Pathogens Associated With Tomato Post-Harvest Losses in Mwea, Kenya
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Date
2021
Authors
Mugao, Lydia G.
Birgen, Jonah K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation
Abstract
Tomato post-harvest pathogens are a threat to the harvested
tomatoes. Tomato fruit attract more micro-organisms
because of it being succulent, highly rich in nutrients and
sugars that are medium for microbial growth. The pathogens
destroy tomato fruits reducing the quantity of consumable
fruits and at the same time lowering the profit made from the
sales of the tomato fruits. Consumption of contaminated
fruits results to food poisoning. Isolation and identification of
pathogens causing tomato fruit rot is necessary in order to
create awareness and reduce the risks of infections arising
from handling and consumption of contaminated tomato
fruits. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify
pathogens that cause tomato fruit rots in Mwea Kenya and
test the susceptibility of tomato cultivars to the rots. In this
study infected tomato samples were collected from farms and
markets in Mwea. Disease causing micro-organisms that
were suspected to cause the post-harvest damage were
isolated, identified and re-inoculated to wounded surface
sterilized fresh harvested ripe tomato fruits to establish
pathogenicity. Two common tomato cultivars (Kilele F1 and
Roma V.F) grown in Mwea were tested for susceptibility to
the common post-harvest tomato pathogens in the area. Data
was analysed using SPSS frequency, percent and chi-square
test statistics. Six pathogens were isolated from infected
tomato samples and they varied significantly (p<0.001) with
Furasium spp. being the most prevalent (30%). Damage
caused by the pathogens on tomato fruits also varied
significantly (p<0.001) with Rhizopus spp. causing (100%)
rot. The susceptibility of the tomato cultivars to the test
pathogens differed significantly (p<0.045) with Kilele F1
being the most susceptible. These findings will be of
importance in making the farmers and consumers aware of
pathogens causing tomato rots and cultivars that are
susceptible to rots.
Description
An Article Published in International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation
Keywords
Bacteria, Fungi, Tomato, Pathogenicity, Post-harvest