PREDISPOSING CONDITION OF IRISH POTATO SPOILAGE BY SOME FUNGAL SPECIES

Abstract

Predisposing condition of Irish potato spoilage by some fungal species were analysed, five different fungi were found to be causative agent of I. potato spoilage. The result shows Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, F. oxysporum, Penicillium species, and Alternaria alternata to be accountable for spoilage of Irish potato tubers in Maiduguri. A. niger have appeared highest in occurrence then Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria alternata and Penicillium species appeared least. Temperature, intact and abrasion on the potato played a significant role in the potential of the fungi to cause spoilage within short period of exposure., growth was observed in all the fungi except Aspergillus niger at 15oC and might not be unconnected with the low temperature. but at temperatures 300C, 250C growth were seen in all the fungal isolates Fusarium oxysporum species showed maximum mycelial growth at the temperature of 300C, 250C and the least growth was observed at 150C respectively.