Mycological Assessment of Some Selected Fruits and Vegetables and Their Resistance Profile Against Some Antifungal Agents

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables offer distinct nutritional benefits and health-enhancing properties, driving their growing popularity. This research aimed to evaluate the mycological characteristics and investigate the antifungal resistance patterns of pathogens from selected fruits and vegetables. Samples, including watermelon, tomato, cucumber, and garden egg, were obtained from fruit markets and home gardens. They were subjected to microbiological analysis using standard procedures. The isolates were examined to determine their ability to cause disease, contribute to spoilage, and produce aflatoxins. Isolated pathogens were further subjected to antifungal sensitivity testing using the agar well diffusion method with three (3) antifungal agents. A total of eighteen (18) fungi were isolated from the genera Aspergillus (33.3 %), Candida (11.1 %), Cladosporium (5.6 %), Fusarium (5.6 %), Geotrichum (11.1 %), Penicillium (5.6 %), Pichia (16.6 %) and Saccharomyces (11.1 %). Isolates with haemolytic potential were 7, while 11 had spoilage potential, and 12 were pathogenic. Of the 12 pathogenic fungi, 9 (75%) were resistant to at least one antifungal agent while 3 (25%) showed no resistivity; however, among the Aspergillus spp., 5 (83%) were aflatoxigenic. The overall mycological quality of the analysed samples is low, improved hygienic practices should be encouraged among farmers, fruit and vegetable handlers and consumers.