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Fungi associated with post-harvest rot of black plum (Vitex doniana) in Nigeria

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Abstract

The fungi associated with rot of Vitex doniana fruits (blackplum) were isolated and identified. Aspergillus niger, Botryodiplodia theobromae, Candida spp. Penicillium chrysogenum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Fusarium pallidoroseum F. oxysporum and Mucor mucedo were the primary rot causing fungi in contrast to Cladosporium herbarum and Mucor circinelloides which were just present as secondary colonizers. The rot fungi penetrated mainly through wounds and bruises on the surface of fruits. Mature green fruits were less susceptible to infection than half ripe and fully ripened red fruits. Optimum rot by pathogenic isolates occurred at 25–30 °C and relative humidity 72.5–100%. The results of investigation of influence of storage temperatures and relative humidity on the quality of uninoculated healthy fruits are presented and discussed.

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Eseigbe, D.A., Bankole, S.A. Fungi associated with post-harvest rot of black plum (Vitex doniana) in Nigeria. Mycopathologia 136, 109–114 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00437504

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00437504

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