Shalom Oritsebemigho ESIJEMIDE-DORE

Dialium guineense fruit is an important tropical fruit which faces substantial post-harvest losses and food safety concerns due to microbial contamination. This study investigated microorganisms associated with the shell, pulp and seed of D. guineense to determine infection rates, identify microbial species (fungal and bacterial) and assess their diversity. The research was conducted at the media preparation room of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Three (3) fruit parts were studied: Shell, pulp and seed on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Nutrient Agar (NA) laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six (6) replications. It involved evaluating infection percentages, sub-culturing and identification based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Results showed a 100% infection rate across all fruit parts except one (1) replicate which had a 75% infection rate, indicating significant microbial pressure. A wide variety of fungal and bacterial species was observed, with specific microbial adaptations per fruit part. Pathogenic bacteria, including Shigella sp. and Bacillus cereus, were identified, posing potential health risks, alongside Aspergillus and Fusarium species. This study confirms the fruit's vulnerability to widespread microbial contamination. Findings underscore the critical necessity for improved safety measures against Aspergillus and Fusarium contamination, while identifying promising opportunities to utilize Saccharomyces sp. for industrial processing and seed extracts for natural preservation

Dialium guineense fruit is an important tropical fruit which faces substantial post-harvest losses and food safety concerns due to microbial contamination. This study investigated microorganisms associated with the shell, pulp and seed of D. guineense to determine infection rates, identify microbial species (fungal and bacterial) and assess their diversity. The research was conducted at the media preparation room of the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Three (3) fruit parts were studied: Shell, pulp and seed on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and Nutrient Agar (NA) laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six (6) replications. It involved evaluating infection percentages, sub-culturing and identification based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Results showed a 100% infection rate across all fruit parts except one (1) replicate which had a 75% infection rate, indicating significant microbial pressure. A wide variety of fungal and bacterial species was observed, with specific microbial adaptations per fruit part. Pathogenic bacteria, including Shigella sp. and Bacillus cereus, were identified, posing potential health risks, alongside Aspergillus and Fusarium species. This study confirms the fruit's vulnerability to widespread microbial contamination. Findings underscore the critical necessity for improved safety measures against Aspergillus and Fusarium contamination, while identifying promising opportunities to utilize Saccharomyces sp. for industrial processing and seed extracts for natural preservation