Survey on Postharvest Handlings of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Fruits in Ipata Market, Ilorin

The cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is very nutritious, but its availability is threatened by poor postharvest handling. This study assessed postharvest handlings of cucumber fruits in Ipata market, Ilorin, Nigeria. A survey was conducted to collect data from farmers, wholesalers, and retailers, while an on-site assessment was done to measure the extent of fruit damage and disease severity. Fungi were isolated from diseased fruits and identified using standard methods. Male cucumber vendors (78%), aged 25-35, experienced limited awareness of appropriate postharvest handling, despite 59% of them are literate. The findings showed that handling during transportation and storage significantly contributes to the spoilage. Poor sanitation and storing mixed fruits worsened fungal growth. Retailers experienced the highest rates of fruit damage (55%) and disease (48.34%). Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium chrysogenum, Pichia kudriavzevii, Schizosaccharomyces pombe were isolated and identified from spoilt cucumber fruits. The study concluded that urgent improvements in postharvest management, including better transportation, storage, and handling, are essential to reduce cucumber losses and ensure product quality and safety.