Title: Characterization of microorganisms associated with post harvest decay of some varieties of mango (Mangifera indica Linn) Grown in Benue state, Nigeria
Abstract:
The microorganisms associated with the decay of the fruits of some varieties of Mango [Mangifera indica Linn] in Benue State, Nigeria have been examined using standard protocols. The Mango varieties studied were Broken, Goat Head, Julie, Parrot Mouth, Peter and Sweet Mango. Fresh, ripe, wholesome and healthy mango fruits were collected from eight [8] mango farms and sixteen [16] markets in Benue State, Nigreria. They were separately packed in sealed cartons and transported to the laboratory within 24hr. The mango fruit samples were allowed to decay at room temperature [25-280 C] with daily visual checks, using hand lens, for microbial growth and rot signs. The results showed that Aspergillus flavus Link ex Grey, A. fumigatus Fresenius, A. niger Van Tieghem, Mucor micheli ex Staint-Amans and the yeast Candida tropicalis [Castellani ] Berkhout, along with Proteus mirabilis, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus subtilis were the major decay organisms of the mango fruits. Exophaila jeanselmei [Langeron] Emmons, Geotricum candidum Linn and Phailophora richardsiae [Nannf.] Conant was a group of transient opportunists. Microbial successions in the decay process of the mango fruits showed that A. niger Van Tieghem, A. fumigatus Fresenius, A. flavus Link ex Grey and M. micheli ex Stait-Amans were the first colonizers, followed by C. tropicalis [Castellani] Berkhout which appeared between day 1 and 4. The next group of colonizers was the G. candidum Linn, P. mirabilis and B.subtilis which began to appear from day 5-10. The last group of colonizers which appeared between days 11 – 20, was the E. jeanselmei [Langeron] Emmons, P. richardsiae [Nannf.] Conant and M. luteus. The microorganisms causing the decay of the mango fruits, and an ecological theory on the sequence of microbial succession, based on nutritional factors, during the decay of the fruits are reported in this study.
