This study represents a real field study on some orchards in two different Egyptian governorates namely Menofiea and Beheira to find out the problems related to quality degradation and cosmetic issues of citrus fruit. The study is based on Isolation, identification and prevention of the fungal pathogens that are involved in citrus
AbstractPathogenic Fungal infections have tremendous harmful effects on human health and economy. Citrus fruit crop has an immense economic, social and Health impact on human all over the world. Citrus fruits are attacked by a number of pathogens from bloom to harvesting stage and subsequently by post-harvest pathogens that affect fruit yield and considerably deteriorate the fruit quality. In the present work, survey was conducted during 2014 and 2015 to evaluate the incidence of citrus leave spots and fruit decay in some orchards in Menofiea and Beheira governorates, Egypt. Three different fungi were isolated from samples of citrus. Alternaria alternata was the most abundant fungal pathogen isolated from citrus leaf and fruit spots followed by Alternaria citri and Penicillium digitatum. Silver nanoparticles were tested as a potent fungicide that may replace the dangerous cytotoxic fungicides. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized with 10 ± 5 nm average diameter size. In vitro assay was carried out on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media treated with 50, 100 and 150ppm of silver nanoparticles in addition to two control traditional fungicides products, namely Iprodione and Difenoconazole at 150 ppm concentrations. Results revealed that Silver nanoparticle, 150 ppm, showed potent antifungal activity against the isolated fungi that will open the gate of new generation of less harmful fungicides replacing the cytotoxic dangerous currently used fungicides.