Comparative study on identification and pathogenicity of fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of tomatoes (solanum lycopersicum l.) in Umuahia and Okigwe

Year 2025, Volume: 9 Issue: 1, 199 - 209, 17.03.2025

Ezeibe Chidi Nwaru , Tobechukwu Eke , Nkechi. P. Onyeabor Chinedum Matthew Ahaiwe

https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.1.22

Abstract

Tomato fruits sold in the market and at home present symptoms during storage, but the disease causal agents must be better documented. This study aimed to identify the fungal pathogens associated with tomato rot bought in markets at Umuahia and Okigwe and to evaluate its pathogenicity and disease prevalence. A total of 24 and 16 fungal isolates were recorded, respectively, and were microscopically identified and morphologically to specific fungal isolates. The identified isolates were Alternaria solani, Althelia rolfsii, Colletotrichium phlomoides, Phytophthora nicotinae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Sclerotium rolfsii. The percentage frequency of isolation of samples from Umuahia ranged from 6.3% - 31%, respectively. Alternaria solani had the highest frequency of 31%, with the lowest percentage of 6.3% recorded in Sclerotium rolfsii from samples obtained from Umuahia. The same trend was also recorded on isolated samples from okigwe with a percentage frequency of isolation of 29% for Alternaria solani and 8.3% for Sclerotium rolfsii. The high percentage frequency of isolation of Alternaria solani indicates a high chance of these tomato fruits being contaminated with mycotoxins since Alternaria solani is a significant mycotoxigenic fungal genus with notable toxicity. The prevalence of disease incidence (PDI) was conducted to ascertain which locations had the highest rate of fungal rot, and there was a higher PDI of 50% in Umuahia against 33% recorded in Okigwe. The highest disease prevalence recorded in Umuahia could result from poor sanitation, poor storage, overcrowding, and unhygienic practices by fruit handlers in this location.

Keywords

Pathogenicity, Fungal rot, Disease prevalence, Percentage incidence, Rot rating

Ethical Statement

This article contains no studies performed by authors with human participants or animals.

Supporting Institution

Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria

References

• Awan, Z.A., Shoaib, A., Khan, K.A. (2019). Crosstalk of Zn in combination with other fertilizers underpins İnteractive effects and induces resistance in tomato plant against early blight disease, Plant Pathol. J, 35 :330–340.
• Adepoju, A.O. (2014). Post-harvest losses and welfare of tomato farmers in Ogbomosho, Osun State, Nigeria. Journal of Stored Products and Postharvest Research, 5(2):8-13.
• Ali, M. Y., Sina, A. A. I., Khandker, S. S. (2021). Nutritional Composition and Bioactive Compounds in Tomatoes and Their Impact on Human Health and Disease: A Review. Foods, 10(1), 45.
• Bello, B. O., Ullah, H., Olawuyi, O., Adebisi, S.O., Azee, H. H., Temilade, O.A. (2015). Microorganisms causing post-harvest tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit decay in Nigeria. Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies, 4(1): 374-377
• Bapary, M. S., Islam, M. N., Kumer, N., Tahery, M. H., Noman, M. a. A., Mohi-Ud-Din, M. (2024). Postharvest physicochemical and nutritional properties of tomato fruit at different maturity stages affected by physical impact. Applied Food Research, 100636. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.afres.2024.100636
• Colm´an, A.A., Alves, J.L., da Silva, M., Barreto, R.W (2018). Phoma destructiva causing blight of tomato plants: a new fungal threat for tomato plantations in Brazil? Trop. Plant Pathol, 43 (2018) 257–262, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40858-017-0200-2.
• De Berardis, S., Laura, E., Paola, D., Montevecchi, G., Garbini, D., Masino, F., Antonelli, A., Melucci, D., Italia, C., Lavoro, V., Reno, C (2018). Determination of four Alternaria alternaria mycotoxins by QuEChERS approach coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in tomato-based and fruit-based products, Food Res. Int, 106 (2018) 677–685.
• Arcella, D., Eskola, M., Gómez Ruiz, J. A. (2016). Dietary exposure assessment to Alternaria toxins in the European population. EFSA Journal, 14(12), e04654. https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2016.4654
• Enyiukwu, D, N., Awurum, A. N., Nwaneri, J.A. (2014). Efficacy of plant derived pesticides in the control of myco-induced postharvest rots of tubers and agricultural products. Net Journal of Agricultural Science, 2 (1): 30-46.
• Ewekeye, T. S., Adegboyega, C., Odebode, A. C. (2021). Isolation and Identification of Fungi Associated with Solanum lycopersicumL. (Tomato) Leaves in Alapoti, Ogun State Nigeria. International Journal of Pathogen Research, 6(4): 1-11
• Furlong, E. B., Rodrigues, M. H.P (2022). Fungal diseases and natural defense mechanisms of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum): A review. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 122, 101906
• George, B., kaur, C., Khurdiya, D. S., Kapoor, H. C. (2004). Antioxidants in tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum L.) as a function of genotype. Food Chemistry 84: 45-51. DOI: 10.1016/S0308-8146(03)00165-1.
• Gwa, V. I., Lum, A. F. (2023). Isolation and Identification of Fungi Associated with Fruit Rot Disease of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in the Southern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria. International Journal of Pathogen Research, 12 (6):92-98.
• Giovannetti, M., Avio, L., Barale, R., Ceccarelli, N., Cristofani, R., Iezzi, A., Mignolli, F., Picciarelli, P., Pinto, B., Reali, D., Sbrana, C., Scarpato, R. (2011). Nutraceutical value and safety of tomato fruits produced by mycorrhizal plants. British Journal of Nutrition, 107(2), 242–251. https://doi.org/10.1017/s000711451100290x
• Kabiru, S. M., Yusuf, S. S. (2023). Isolation and identiifcation of fungal pathogens of post-harvest rot of tomato fruit in biu markets, biu local government area of Borno state. NJB, 36 (2): 185-200
• Kaur, G., Banyal, D.K. (2019). Management of buckeye rot of tomato caused by Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh. International Journal of Chemical Studies, 7(4): 1782-1786
• Koka, J.A., Wani, A. H., Bhat, M. Y. (2022). Incidence and severity of fungal rot of tomato and brinjal in Kashmir Valley. Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics, 12(4-S): 61-67.
• Laurence, M. H., Summerell, B.A., Burgess, L.W., Liew, E.C.Y (2014). Genealogical concordance phylogenetic species recognition in the Fusarium oxysporium spe cies complex. Fungal Biol, 118:374–384
• Mailafia, S., Olabode, H.O.K., Osanupin, R. (2017). Isolation and identification of fungi associated with spoilt fruits vended in Gwagwalada market, Abuja, Nigeria. Veterinary World, 10(4): 39-43.
• McGovern, R. J. (2015). Management of tomato diseases caused byFusarium oxysporum. Crop Prot, doi:10.1016/j.cropro.2015.02.021
• Nizamani, S., Khaskheli, A.A., Jiskani, A.M., Khaskheli, S.A., Khaskheli, A.J., Poussio, G.B., Jamro, H., Khaskheli, M.I. (2021). Isolatation and Identification of the Fungi Causing Tomato Fruit Rot Disease in the Vicinity of Tandojam, Sindh. Agricultural Science Digest, 41 (Special Issue): 186-190. DOI:10.18805/ag. D-269
• Olaniyi, J.O., Akanbi, W.B., Adejumo, T.A., Akande, O. G. (2010). Growth, fruit yield and nutritional quality of tomato varieties. African Journal of Food Science, 2010;4(6):398-402
• Osemwegie, O.O, Oghenekaro, A.O., Owolo, L.O (2010). Effects of Pulverized Ganoderma Spp., on Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc and Post-harvest Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) Fruits Preservation. Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 6(11): 1794-1800
• Parvin, I., Mondal, C., Sultana, S., Sultana, N., Aminuzzaman, F.M. (2021). Pathological Survey on Early Leaf Blight of Tomato and In Vitro Effect of Culture Media, Temperature and pH on Growth and Sporulation of Alternaria solani. Open Access Library Journal, 8, 1-17. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1107219.
• Qasim, M., Samman Liaqat, A. U., Khan, H., Nasir, H., Awan, M. S., Akbar, K. (2022). Postharvest Factors Affecting Shelf Life and Quality of Harvested Tomatoes; a Comprehensive Review. Sch. J. Agric. Vet. Sci, 9(6), 65-69.
• Roy, J., Islam, M. N., Yasmin, S., Mahomud, M. S. (2024). Improvement of quality and shelf-life of tomatoes with Aloe vera coatings enriched with tulsi extract. Applied Food Research, 4(2), 100449. Rodrigues, M. H. P., & Furlong, E. B. (2022). Fungal diseases and natural defense mechanisms of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum): A review. Physiological and Molecular Plant Pathology, 122, 101906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmpp.2022.101906
• Talvas, j, Caris-veyrat, C., Guy, l., Rambeau, M., lyan, B. B., Minetquinard, lobaccaro ja, Vasson, M., George, S., Mazur, A. (2010). Differential effects of lycopene consumed in tomato paste and lycopene in the form of purified extract on target genes of cancer prostatic cells. American Journal of Clinical nutrition, 91: 1716-1724
• Van de Perre, E., Jacxsens, L., Lachat, C., El Tahan, F., De Meulenaer, B. (2014). Impact of maximum levels in European legislation on exposure of mycotoxins in dried products: Case of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in nuts and dried fruits. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 75, 112-117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.10.021
• Slimestad, R., Verheul, M. (2009). Review of flavonoids and other phenolics from fruits of different tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cultivars. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture/Journal of theScience of Food and Agriculture, 89(8), 1255–1270. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.3605
• Cunha, S., Faria, M., Pereira, V., Oliveira, T., Lima, A., Pinto, E. (2014). Patulin assessment and fungi identification in organic and conventional fruits and derived products, Food Control 44 (2014) 185–190.
• Siddique, A. B., Islam, M. R., Hoque, M. A., Hasan, M. M., Rahman, M. T., Uddin, M. M. (2015). Mitigation of salt stress by foliar application of proline in rice. Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, 3(3), 81–88. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujar.2015.030303
• Shakya, B., Aryal, H.P. (2020). A Study of Fungal Diseases Occurring on Stored Tomatoes of Balkhu Agriculture and Vegetable Market, Nepal. Journal of Natural History Museum, 31:107-122
• Schmey, T., Tominello-Ramirez, C.S., Brune, C., Stam, R. (2023). Alternaria diseases on potato and tomato. Mol Plant Pathol, 25:e13435
• Spricigo, P. C., Freitas, T. P., Purgatto, E., Ferreira, M. D., Correa, D. S., Bai, J., Brecht, J. K. (2021). Visually imperceptible mechanical damage of harvested tomatoes changes ethylene production, color, enzyme activity, and volatile compounds profile. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 176, 111503. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2021.111503
• Sedighi, A., Mohammadi, A. (2024). Phytotoxicity effect of a highly toxic isolate of Alternaria alternata metabolites from Iran. Toxicon: X, 21, 100186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.toxcx.2024.100186
• Sun, C., Jin, L., Cai, Y., Huang, Y., Zheng, X., Yu, T. (2019). L-Glutamate treatment enhances disease resistant of toma tomato fruit by inducing the expression of glutamate receptors and the accumulation of amino acids. Food Chemistry, 293, 263–270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.04.113
• Van De Perre, E., Jacxsens, L., Lachat, C., ElTahan, F. E., De Meulenaer, B. (2015). Impact of maximum levels in European legislation on exposure of mycotoxins in dried products: Case of aflatoxin B1 and ochratoxin A in nuts and dried fruits. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 75, 112–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.10.021
• Wogu, M. D., Ofuase, O. (2014). Microorganisms responsible for the spoilage of tomato fruits, Lycopersicon esculentum sold in markets in Benin City, Southern Nigeria. School of Academics and Journal of Biosciences, 2(7):459−466.
• Yusuf, L., Agieni, G.A., Olorunmowaju, A. I. (2020). Isolation and identification of fungi associated with tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum M.) rot. Sumerianz. Journal of Agriculture and Veterinary, 3(5):54-56
• Giovannetti, M., Avio, L., Barale, R., Ceccarelli, N., Cristofani, R., Iezzi, A., Mignolli, F., Picciarelli, P., Pinto, B., Reali, D., Sbrana, C., Scarpato, R. (2011). Nutraceutical value and safety of tomato fruits produced by mycorrhizal plants. British Journal of Nutrition, 107(2), 242–251. https://doi.org/10.1017/s000711451100290x