The Study Of Microorganisms Associated With The Spoilage Of Three Different Fruits In Some Selected Markets In Umuahia Metropolis Abia State

ABSTRACT

Microorganisms associated with the spoilage of pawpaw 'Carica papaya), orange (Citrus sinensi) and banana (Musa acuminate) fruits from five selected markets in Umuahia, Abia State were investigated. The fruits (pawpaw, orange and banana) showing spoilage signs were examined for the presence of fungal and bacteria pathogens inducing spoilage. The isolation and identification of microorganisms from thse fruits were based on their colonial and morphological characteristics using microbiological standard techniques. A total of twenty-nine (29) fungi and thirty-eight (38) bacteria isolates were obtained. Three species of fuxgi and four species of bacteria were found to be associated with the fruits decay which are: Aspergillus species, Penicillium species Iviucor species, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus species, Escherichia colt and Salmonella species. The microbial counts of the fruits varied with type of market. Microbial counts (bacteria) of the fruits ranged from 5.46 x io ±0.07 C to 6.99. x 106 ±0.18 acftilml with banana purchased from Ahiaeke market having the highest bacteria counts which is above the acceptable levels of