POST HARVEST FUNGAL DISEASES OF AFRICAN PEAR (Dacryodes edulis) FRUITS SOLD IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE

POSTHARVEST FUNGAL DISEASES IN PLANT OF AFRICAN PEAR (Dacryodes edulis) FRUITS SOLD IN PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE

ABSTRACT: The survey of fungal diseases associated with African pear (Dacryodes edulis) fruits collected from selected markets located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State was carried out. Fungi associated with the decayed pear fruits include Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifera and Botryodiplodia theobromae in varying frequencies. Various preservation treatments were used to determine their ability in prolonging the shelf life of the fruits ranging from dipping in 5% sodium chloride (NaCl), 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), Wood ash slurry, Dry Wood ash, refrigeration and the control ( untreated). The most effect preservative method was refrigeration as it inhibited the initiation of rot more than other methods, followed by salt treatment and dry wood-ash. The other treatments were not effective in prolonging the shelf life of the African pear fruits when compared with control. The use of refrigeration, sodium chloride, and dry wood ash treatment is therefore recommended for prolonging the shelf life of African pear fruits in storage.

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

The generic name Dacryodes is derived from the Greek word Dakruon meaning tear, referring to resin droplets on the bark surface of its members, while edulis means edible, emphasizing the importance of the nutritious fruit in the plant’s cultivation (Anonymous, 2010). The plant belongs to the family Burseraceae whose members are characterized by an ovary of 2 to 5 cells, prominent as in ducts in the bark, wood and intrastaminal disk (Chunduff, 1984). The genus Dacryodes consists of about 40 species (Verheij, 2002). However, (Rehm, 1994) indicated 80 species to encompass subspecies, varieties, forms, and cultivars. Two varieties are recognized: var. edulis and var. parvicarpa J.C. Okafor, whose conical fruits are smaller with the pulp. Var. edulis exhibits verticillate or subverticillate branching, while the branching is slender and opposite or bifurcate in var. parvicarpa (Okafor, 1983; Kapseu and Tchiegang, 1996; National Research Council, 1996).

Dacryodes edulis (G. Don) H.J. Lam gives four synonyms viz., Canarium edule Hook. f., C. saphu Engl.,Pachylobus edulis G. Don and P. saphu Engl (Burkill, 1985; National Research Council, 1996). However, C. edule (G. Don) Hook.f. and P. edulis G. Don has long been considered as the most unambiguous synonyms (Boutelje, 1980). The common names are (in English) African pear, African pear tree, Bush butter, Bush butter tree, Bush fruit tree, Eben tree, Native pear and, in French, Safoutier (Burkill, 1985).

1.2     AIM AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.2.1  AIM

The study is aimed to isolate, identify and manage the fungal diseases associated with African pear fruits sold in Port Harcourt markets,

1.2.2.        OBJECTIVES

1. To isolate and identify the fungal diseases associated with the African pear fruits rot.
2. To investigate the efficacy of preservation methods on prolonging the shelf life of the African pear fruits.