ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH POSTHARVEST ROT OF YAM (Diocorea rotundata Poir) AND POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) IN ENUGU STATE

EZEANI, PRINCESS NNEOMA (2026) ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH POSTHARVEST ROT OF YAM (Diocorea rotundata Poir) AND POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) IN ENUGU STATE. Other thesis, GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY, ENUGU,.

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Abstract

Post-harvest rot is a major cause of storage losses in yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). This study aimed to identify and isolate the fungal agents that cause yam and potato rot. Five diseased yam and five diseased potato tubers were collected from Abakpa Market, Enugu State. Isolation was performed using swab and cutting techniques on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Pure isolates were obtained through sub-culturing on potato slants. The fungi were identified using macroscopic observation, microscopic examination with lactophenol cotton blue stain, and slide culture technique. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A total of ten fungal species were isolated, with four species recovered from yam tubers: Aspergillus clavatus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, and Trichophyton soudanense and seven species from potato tubers: Candida krusei, Candida tropicalis, Candida utilis, Candida famata, Chrysonilia sitophila, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Aspergillus niger. Aspergillus niger was the most dominant and occurred in both crops with an isolation frequency of 20%. The isolated fungi showed varying levels of pathogenicity when tested on healthy tubers. The findings confirm that fungal infection is a major cause of post-harvest losses of yam and potato in the study area. This study highlights the need for improved storage practices, proper handling techniques, and targeted management strategies to minimize post-harvest losses and enhance food security in Nigeria.

Item Type: Thesis (Other)
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies
Depositing User: Nnenna Ayo
Date Deposited: 05 Aug 2026 14:21
Last Modified: 05 Aug 2026 14:21
URI: http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/6199

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