Isolation, identification, and enzyme screening of fungi infested various vegetables in the local markets of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh

This study aimed to examine the fungi present in fruits and vegetables obtained from the local vegetable markets, Visakhapatnam and assess their enzymatic activity. seven fungal pathogens responsible for vegetable spoilage were isolated using sterilization and spread plate techniques on potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The isolated fungi were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The identified fungal strains included Aspergillus, Curvularia, Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium, sclerotinia, Mucor, Penicillium, and Rhizopus. Only three selected strains were tested for extracellular amylase, pectinase and cellulase activity, which were showing 15mm,20mm,30mm clear zone capability. These findings provide essential information about the degradative properties of filamentous fungi and their secretion of extracellular enzymes. The study also highlights the presence of toxigenic fungi in local vegetables, emphasizing the importance of removing spoiled fruits to prevent the accumulation of toxins associated with fungal growth.