Degradation of fruits layers by enzymatic activity of fungi

Fruits losses are the foremost reason for declining the export income of a country. These losses encompass many reasons. Among these, post harvest losses are one of the ample causes discussed in the present study. However, microorganisms are the foremost cause for post harvest losses. This study is based on the isolation and identification of fungi which are responsible for post harvest loss by degrading cell wall of fruits by producing ezymes. Because fruits are the paramount source for colonization of fungi. Total 10 different fruits samples from District Swabi were taken under consideration to identify 13 different species of fungi included (Cladosporium cladosporioides, Alternaria sp., Fusarium solani, Geotrichum candidum, Penicillium notatum., P.expansum Botrytis sp., Aspergillus sp., Drechsler sp., Rhizopus stolonifer, Phytopythora sp., Cladosporium sp., Colletotrichum sp., Mucor sp.,) that were predisposed to produce post harvest losses of different fruits. The most common fungi were isolated was Alternaria species, Penicilium and Fusarium spp. All isolated fungi were cultured on fruits peel and screened the Cell wall degrading enzymes of plants, like cellulase, polygalacturonase, a -amylase and xylanase. Highest level of polygalacturonase and xylanase were recorded compared to the others two. In decision, Penicilium sp., are common and the polygalacturonases and xylanses are the main fungal enzymes that accountable for rotting of fruits.