1. It is often said that crop diseases are not new to man. As a matter of fact, it is as old as man, as references to crop diseases were made even in the bible. WHAT ARE FRUITS? FRUITS CAN BE DEFINED AS; the edible reproductive body of a seed plant. (Merriam Webster, 2008). 2

2. Although, botanists define fruit as; the reproductive structure of an angiosperm which develops from the ovary or an accessory part of the plant. WHAT IS PATHOLOGY? Pathology is the study of the essential nature of diseases and especially of the structural and functional changes produced by them. (Merriam Webster, 2008). It is therefore the study of the origin, nature, cause and the effects (symptoms) of the disease. 3. This is essentially the study of fruit disease. MEANING OF FRUIT DISEASE This is refers to the change in physiological, structural and organoleptic attributes of fruit as a result of a dis- ease condition brought about by various factors. This leads to fruit production losses. 4. Therefore, fruit pathology strives to understand the nature and cause of dis-ease in fruits before recommending appropriate solutions. (Arinze, nd). For disease diagnosis in fruit pathology, Nature of the disease is investigated (infectious or not) Causal agent should be identified Mode of transmission (spread) should be known Signs and symptoms such as wilt, fruit spot should be noted. 5. PRE-HARVEST PATHOLOGY The pre-harvest period in fruit production spans from the planting of the seed till maturation and harvest. PRE HARVEST ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE; Land preparation, planting, irrigation, weeding, application of fertilizer. 6. Pre-harvest pathology of fruits therefore refers to the study of disease condition depicted by the fruit during the period of planting until harvest. Diseases or disorders occurring in fruits at this stage can hinder the fruit from reaching its potential and can influence post harvest disease. (Joyce et al, nd). Disease at this stage can be caused by; Biological factors such as microorganisms , pest, weeds. Physical factors such as temperature, humidity. 7. The post harvest phase in fruit production spans from the time of harvest till final consumption. POST HARVEST ACTIVITIES INCLUDE; Harvesting, handling, storage, processing, packaging, transportation, Marketing. Post harvest pathology in fruit production refer to the study of disease conditions that occur in fruits after harvest. 8. In the post harvest phase of fruit production, production loss may occur as a result of; Improper harvest practices Rough handling of fruits Inadequate storage facilities Poor packaging Also, wounds (trauma) caused by the above factors may pave way for the infection of harvested fruits by microorganisms particularly Bacteria and Fungi. 9. Specific agents of fruit disease may be classed as parasitic, non-parasitic, or physical (Cappellini and Ceponis, 1984). Also these agents can be classified as BIOLOGICAL AGENTS such as pathogens (bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes), animal and insect pests. PHYSICAL AGENTS such as temperature ranges, climatic factors and mineral availability. (Johnson et al, 2012). 10. BIOLOGICAL AGENTS; can be referred to as biotic factors influencing disease development in fruits. They include; Fungi: a major fruit pathogen that can cause diseases such as; Anthracnose, this affects fruits like mangoes (Manifera indica). Powdery mildew: which affects mostly apples (Malus spp). Bacteria: causes diseases such as; Bacterial canker in fruits like cherry (Prunus spp). Bacterial spot in peach (Prunus persica). 11. Viruses; though not popularly implicated in fruit disease can cause the following diseases; Apical necrosis of pawpaw caused by papaya apical necrosis virus Yellow spot disease of pineapple caused by tomato wilt virus. Nematodes: these organisms can cause serious injuries on fruits and this can serve as a portal of entry for other pathogenic organisms. Animal and Insect Pest: they cause physical harm to fruits thereby reducing market value. 12. Fig 1: Brown disease of stone cherry. Fig 2: Anthracnose on mango Fig 4: powdery mildew on an apple Fig 3: Fruit spot on pear COURTESY: THE AMERICAN PHYTOPATHOLOGICAL SOCIETY 13. These are referred to as the abiotic factors involved in disease development in fruits. They include; Temperature: this can be classified as a climatic factor. Different temperature ranges affect the keeping quality of fruits and can make them susceptible to pathogenic attacks. For instance, high temperature can cause blossom end rot in citrus fruit. (Johnson et al, 2012). High temperature can cause shriveling and wilting of fruits due to loss of moisture. 14. Relative humidity: fruits primarily consist of about 70 to 95% moisture therefore a change in this amount can affect quality. (Arinze, nd). Therefore, relative humidity of fruits and their environment should be considered particularly during storage. Also, high relative humidity encourage attacks from pathogenic organisms as microorganisms thrive in environments with relatively high humidity. For instance, excessive moisture can encourage the blossom end rot of tomato. (Johnson et al, 2012). 15. Primarily, they cause disease and disorder to fruits. They cause and/or enable the development of disease conditions in fruits. Reduction of quality and market value especially as fruits are very delicate products and their purchase relies on the satisfaction of the consumer. Reduction of storage life of fruits. Fruits being highly perishable crops have short storage life even at best conditions. Therefore these pathological agents further reduce their storage life. (Arinze, nd). 16. Due to the severity of fruit production losses, various techniques have been evolved to enhance keeping quality of fruits and in essence, their market value. Some of these techniques are; Conversion of fruits to juice Preparation of preserves such as jams, marmalades, jellies from fruits. Pickling of fruits Fig 5: Conserved Fruits (Fruit Juice). 17. The study of fruit pathology is essential in the prevention, reduction and control of fruit production losses. It also aids in the maximizing of fruit products. 18. THANK YOU DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @Feychuks 19. 1. Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster (nd).