A Review on the Management of Shallot Black Mold caused by Aspergillus niger (Van Tieghem)
Perpetual M. Katsriku *
Department of Seed and Horticultural Sciences, School of Agriculture and Biotechnology University of Eldoret, P.O Box 1125, Eldoret, Kenya.
Joseph K. Kwodaga
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana.
Benjamin K. Badii
Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Consumer Sciences, University for Development Studies, P.O. Box TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Black mold disease, caused by Aspergillus niger, is a major post-harvest constraint in shallot (Allium cepa var. aggregatum) production, leading to significant economic losses under storage conditions. In Ghana, where shallot cultivation provides both nutritional and economic benefits to smallholder farmers, the disease threatens food security, marketability, and farmer livelihoods. Conventional management relies heavily on synthetic fungicides; however, their overuse raises concerns regarding environmental safety, human health, and fungicide resistance. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the biology, and epidemiology, of A. niger, while critically assessing integrated management strategies for black mould. Cultural practices, biological agents such as Trichoderma harzianum, and the use of plant-derived extracts (e.g., garlic, clove, neem, and pomegranate) have shown promising antifungal potential as sustainable alternatives.
Keywords: Shallot bulb, black mold, economic loss, integrated management strategies, phytochemicals, biological agents