Abstract

Fungal pathogens are among the most important biotic agents causing reduction in yield on the vegetables produced in Nigeria. This study was carried out to determine the fungal pathogens associated with post-harvest decay of Okra fruits in Aliero local government area, kebbi State. A total of 50 rotted Okro samples were collected from five locations viz; Danwarai, Sabiyal, Kashinzama, Gumbulu and Aliero markets. The fungi were isolated using ager plate method and pure isolates were identified in accordance with a standard chart. A total of nine (9) fungal isolates were identified as agents associated with post-harvest decay of Okra namely; Microsporum canis, Aspergillus fumigatus,Aspergillus flauus, Paecilomyces variotii, Penicillium memeffei, Cladophialophora carrionii, Aspergillus niger, Phaeoacremonium parasiticum and Chrysosprium Corda. From the results obtained, Aspergillus niger has the highest percentage of occurrence (26.67%) followed by Aspergillus flauus (17.33%) while Cladophialophora carrionii had the lowest (2.67%). Okro vegetables are liable to damage and deterioration during harvesting, transportation, marketing, storage and consumption, if not properly handled. Proper handling method should be adopted to manage the high rate of deterioration of okra in the study area.

Key words: Fungi, identification, okra, Aliero