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Global Research Journal of Microbiology Vol.2(2) pp.124 –129 December 2012.
Available online http://www.globalresearchjournals.org/?a=journal&id=grjm
Copyright ©2012 Global Research Journals
Full Length Research.
ISOLATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF FUNGAL SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH SPOILAGE OF MORINGA OLEIFERA LAM. IN STORAGE
Ashidi, Joseph Senu1* ,Efuntoye, Olusola Moses2, and Elebute, Taiwo2
1Department of Plant Science and Applied Zoology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
2Department of Microbiology, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author’s E-mail: ashidisenu@yahoo.com , Tel: +2348056953078
Abstract
This study isolated and characterised the fungal contaminants associated with deteriorated Moringa oleifera Lam. stem barks upon storage. Moringa oleifera stem barks freshly harvested from Oluyole Local Government Area in Oyo State Nigeria were stored at room temperature. Within 7 days storage, they showed signs of deterioration and were examined for the presence of fungal pathogen causing deterioration. Two species of Aspergillus: Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were identified, samples were placed on sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) at room temperature. The presence of these microorganisms causes bio-deterioration of Moringa oleifera during storage. The quality of herbal drugs should be thoroughly monitored before consumption to prevent health hazards when consumed as herbal preparations by humans.
Keywords; Isolation, characterization, fungi, deterioration, Moringa oleifera stem barks.