FUNGAL ASSOCIATED WITH LEGUMES IN SOME MARKETS IN EGOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, EDO STATE

ABSTRACT

Legume is the term used to refer to ripe seeds of the plant family Fabaceae. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), Soybean (Glycine max) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) are legumes grown globally especially in developing countries including Nigeria, for human consumption. Fungal affecting legumes with emphasis on Phaseolus vulgaris, Glycine max and Vigna unguiculata were investigated. Samples were collected in sterile air tight bags from Oliha and Uselu markets in Egor LGA, Edo State and were transported to the laboratory for mycological analysis. The medium used in this study was Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) which was prepared according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Serial dilution was carried out to estimate the total heterotrophic fungal count. . The cultural and morphological characteristics of the fungal isolates revealed the presence of Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus nidulans, Penicillum oxalicum, Penicillum italium, Mucor mucedo, Trichoderma sp. and Fusarium sp. The total viable heterotrophic fungal counts ranged from 8.5x10³ + 0.29 cfu/g to 23.7x10³ + 1.20 cfu/g. The frequency of occurrence ranged from 1-10, while the percentage frequency ranged from 1.1% to 11.1%.Good hygiene, proper handling and processing practices should be employed to reduce the contamination of stored legumes.