Absidia rot

Absidia rot is a plant disease caused by fungi belonging to the genus Absidia, which are members of the Zygomycota phylum. These fungi are opportunistic pathogens that thrive on decaying plant material but can quickly infect healthy living tissue, especially when crops are stored under suboptimal conditions. The disease is known for its rapid growth rate and ability to compromise post-harvest quality.

The causal agent is the Absidia fungus, which belongs to the category of fast-growing mold fungi. As a type of fungal rot, the infection targets the soft tissues of fruits, vegetables, and seeds. The biology of the fungus allows it to propagate efficiently through sporangiospores, which are easily disseminated by wind, rain, and handling during the harvesting process.

The pathogen affects a wide range of agricultural crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, root vegetables, and various fruits. The infection usually requires a portal of entry, such as mechanical wounds, insect damage, or natural cracks on the surface of the produce, which allows the fungus to establish itself and initiate the colonization of the substrate.

Symptoms of the disease include the rapid softening of the affected tissue, the development of water-soaked lesions, and the eventual covering of the surface with a fuzzy, greyish-white mycelial mat. As the fungal enzymes break down the plant cell walls, the infected area turns into a mushy, decomposing mass, often accompanied by a distinct, musty odor.

Effective management and prevention of Absidia rot focus on environmental control and sanitary practices:

• Maintain low relative humidity and ensure proper airflow in all storage facilities.
• Implement strict sanitation measures to disinfect containers, warehouses, and harvesting equipment.
• Handle produce with care to avoid bruises, cuts, and mechanical injuries during harvest.
• Sort and discard infected fruits before storage to prevent the spread of spores.
• Apply recommended post-harvest fungicides where permitted to inhibit fungal growth.