DETECTION OF FUNGI SPECIES INVOLVED IN SPOILAGE OF PARKIABIGLOBOSA USING DIFFERENT STORAGE METHOD

This study investigates the fungi species associated with the spoilage of Parkia biglobosa seeds, commonly known as African locust beans, focusing on the impact of storage conditions on fungal growth and contamination levels. Samples were stored at room temperature and under refrigeration, revealing consistently higher fungal counts in room-temperature samples allowed to spoil and observe for one month. Fungi associated with spoilage was isolated using standard microbiological method. The result obtained shows (NMA2: 4.07± 1.65 logcfu/g; OMB1: 6.25± 2.5 logcfu/g) compared to refrigerated samples (NMA2: 0.53± 0.63 logcfu/g; OMB2: 2.35± 1.34 logcfu/g). Warmer, ambient temperatures favor fungal growth. The study isolated various fungi from Parkia biglobosa seeds, including Rhizopus spp., Penicillium notatum, Alternaria spp., Aspergillus flavus, Fusarium spp., Aspergillus niger, Mucor spp., and Aspergillus fumigatus. Aspergillus spp. was the most frequently occurring genus, while Mucor spp., Penicillium notatum, Fusarium spp., and Rhizopus spp. were less common. The presence of Rhizopus spp. poses significant health risks, as it can cause zygomycosis (mucormycosis) and other aflatoxinassociated health issues, including carcinogenicity and immunotoxicity. The study concluded that storage temperature significantly impacts fungal contamination in Parkia biglobosa seeds. The recommends that refrigeration should be adopted as a standard storage method for Parkia biglobosa seeds so as to reduce fungi growth and extended shelf life.