Microorganisms associated with African star apple (Chrysophylum albidum Linn), their quality characteristics and hydrolases were investigated. The bacteria species were Bacillus cereus, B. polymyxa, Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, while the fungi species were Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, A. niger, A. repens, Fusarium sp., Mucor mucedo, Trichoderma viride and Rhizopus stolonifer. Pathogenicity tests revealed that all the isolates were pathogenic on the fruits. Proximate analysis showed that microbial infections significantly reduced the carbohydrate, crude fibre, protein, moisture content and fat. However, mineral analysis accounted for an increased K, Ca, Mg, Na, Zn and P in an infected fruits compared with the apparently healthy fruits. The pH values ranged from 5.05 to 5.23. Massive infection leading to the deterioration of the fruits that could ultimately affect its quality posing health risk could be reduced by the early consumption of the fruits. All the microbial isolates produced the hydrolases which could be responsible to their enhanced abilities to deteriorate the fruit.

 

Key words: African star apple, fruits, hydrolases, pathogenic, infections, microorganisms.