<![CDATA[The increase in the volume of citrus fruit imports in Indonesia continues to increase every year, but this condition also carries the risk of pathogenic fungi that can reduce the quality and shelf life of the fruit. This study aims to detect and identify fungi in imported citrus fruit using the blotter test method. Samples of the Sunkist type (Citrus sp) originating from the United States and Wogan oranges (Citrus sp) originating from China were obtained from imported fruit markets and supermarkets in Jambi City. Samples of symptomatic fruit skin were surface sterilized, placed on moist filter paper in a sterile pertei dish and incubated at 21°C for 5-7 days. Fungal colonies were observed macroscopically using a stereo microscope (Olympus SZX2-ILLT) and microscopically using a compound microscope (Olympus BX 51 TF). Identification was carried out based on the morphological characteristics of the colonies and reproductive structures. The results showed three types of fungi in Sunkist oranges, namely Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and Fusarium sp. Meanwhile, Colletotrichum sp., Fusarium sp., and Penicillium sp. were found in Wogan oranges. Thus, four fungal genera were successfully identified from both samples, with Penicillium sp. and Fusarium sp. as the most dominant genera, which are thought to have the ability to adapt to humid storage conditions. These results indicate that the blotter test method is proven effective in detecting and identifying fungi in imported citrus fruit based on their morphological characteristics. This blotter test procedure is very simple, relatively low cost, and short observation time.]]>
