Microorganisms Associated With Tomato Fruit Spoilage In Umuahia, Abia State.

ABSTRACT

Microorganisms associated with tomato fruit spoilage was examined. Heterotrophic bacteria count ranged from 4.3 x 1O cfulg to 8.9 x i07cfu/g. Fungal isolates included Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus Jlavus,fusariuni oxysporum and Absidia corymbefera . Bacillus sp was also isolated. Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus recorded the highest occurrence followed by Fusarium oxysporurn and the least was Absidia corymbefera .Extra care should be taken during personal handling of tomato fruits and marketers should take necessary precautions in order to prevent contamination of the fruits and to reduce the risk of mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are capable of causing diseases and death in humans and other animals and also heighten vulnerability to niicrobial diseases, worsen the effects of malnutrition, and interact synergistically with other toxins.