Fungal Pathogens Associated with Tomato Wicker Storage Baskets

Abstract

A sample of 10 wicker baskets used for storage and transportation of tomato Lycopersicon esculentum Linn. fruits were screened for fungal species. Swaps from the baskets were cultured on SDA plates from which fungal 200 isolates were obtained and grouped into 5 genera based on macroscopic and microscopic examinations. The Identified fungal genera were Aspergillus spp., Alternaria spp, Penicillium spp., Rhizophus spp. and Saccharomyces spp. The genus Aspergillus had the highest frequency of occurrence (25 %) while Saccharomyces had the lowest (16.5 %). Pathogenecity test of the pathogens on healthy tomato fruits showed that 3 out of the 5 genera have the potentials to cause lesions on intact fruits, suggesting that pathogenic fungi on wicker baskets are possible sources of post harvest and economic losses.

Keywords: Lycopersicon esculentum, wicker baskets, fungal species, Nigeria