A survey of fungi associated with marketed fruits of some tomato cultivars in Central and Northern Senatorial Districts of Plateau State, Nigeria: Nutritional implication of consumption of “Bargeh” tomato

Abstract

The fruit quality and nutritional value of tomato are affected by pre- and post-harvest factors. Fungi are pathogens that cause economic losses of fruits. This study was aimed to survey the fungi associated with tomato fruits and to determine the nutritional status and implication of consuming "Bargeh" fruits in Central and Northern Senatorial Districts of Plateau State. Cultivars Tangeno/Rukuba, Syria, UTC 4, UTC 16, UTC 17, UTC 18, Derika/Danzaria were sampled from six markets, namely: Mangu, Pankshin, Barkin Ladi, Bukuru, Gyel and Farin Gada. The standard methods of isolating surface and tissue microorganism from fruits were used. Proximate analysis was carried out using the method of Association of Official Analytical Chemists. Results showed that Saccharomyces, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Mucor species were the fungal pathogens associated with tomato fruits in the districts surveyed. Proximate analysis showed that Derika/Danzaria had appreciable protein and ash contents in both the fresh and ‘Bargeh’ fruits. UTC 17 and Syria had a significantly (p<0.05) higher calcium in the ‘Bargeh’ fruits. The consumption of ‘Bargeh’ fruits of the three cultivars present no health hazard as other nutrients like crude fiber are provided by other cultivars.