Assessment of fungal pathogens associated with orange spoilage

Citrus sinensis also known as sweet orange is the most popular of the citrus fruits. It is widely cultivated in most regions of the world possessing a rich source of vitamin C, flavonoids, phenolic compounds and pectin. This research was conducted to investigate the assessments of fungal pathogens associated with orange fruit spoilage sold in five markets in Benin metropolis and the possible public health implications. Some pathogenic fungal species were isolated from all five markets used in this study. Aspergillus species had the highest frequency and distribution from all sampling points (80%). Alternaria and Saccharomyces cerevisiae had the least occurrence from all sampling points (40% apiece). Candida, Mucor, Penicillium and Rhizopus had 60% occurrences, respectively. Candida tropicalis and species of Rhizopus, Penicillium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Mucor produced same symptoms and signs as observed in the original spoilt orange fruits before isolation. All fungal isolates were able to re-infect the healthy orange fruits with the exception of Alternaria species and Saccharomyces cerevisiae which were not able to grow and produce spoilage condition on the inoculated healthy orange fruits after five days. Aspergillus spp. are known to produce several toxic metabolites, like aflatoxins and ochratoxins, which are very important toxins worldwide because of the hazard it poses to human and animal health.