Isolation And Identification Of Fungi Found In Ground Brachystegia Eurycoma (Achi) Sold In Umudike Local Markets In Umuahia Central, Abia State:- Okoroafor Amarahi K

ABSTRACT

 This study was conducted to isolate and identify fungi associated with ground B. eurycoma (Achi) seeds obtained from three local markets within Umuahia central area of Abia State Nigeria. These local markets include Ndoro, Gate six and Ahiaeke. Laboratory analysis was conducted at Ceslab Global Services Laboratory, Umudike. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS), version 22 and results transformed into charts by Microsoft word Excel. Results revealed that Aspergil/us spp. (66.7%), Penicillum spp. (33.3%), Fusarium spp. (66.6%), yeast (100%) and Rhizopus spp (33.3%) were found in B. eurycoma sample from Ndoro market. Only Aspergillus spp. (100%) Penicillum spp. (66.7%), Yeasts (100% and Rhizopus spp. (33.3%) were isolated from ground B. eurycoma seeds from Gate six while. There was no Rhizopus spp. (0%) found in Achi Sample from Ahiaeke, but contained Aspergillus spp. (66.7%), Penicillum spp. (66.7%), Fusarium and Yeast at 33.3% and 100% respectively. Yeasts have the highest percentage gross occurrence (100%), followed by Aspergillus spp. (77.8%) while Rhizopus spp. (22.2%) had the lowest It is now clear that ground B. eurycoma seeds sold in the studied local markets contained fungi capable of producing dangerous toxins, therefore ground B. eurycoma seeds from these and other similar local markets should be consumed with caution.