Isolation and characterization of Fungi associated with some post-harvest fruits of Darrang District, Assam
Dhritiman Chanda* and Tabasum Fatima Nasrin
*Department of Botany, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya - 793101 {India} *Corresponding author’s email: dhriti.delhi@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Fruits are the most important dietary and nutrient source for mankind of India and world-wide. The varied agro-climatic conditions prevailing in India are conducive for the cultivation of fruits around the year. Unfortunately, these fruits are naturally contaminated with microorganisms specificallybyfungi in the field, during harvesting, drying, processing, transportation, storage and environmental pollution. The reduction in post-harvest losses is a complementary means for increasing the production of fruits. Thus, identification and characterization of post-harvest fungi associated with fruits, would help in developing proper measures required for improved availabilityoffruits both for the domestic consumption and export purposes. The present investigation was carried out to isolate and characterize the pathogenic fungi in some fruits of Darrang district ofAssam. Five fruits namelyCitrus sinensis, Musa sp, Carica Papaya, Vitis Vinfera, and Malus pumulis were selected. The infected fruit samples were collected from Dumunichowki market area, Mangaldai market area and Kharupetia market area of Darrang, Assam. A significant number of CFU was estimated and Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Peniciillium piscarium, Basidiolo sp, Mucor sp, Fusarium sp were found to be most common pathogenic fungi in all the fruits. Aspergillus niger was found to the dominant fungus present in all the contaminated fruits. Thus, future study is recommended for the improvement of hygenic and post-harvest management of these fruits for safe consumption by the people of this region.