Fungal molecular identification and total aflatoxin assessment in stored peanut seeds in Kwara State, Nigeria
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Date
2024
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Published by Department Pathology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Punjab, Pakistan.
Abstract
One kilogram each of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) seeds were collected from each of six popular
markets with high patronage in Kwara State, North-Central Nigeria, namely Alapa, Ganmo, Ipata, Kaiama,
Share and Tsaragi markets. There is lack of reliable information on the fungal species and level of total
aflatoxins (TAF) in the peanut seeds sold in these markets. The fungal species associated with the samples were
isolated using serial dilution and pour plating methods, and then identified morphologically and molecularly,
after which the TAF in each sample was evaluated using the direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay method (ELISA). A total of five fungal species Aspergillus flavus, A. oryzae, Mucor indicus, Rhizopus
oryzae and R. arrhizus were isolated from the collected samples. Aflatoxins were present in 66% of the
examined peanut seeds at varying values. The highest TAF content viz. 2.5 part per billion (ppb) was recorded in
the peanut seeds from Share market, while the lowest TAF content (0.9 ppb) was recorded in the seeds from
Alapa market. The TAF content values obtained in this study were within the permissible limits (20 ppb)
approved by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), as well as the 10
ppb approved by the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) for Peanut seeds in Nigeria. However, prolonged
and consistent consumption of peanut seeds with these doses of TAF may result in accumulation of aflatoxins in
the body, thereby posing a potential health challenge over time.
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Keywords
Fungal species, Kwara State, Nigeria, Peanut seeds, Total aflatoxin.
Citation
Ajadi, I and Olahan, G.S. Fungal molecular identification and total aflatoxin assessment in stored peanut seeds in Kwara State, Nigeria. Mycopath (2024) 22(1): 39-46.