Mycotoxins in Some Fruits and Seeds Vended in Awka

Abstract

Studies were carried out to investigate the fungi associated with cucumber, pineapple and watermelon as well as their   aflatoxin concentrations prevalent in fruits from some markets in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria. The fruit samples were collected from Eke Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University temporary site and Ifite market for the study. The media used for fungal isolation is Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Fungal isolation from samples, fungal identification and Aflatoxin detection were carried out. The isolated fungi detected from the fruits included Aspergillus niger. Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus nidulians, Rhizopus spp, Candida spp. Aflatoxin B1 and B2 were found in the fruit products investigated. Aflatoxin was more prevalent in cucumber especially the ones bought from the Eke Awka market. Considerable amount of Aflatoxin were detected from pineapple, cucumber and watermelon in these markets. From the result of the study, in Eke Awka the Aflatoxin B1 was highest in cucumber. In Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Temporary site, the Aflatoxin B1 was highest in cucumber while it was highest in watermelon in Ifite market. In Eke Awka, the Aflatoxin B2 was highest in pineapple and watermelon, in Temp site it was highest in cucumber and in Ifite it was highest in pineapple and watermelon. This shows the poor handling, processing and storage methods by farmers and fruit vendors in these study locations. Crop rotation and management of crop residues should be adopted by farmers in the control of Aflatoxin infection in the field.