DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2017.v04i05.002

Pages: 186-190

Abstract: The activities of plant pathogens on postharvest fruits/vegetable have been a problem to mankind. In a nation like Nigeria where food is not meeting the needs of the increasing population, there is an increasing urgency to understand the activities of these microorganisms so as to control them in order to make fresh food supply available at all seasons of the year. Poor handling can result in development of entry points for moulds and bacteria, increased water loss and increased respiration rate. Fungi and bacterial diseases are spread by microscopic spores which are distributed in the air and soil and via decaying plant material. Infection after harvest can occur at any time. It is usually the result of harvesting or handling injuries. The main objective of this review is to find out the microorganisms (pathogens) that infect the food crops after harvest and their effect on food losses. It has been established in this review that these pathogens thrive well in humid environment and are spread during harvesting and poor handling techniques as it is the case with fungi and bacteria when nutrients are available.