. Investigation in different Jabalpur markets revealed that fungal diseases mainly occurred due to injury during transportation, storage and handling.

Keywords: Tomato, fungal infection, Post-harvest and Jabalpur markets.