Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is an important solanaceous crop of sub-tropics and tropics. The Brinjal is being grown extensively in India. All vegetables have been known to serve as vehicles of human disease for at least a century. Vegetables can become contaminated with microorganisms capable of causing human diseases. This study was designed to determine the microbial load and prevalence of pathogens on surface of Brinjal in local market yards across Junagadh district. Brinjal samples were collected from the four talukas of Junagadh district (Visavadar, Mendarda, Vanthali and Junagadh) in two subsequent round and microbial load was assessed using different selective media for the growth of bacteria and fungi. Total plate count (CFU/gm) was highest in Mendarda local market yard samples which was 30 x 104 CFU/gm and lowest in Junagadh local market yard sample respectively. Yeast & mold count on Brinjal was found up to 13 x 104 CFU/gm for market yards of Junagadh district. Prevalence of E. Coli, Salmonella and Vibrio were observed in most of the samples collected form market yards could pose a health risk to consumers in the country. These high viable counts of microorganisms on Brinjal, could be because of unhygienic handling condition of local market, inappropriate transportation facility, improper storage condition etc. This can be reduce up to certain extent by giving suitable post-harvest treatment which can reduce food spoilage while maintaining sensory and nutritional characteristics of the fruits and vegetables. | A study on prevalence of microorganisms on surface of Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) collected from local market yards across Junagadh district, India
