• Alex Aduojo Iyaji
  Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi
  




• Sonter Samuel Teryila
  Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi
  




• Philomenah Odeh Uweh
  Akawe Torkula Polytechnic, Makurdi
  




• Joseph Alama Otebe
  Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi
  




• Joseph Ochayi
  Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi
  




• Jennifer Oreyi Idah
  Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi
  




• Hope Iyoba Egbe
  Rev. Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi
  

Fresh fruits are susceptible to numerous postharvest pathogens including fungi. This study assessed the mycotic quality of selected fruits vended in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria. A total of 75 fruit samples comprising 15 samples each of banana, orange, pawpaw, mango and watermelon were collected from five selected markets: Railway, Wurukum, Wadata, High Level and Modern Market. Samples were analysed using the tissue-implantation method on Potato Dextrose Agar supplemented with chloramphenicol and incubated at 28 ± 2°C for 5 days. Fungal isolates were identified based on their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. Pathogenicity was assessed by inoculating healthy fruits with fungal mycelial plugs and measuring the diameter of rot produced. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) and chi-square test at P < 0.05. A total of 129 fungal isolates belonging to five fungal groups were recovered. Aspergillus niger was the most frequently occurring isolate (35.7%), followed by Rhizopus stolonifer (27.1%), Penicillium expansum (27.1%), Fusarium spp. (6.2%) and Aspergillus flavus (3.9%). Fungal distribution differed significantly among fruit types (χ² = 35.485, df = 16, P = 0.003), but no significant association was observed between fungal distribution and market location (χ² = 10.128, df = 16, P = 0.860). Pathogenicity testing showed that A. niger produced the largest rot diameter (50.8 mm), followed by R. stolonifer (36.0 mm), A. flavus (35.0 mm), P. expansum (29.0 mm) and Fusarium spp. (19.0 mm). The study established that fruits vended in Makurdi harbour diverse spoilage fungi, with A. niger being the predominant and most destructive isolate under the study conditions. Improved hygiene, careful handling, appropriate storage and routine monitoring of fungal contamination are recommended to reduce postharvest losses and potential food-safety risks.