Assessment of Fungal Pathogens Linked to Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck Spoilage in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Abstract

Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck (Sweet orange) is one of the most popular commercial fruits that is consumed in large quantities as juice or fresh fruit. This study was carried out to isolate and identify fungal pathogens linked to the rotten Citrus sinensis fruits in Gombe State.  A total of one hundred samples of rotted fruits were taken from the main market in Gombe. Each sample’s border line between healthy and diseased tissue was cut and inoculated in petri dish containing Potato Dextrose Agar, and incubated at room temperature for 10 days. Four fungal pathogens were identified as Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer, Candida tropicalis and Fusarium oxysporum, with the frequencies of occurrence of 53.4%, 23.3%, 17.8% and 5.5% respectively. The pathogenicity test revealed that all fungal isolates were pathogenic. Consumption of spoilt oranges should be avoided.