IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGAL PATHOGENS CAUSING ROT DISEASES IN IRRIGATED CARROT CROPS AND THEIR IMPACT ON NUTRITIONAL QUALITY

Abstract

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is a nutritionally rich vegetable crop, but fungal rot diseases in irrigated systems cause significant yield losses and compromise food safety. This study aimed to identify fungal pathogens associated with rot diseases in irrigated carrot crops and evaluate their impact on nutritional content. Carrot samples from Hunkuyi, Zaria, Nigeria, were analyzed using microbiological and nutritional techniques. Six fungal species were isolated: Aspergillus flavus (41.67%), Aspergillus niger (25%), Candida sp., Rhizopus sp., Phonia sp., and Fusarium sp. (each 8.33%). Nutritional analysis revealed significant reductions in carbohydrates (7.3% vs. 9.6%), proteins (0.8% vs. 1.2%), vitamin C (2.7 vs. 5.9 mg/100g), vitamin A (20 vs. 33.1 mg/100g), potassium (260 vs. 320 mg/100g), and calcium (22 vs. 33 mg/100g) in rotted carrots compared to healthy ones, with increased moisture (91.2% vs. 88.5%) and fiber (27.37% vs. 20.13%). These findings highlight the need for integrated disease management to mitigate economic losses and ensure food safety.

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