ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF FUNGAL ASSOCIATION WITH STORED MAIZE GRAIN IN AFIKPO

Abstract

The study was aimed at isolating and identifying fungi associated with the storage of maize grain in Afikpo, Ebonyi State. Maize grains were purchased from different storage centres and market in Afikpo town. A total of five different fungi - Rhizopus spp, Mucor spp, Penicillium spp, Fusarium spp and Aspergillus spp
were isolated from the samples collected. The frequency of the isolates reviewed that Aspergillus spp had the highest frequency of 33.3% followed by Fusarium spp, 21.4%, then Penicillium spp 19.0% while the least frequency of 11.9%, was Rhizopus spp. The
thin-layer chromatography method was employed in detecting mycotoxins production, which, are secondary metabolites of molds with adverse effects on humans, animals, and crops that result in illnesses and economic losses. The result showed that all the fungi isolated produced more than one toxins; this include the identified aflatoxin B1, zearalenone and fumonisin B1. Factors influencing the presence of fungi and mycotoxins in foods or feeds include
environmental conditions related to storage. Other extrinsic factors such as"climate or intrinsic factors such as fungal strain" specificity. strain variation and instability of toxigenic properties also playa part.