Effect of harvest on pathogenic and non-pathogenic losses of onion and pepper grown in yobe state

Abstract

Pepper (Capsium annum), and Onion (Allium cepa) are among the important fruit and vegetable that are widely grown globally. However, they are susceptible to spoilage by fungi due to their high-water content and soft endocarp this spoilage led to post harvest losses (PHLS) which make fruit production unprofitable for majority of Farmers in developing countries. These (PHLS) of pepper and onion have been estimated to be 42% annual global harvest. This study aimed to isolate, identity and characterize pathogenic and nonpathogenic post-harvest loss of fruit and vegetable due to fungal infection in Fune, Yunusari and Bade area also designed research questionnaire for nonpathogenic information on handling by farmers and marketers was obtained at Fune, Yunusari and Bade. A total 273 colonies were isolated during the research. The statistically based on occurrence percentage. The species of fungi isolated were identified are Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, penicillium, S. cerevisiae, while nonpathogenic disease affecting pepper/onion due to post-harvest losses some during handling, picking, transportation, treatment use in post-harvest loss. while the species in yunusari and bade is high than in Fune.