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Module 1: Assignment: Microbial Colonies on Refrigerated Food
Aaron Marsh
Feb, 6th 2025
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Describe the Colony
Reference to the above image of a discomposed carrot, the type of colony displayed is a
microbial colony. The carrot shows clear signs of microbial spoilage, with the damaged area
covered by colonies exhibiting distinct traits. The colonies form irregular patches with
slightly raised growth. Their texture appears velvety and somewhat cottony, characteristic of
filamentous fungi. The colour ranges from dark brown to black, likely due to sporulation,
while nearby areas display orange discoloration, possibly caused by enzymatic activity or
pigment changes from the fungus. These morphological features strongly indicate fungal
growth rather than bacterial. The observed traits, such as texture and pigmentation, align with
common characteristics of fungi associated with vegetable spoilage.
Probable Microorganism and Justification
The carrot's spoilage is likely due to Alternaria spp., a common post-harvest fungal pathogen
of vegetables, especially carrots (Noviyanti et al., 2024). This conclusion is supported by
several observations. The colonies exhibit a velvety and cottony texture characteristic of
Alternaria growth. Their dark brown to black colour matches the melanin-containing spores
typical of this fungus. Furthermore, Alternaria often flourishes in cool, damp conditions like
those found in refrigerators, particularly on damaged or stressed vegetables, such as the carrot
in question. The carrot's damaged surface provided a fertile ground for Alternaria fungi to
establish themselves, growing and producing compounds like enzymes and toxins. These
substances break down the carrot tissue, explaining the discoloration and unusual growth
patterns observed. The colonies' irregular shapes, along with their color and texture, point
decisively to a filamentous fungus, not bacteria or yeast. Bacteria typically form smooth,
creamy colonies, whereas Alternaria has unique sporulation and textural characteristics.
Therefore, considering its appearance, the environment, and Alternaria's known preference
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for damaged, refrigerated vegetables, it is highly likely that this fungus is responsible for the
carrot's spoilage.
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References
Noviyanti, N., Purwantisari, S., & Suprihadi, A. (2024). Isolation of Potential Antagonistic
Rhizosphere Fungi against Alternaria alternata from Organic Carrot Productions. Jurnal
Perlindungan Tanaman Indonesia, 28(1), 58. https://doi.org/10.22146/jpti.94840
