ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to examine the fungi present in spoilt onion bulb. Five different sample of spoilt onion bulb were blended together and suspended in sterilized distilled water which was used to inoculate Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). Four different fungi were isolated from the sample and the morphological characteristics shows that the isolate belong to the following genera: Alternaria sp., Aspergillius sp., Penicillium sp., and Rhizopus sp. These fungi may have been responsible for the spoilage of onion bulb sample and therefore the need to store the onion bulb in dry well ventilated stores which will reduce growth and development of fungal pathogens and minimize storage rots.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgement iv
Table of contents v
Abstract vii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1
1.1 Background of the study 1
1.2 Statement of problem 4
1.3 Significance of the study 5
1.4 Scope of the study 5
1.5 Objective of the study 6
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature review 7
2.1 Description of onions bulbs (Allium cepa) 7
2.2 Scientific classification of onions 10
2.3 Nutritional values of onions 12
2.4 Medicinal uses of onion 13
2.5 Pathogens and pests of onion bulb 15
2.6 Fungi 16
2.7 Mold 18
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Material and method 21
3.1 Collection of samples 21
3.2 Media preparation 21
3.3 Isolation of rot inducing fungi from the sample 22
3.5 Identification of fungi 22
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Results 23
4.1 Isolation and identification of fungi 23
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Discussion, conclusion and recommendations 24
5.1 Discussion 24
5.2 Conclusion 25
5.3 Recommendations 26
References 27