Contribution à l’étude mycologique de la pourriture post récolte des agrumes

Abstract

Mycological studies on fungi present on citrus fruits (oranges Washington Navel and lemons Eureka Frost) collected from retailers at the El Oued market were conducted between February and March 2025. The fruits were kept under conditions favorable for the development of fungi responsible for postharvest rot. The samples were surface-sterilized with bleach, and homogenates were cultured on Sabouraud agar, then incubated aerobically at ambient temperature for six days at 26-28 °C. Pure cultures of the fungal colonies obtained were prepared from subcultures of the primary plates. These were identified both macroscopically and microscopically. The most predominant pathogenic fungus isolated from the samples was Penicillium digitatum (70%), followed by Penicillium italicum (30%). In order to reduce economic losses due to these postharvest rot agents, we tested the effect of different dilutions of two plant hydrolates (garlic hydrolate (Allium sativum), lavender hydrolate (Lavandulastoechas), and a fungicide (Terazole) on these fungi. The efficacy tests showed that both the hydrolates and the tested fungicide were ineffective. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to explore alternative options, whether natural or synthetic products, to combat postharvest rot. Further tests should be conducted to identify the most effective agents for eliminating the causes of deterioration, while taking into account their toxicity and environmental impact.