Sweet orange ( Citrus sinensis L.) is a major fruit crop globally, but fungal pathogens have severely impacted its yield. Bilo Nopha, known for high-quality sweet oranges, has recently faced significant preharvest spoilage. This study aimed to isolate fungal pathogens associated with preharvest spoilage of sweet orange ( Citrus sinensis L.) fruit in Bilo Nopha, southwestern Ethiopia. In the present study, a total of 240 symptomatic orange fruit samples were collected from six orchards of study area and fungi pathogens were isolated and characterized to genus level following standard microbiological techniques. A total of 430 fungal isolates were recovered. Pseudocercospora spp. were most prevalent (45.0%), followed by Colletotrichum spp. (42.1%). Alternaria spp. showed moderate prevalence (30.4%) with significant site variation (15.0–37.5%, P < 0.05). Rhizopus spp. were consistent across sites (20–30%, total 27.1%), while Fusarium and Phytophthora spp. had the lowest rates (17.5% each). Pseudocercospora spp., Colletotrichum spp., and Phytophthora spp. were identified as the primary fungal pathogens, whereas Alternaria spp., Rhizopus spp., and Fusarium spp. were involved as secondary or opportunistic pathogens. Species-level identification and targeted management are recommended to reduce losses and sustain production.
Adeba et al. (Fri,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: