| Summary: | Tropical fruits contain high vitamins and minerals. Fruits are susceptible towards many pathogenic microorganisms that results unpleasant odours and cause foodborne disease. This study was undertaken to isolate and identify fungi that are associated with spoilt fruits commonly sold in Kuala Pilah market, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The presence of fungal organisms was examined with 3 spoilt fruits which include banana (Musa paradisiaca), mango (Mangifera indica) and pineapple (Ananas comosus). Mango demonstrated the highest frequency of fungus isolate which was seen in 2 of a total of 3 isolates (67%), followed by banana with one fungi isolates (33%). However, pineapple showed negative result with no occurrence of fungal isolated observed. Isolated fungus was identified morphologically, microscopically and using molecular standard procedures. Results showed that 3 fungal genera were associated with the selected markers. The isolated fungal genera were Apergillus sp., Fusarium sp. and Clasdoporium sp. Fungi isolated from this study are of economical and public health significance. Careful handling of fruits are recommended to ensure longer shelf-life, prevent spread of rot pathogens and keep fruit in the highest quality. © 2018 Author(s).
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