Effects of Different Carbon and Nitrogen Sources on the Biomass of Molecularly Identified Fungi Associated with Fruit Rot of Tomato

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit is an important component of the diet but pathogens are a threat to its availability. The purpose this research work was identify fungi associated with tomato rot and study their biomass in different carbon nitrogen sources. Four varieties were employed study: two local (Hausa Yoruba land races) improved (Tropimech Roma VF). Freshly harvested fruits collected stored at room temperature until sets in. Fungi isolated from rotted using Potato Dextrose Agar. identified macromorphological micromorphological features. Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) regions ribosomal DNA (rDNA) amplified sequenced. Pathogenicity tests physiological studies conducted fructose, sucrose, starch as sources calcium nitrate, sodium ammonium chloride, urea isolates assessed response Aspergillus japonicus, Rhizopus oryzae, Curvularia geniculata, Fusarium proliferatum, oxysporum all varieties. differently pathogenic more susceptible tested than Comparatively, fastest mycelial growth observed R. oryzae (8.30cm) PDA medium Day 7, followed by A. japonicus (6.60cm). species grew slower. Biomass revealed that showed differential abilities utilizing