Isolation Of Microorganisms Associated With Deterioration Of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Balatas(L.) Lam) During Storage

ABSTRACT

The microorganisms responsible for spoilage in white sweet potato roots (TIS/87/0087 variety) were -isolated, characterized and identified. The isolated pathogenic fungi were Aspergillus sp, BoryodipIodia sp Rhizopus sp, Fusarium sp. Of these pathogens, Rhizopus sp has the highest percentage occurrence of (27.3%) followed by Aspergillus niger (24.24%) and Aspergi/lus flavus (12.12%) has the least frequency percentage. The pathogencity test revealed that Rhizopus sp and Botryodiplodia sp is the most virulent and Aspergillusfiavus is the least virulent fungus. The only isolated bacteria pathogen Erwinia sp (3.0mm) had rod shape and was Gram negative, proper storage facilities, essential control measures is. therefore important in reducing the loss of sweet potato tubers during storage.