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

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

doi:10.31015/2025.1.22

EN

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

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

Supporting Institution

Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria

Ethical Statement

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

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

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Food Microbiology

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Ezeibe Chidi Nwaru ^*
0000-0002-4834-393X
Nigeria

Tobechukwu Eke
0009-0009-5167-4199
Nigeria

Nkechi. P. Onyeabor Chinedum This is me
0009-0003-6668-162X
Nigeria

Matthew Ahaiwe
0000-0001-7219-325X
Nigeria

Publication Date

March 17, 2025

Submission Date

July 8, 2024

Acceptance Date

March 12, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 9 Number: 1

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.1.22

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA63KD76LJ

APA

Nwaru, E. C., Eke, T., Chinedum, N. P. O., & Ahaiwe, M. (2025). Comparative study on identification and pathogenicity of fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of tomatoes (solanum lycopersicum l.) in Umuahia and Okigwe. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences, 9(1), 199-209. https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.1.22

AMA

1.Nwaru EC, Eke T, Chinedum NPO, Ahaiwe M. Comparative study on identification and pathogenicity of fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of tomatoes (solanum lycopersicum l.) in Umuahia and Okigwe. int. j. agric. environ. food sci. 2025;9(1):199-209. doi:10.31015/2025.1.22

Chicago

Nwaru, Ezeibe Chidi, Tobechukwu Eke, Nkechi. P. Onyeabor Chinedum, and Matthew Ahaiwe. 2025. “Comparative Study on Identification and Pathogenicity of Fungal Pathogens Associated With Post-Harvest Rot of Tomatoes (solanum Lycopersicum L.) in Umuahia and Okigwe”. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences 9 (1): 199-209. https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.1.22.

EndNote

Nwaru EC, Eke T, Chinedum NPO, Ahaiwe M (March 1, 2025) Comparative study on identification and pathogenicity of fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of tomatoes (solanum lycopersicum l.) in Umuahia and Okigwe. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences 9 1 199–209.

IEEE

[1]E. C. Nwaru, T. Eke, N. P. O. Chinedum, and M. Ahaiwe, “Comparative study on identification and pathogenicity of fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of tomatoes (solanum lycopersicum l.) in Umuahia and Okigwe”, int. j. agric. environ. food sci., vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 199–209, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.31015/2025.1.22.

ISNAD

Nwaru, Ezeibe Chidi - Eke, Tobechukwu - Chinedum, Nkechi. P. Onyeabor - Ahaiwe, Matthew. “Comparative Study on Identification and Pathogenicity of Fungal Pathogens Associated With Post-Harvest Rot of Tomatoes (solanum Lycopersicum L.) in Umuahia and Okigwe”. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences 9/1 (March 1, 2025): 199-209. https://doi.org/10.31015/2025.1.22.

JAMA

1.Nwaru EC, Eke T, Chinedum NPO, Ahaiwe M. Comparative study on identification and pathogenicity of fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of tomatoes (solanum lycopersicum l.) in Umuahia and Okigwe. int. j. agric. environ. food sci. 2025;9:199–209.

MLA

Nwaru, Ezeibe Chidi, et al. “Comparative Study on Identification and Pathogenicity of Fungal Pathogens Associated With Post-Harvest Rot of Tomatoes (solanum Lycopersicum L.) in Umuahia and Okigwe”. International Journal of Agriculture Environment and Food Sciences, vol. 9, no. 1, Mar. 2025, pp. 199-0, doi:10.31015/2025.1.22.

Vancouver

1.Ezeibe Chidi Nwaru, Tobechukwu Eke, Nkechi. P. Onyeabor Chinedum, Matthew Ahaiwe. Comparative study on identification and pathogenicity of fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest rot of tomatoes (solanum lycopersicum l.) in Umuahia and Okigwe. int. j. agric. environ. food sci. 2025 Mar. 1;9(1):199-20. doi:10.31015/2025.1.22

Abstracting & Indexing Services

Google Scholar | Crossref DOI Registry

All content published in this journal is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Authors retain copyright of their work and grant the journal a non-exclusive right to publish, reproduce, and distribute the articles within an open-access framework.

Web: dergipark.org.tr/jaefs E-mail: editorialoffice@jaefs.com Phone / WhatsApp: +90 850 309 59 27

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

Abstract

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

Abstract

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Ethical Statement

References

Details

Primary Language

Subjects

Journal Section

Authors

Publication Date

Submission Date

Acceptance Date

Published in Issue

DOI

IZ

Cite

Abstracting & Indexing Services

© International Journal of Agriculture, Environment and Food Sciences