PHYTOPATHOGENIC FUNGI ASSOCIATED WITH RIPENING FRUIT OF DATE PALM (PHOENIX DACTYLIFERA L.) DURING RAINY SEASON IN THE UNIVERSITY AREA OF KHAIRPUR, SINDH, PAKISTAN

Abstract

In Khairpur, dates crop is damaged during rainy months of June, July and August as the rainy season provides favorable conditions for most of the microorganisms. Amongst different microorganisms, fungi are known as the severest pathogens. In the present study, phytopathogenic fungi associated with ripening fruits of different varieties of dates (Aseel, Khar and Kupro) were isolated and characterized. Three fungi viz. Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium expansum and Alternaria tenuis were isolated from the ripening fruits of date varieties. The fungus P. expansum was isolated from Kupro, A. tenuis from Aseel and A. flavus from Kupro.