Project Abstract

Abstract
Persea americana, commonly known as avocado, is a popular fruit due to its nutritional value and health benefits. However, avocados are prone to spoilage by various microorganisms, leading to significant economic losses and potential health risks for consumers. In this study, we aimed to conduct a microbial examination of spoilt Persea americana to identify the causative agents of spoilage and assess their impact on avocado quality and safety. The study involved the collection of spoiled avocado samples from local markets and grocery stores. Microbiological analysis was performed using standard laboratory techniques to isolate and identify the microorganisms present in the spoiled samples. The microbial load was determined by enumeration of colony-forming units (CFU) on selective media. The isolates were further characterized through biochemical tests and molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Our results revealed a diverse range of microorganisms associated with spoilage of Persea americana, including bacteria, yeasts, and molds. Bacterial species such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, and Enterobacter were among the predominant isolates identified. Yeasts such as Candida and Rhodotorula, as well as molds like Penicillium and Aspergillus, were also isolated from the spoiled avocado samples. The microbial load varied among the samples, with some showing high levels of contamination. Furthermore, the biochemical tests and molecular analyses provided valuable insights into the metabolic activities and genetic characteristics of the isolates. PCR and sequencing helped in the accurate identification of the microbial species present in the spoiled avocado samples. The presence of potentially pathogenic microorganisms raised concerns about the safety of consuming spoiled Persea americana. Overall, this study highlights the importance of microbial examination in understanding the spoilage dynamics of Persea americana. By identifying the specific microorganisms involved in avocado spoilage, appropriate control measures can be implemented to minimize losses and ensure the quality and safety of avocado products. Further research is needed to explore the factors influencing microbial growth in avocados and develop strategies to prolong their shelf life.

Project Overview

1.1   INTRODUCTION
The Avocado fruit, Persea americana is a tropical and sub-tropical fruit tree, originated in central America or adjoining regions of North or South America. It has now spread too much of the near tropical world. The avocado is limited especially by its climatic requirements, with race differences. It is also highly susceptible to drought injury. But excess soil moisture is equally fatal, encouraging the dread phytophthora root in most of the world, and where the fungus is unknown. Despite the high water activity of most fruits, the low PH leads to their spoilage being dominated by fungi, both yeast and molds. Other common diseases of pears include the black spot or scab caused by as comycetes. (Bezundenhouit J.J. 1992)
Avocado fruits has being estimated that one fourth of all produce harvested is not consumed before spoilage (Salulche, 1974), spoilage of fresh fruits usually occurs during storage and transport and while waiting to be processed unlike many other foods fruits after picking and before processing, microbiological spoilage problems are really market diseases of these products
Shape, varies from slightly obligate to highly elongate, an intermediate oval or pear shape is preferred, yellow to purple or black. (Sheperd J.S: 1990)
The composition of the fruit influences as the likely type of spoilage. Thus bacteria soft rot is widespread for the most part among the fruits is limited to those that are not highly acid. Because most fruits are some how acid and are fairy dry at the surface, and are deficient in B vitamins, moulds are the most common causes of spoilage. The compositions too, must determine the particular kind of moulds most likely to grow, thus avocado support a large, variety of fungal spoilage organisms and other kinds comparatively few. (Prusky and N.T. Keen 1993).
1.2   STATEMENT OF PROBLEM  
Micro-organisms are known to destroy fruits, thereby reducing the quantity for consumption and the profits desirable from fruits such as avocado. Many spot are noticed on pears which do change the taste when consumed.
Bacteria and fungi are harmful and useful living organisms. The spoilage of most fruits is always associated with bacteria and fungi, many diseases of plants are associated with bacteria and fungi (Micro-organisms).
The adverse effect of bacteria in plants and fruits has resulted in shortage of avocado fruits for consumption. Revenue is lost by farmers and industries that uses avocado fruits as raw materials for fruit juice due to the spoilage caused by micro-organisms. (Macmillam and Narayanam, 1990)
1.3   AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY      
Microbial examination of spoilt avocado fruits.
a.     To isolate and identify how micro-organism destroy avocado so as to guide producer and farmers on how to manage the fruits.
b.     To isolate and identify those micro-organisms that are responsible for the spoilage.
c.     To compare the extent of spoilage in the area of collection (tree) with that of market.
1.4   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
This study will be useful to farmers, fruit juice industries and consumers of avocado fruits. The outcome of this research will guide users of avocado fruit on the best method of preserving to avoid spoilage. The research work also will add to the literature and information existing about avocado for student and companies that uses avocado as raw materials for the production of fruit juice. (Debek A.J 1993).