Aeromycoflora of vegetable and fruit market place at Gondia (M.S.)

The micro-biota present in the air include fungal spores, pollen grains, microorganisms, insect scales etc. These airborne bio particles may damage Fruits and Vegetables. Among the biota, fungal spores are present in large proportion, and are responsible for causing various air borne diseases. Keeping this in view aeromycoflora of vegetable and fruit market at Gondia, District Gondia (Maharashtra State) was investigated with an aim to find out percentage of various pathogenic fungal spores and variation in their concentration in different seasons. Total 19 fungal spores were recorded during investigation period i.e. from June 2021 to July 2022. Aspergillus species recorded maximum percentage of occurrence followed by Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, Rhizopus, Curvularia, Monascus, Trichoderma, Absido fusca and Periconia species. Highest population of Aspergillus and Cladosporium in vegetable and Fruit market indicated possible source of contamination and damage to these two important commodities. The Study also provides overview of different fungal population in and around the market area and to bring awareness to the people about airborne fungal spores, the damage caused by them and allergic disorder caused by fungus to human beings.