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This research identifies the fungi that contribute to the degradation of sweet potatoes at Tudun Wada Market in Gusau, Zamfara State.Thirty-six sweet potato samples, along with six additional tubers for pathogenicity testing, were collected from various market points.Standard microbiological techniques were applied to isolate, screen, and identify fungi linked to spoilage.Percentage occurrence and pathogenicity tests were conducted to ascertain the prevalence and assess the impact on tuber weight loss.Physiological changes during storage, such as softening, drying, discoloration, and an offensive odor, were recorded.Fungal counts ranged from 2.5±1.0 cfu/ml to 4.±1.5 cfu/ml, with Yan Dankali exhibiting the lowest count and Yan Kayan Koli the highest.Identified fungal genera included Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Botryodiplodia theobromoae, Fusarium oxysporium, Rhizopus stolonifer, and Penicillium species.Aspergillus niger occurred higher, while Botryodiplodia theobromoae had the least occurrence.Pathogenicity tests aid in determining the fungi's role in sweet potato spoilage, penetrating tubers through injuries, and thriving in storage conditions.Starch breakdown by these microorganisms precipitated sweet potato deterioration.Although specific management practices for potato diseases are underdeveloped, adopting healthy planting materials and sanitation measures could mitigate fungal diseases in sweet potatoes propagated through vine cuttings.
Rosemary et al. (Tue,) studied this question.