Morpho-pathological and genomics-based identification of the Aspergillus species infecting pomegranate with nano- driven solution

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is the dominant fruit for the tropical and sub-tropical area that belongs to the family Punicsceae. It has been cultivated throughout the world and drier parts of southern Asia. Good source of carbohydrates and minerals. Among post-harvest fungal pathogens attacked on pomegranate, Aspergillus niger is common store fungus that causes black mold disease. It mainly attacks in the flowering stage and early fruit developing during rainy seasons without any external symptoms. Disease samples were collected from different local markets of Faisalabad. Infection of fungus was done from the infected part of the pomegranate using artificial media. The fungus was identified on a morphological basis then Koch postulates were followed to confirm pathogenicity. The proved pathogen was determined by molecular characterization. DNA extraction and PCR have done of fungus. Antifungal potential of silver nanoparticles against Aspergillus niger were performed in three different concentration 50ppm, 100ppm and 150 ppm and compared with control The data were collected on the 3rd, 5th and 7th day of the fungal growth in which the 150ppm concentration was very affected than other concentrations. Keywords: Pomegranate, postharvest disease Aspergillus niger, nanoparticles.