Authors : Ejimofor Chiamaka Frances; Oledibe Odira Johnson

Volume/Issue : Volume 6 - 2021, Issue 4 - April

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Abstract : Fruits and vegetables are generally very vital to the human system due to their various minerals and vitamin contents. Some of them are more nutritious than others and are in higher demands. This study was conducted to isolate and identify fungi associated with the spoilages of cucumber fruit sold in Igbariam. The pesticidal control method using lime juice extract was also examined.The samples (cucumber) were analyzed and examined using standard laboratory procedures. Ethanol was used in extraction of the lime juice while chloramphenicol was used as control. The result of the analysis showed fungual pathogen such as mold, Aspergilius spp, Fusarium spp and Alternaeria spp were found to be associated with spoilage in cucumber. The result also showed that ethanol extract of lime juice tend to have good inhibitory effect on these organism, but a better inhibition level is noted at 6mg/l which is significant at p<0.05%. Lime juice extract showed the highest good inhibitory effect on mold (12mm) and lowest on Aspergillus spp (6 mm) at 6mg/ml while chloramphenicol showed the highest good inhibitory effect on Alternaeria spp (3.2mm) and lowest on Fusarium spp (1mm). This showed that the lime juice extract have antifungal properties that can be helpful in the control and management of scab fungi of apple fruit.Therefore, the study recommended that farmer should use lime juice for the control of fungi rot organisms associated with cucumber and has the potentials of causing damage loss of cucumber

Keywords : Cucumber, Lime Juice, Fungi