Fungi Isolation and identification associated with postharvest spoilage of fruits

Abstract

According to annual studies, 20% of the produce of fruits and vegetables spoils. This study explores certain botanical extracts as potential alternatives to industrial chemicals in an effort to address the problems associated with fruit postharvest losses. Step-by-step instructions were used to complete this work. The materials utilised for the analysis were sanitised, and samples of rotten fruits were randomly gathered. Pathogens were subsequently isolated at the Microbiology Laboratory. Following isolation, the pathogens were also identified. By use of the culture process, the fungus was isolated, and their morphological traits were used to identify them. We looked at how extracts of tulsi leaves, neem leaves, turmeric bulb, and garlic bulbs affected the proliferation of isolated fungi. Preparation of crude extracts of turmeric bulb, neem leaves, tulsi leaves and garlic bulb and determination of the efficacy of these extracts on identified pathogens were conducted. Anti -fungal activity against the isolated fungi is checked using the natural components like tulsi leaves, neem leaves, turmeric bulb and garlic bulb. The identified fungi were Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus terreus, Aspergillus flavus. Among the different natural components used containing antifungal activity, garlic was the most efficient and gave the best results. Garlic was most prominent in treating fungal infection caused by Aspergillus flavus