FUNGI

This study examined the fungal community associated with the topsoil of three major open markets in Benin City, Uselu, Kara, and Oluku, representing different environmental and sanitary conditions. The aim was to enumerate, identify, and compare the fungal species present in the topsoil, focusing on differences between the tomatoes (plant-based) and cattle/beef (animal-based) sections. Topsoil samples were collected aseptically from six locations and cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar using the pour plate technique. Fungal isolates were identified based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics after staining with lactophenol cotton blue. The mean total heterotrophic fungal count ranged from 12.5 ± 3.3 × 10³ cfu/g in Uselu cattle/beef section to 28.5 ± 3.7 × 10³ cfu/g in Oluku cattle/beef section. Tomato sections of Uselu and Kara showed moderate counts (15.7 ± 2.9× 10³ and 16.2 ± 4.7 × 10³ cfu/g), while Oluku tomato soil had 27.7 ± 6.5 × 10³ cfu/g, indicating greater microbial activity. Ten fungal taxa were identified are Aspergillus species (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus parasiticus), alongside Rhizopus sp, Mucor sp, Penicillium sp, Fusarium, Trichoderma sp, and Alternaria sp. Oluku Market exhibited the highest diversity, particularly in tomato sections, where potential aflatoxin producing fungi like; Aspergillus flavus were prevalent. The results of this reveal that market top soils in Benin City have diverse fungi. The frequent presence of toxin-producing Aspergillus species in the locations highlights the need for improved waste management and hygiene to reduce potential public health risks. xi

Tomato spoilage results from adverse changes in quality driven by biological and physical factors, including microbial activity and mechanical damage. Globally, about one-third of tomato produce is lost before reaching consumers due to physical damage (e.g., bruises, mechanical breakage) and microbial activity from fungi and bacteria. This study was aimed at evaluating the fungi spoilage of tomatoes. Standard microbiological methods were used to determine the total fungal count of the samples. The fungi isolates were characterized and identified using morphological and cultural methods. The findings from this study revealed a high fungal burden in tomatoes sold across the surveyed markets, with total counts ranging from 9.0 × 10 4 to 14.0 × 10 4 cfu/g. Using the standard cultural, morphological characterization, the fungi isolates obtained in this study were Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., Rhizopus spp., Alternaria spp., Penicillium citrinum, Cladosporium spp. The in vitro and in vivo pathogenicity assessments confirmed that many of the isolates were not merely surface contaminants but active spoilage agents. Most of the fungi demonstrated strong pathogenicity on inoculated tomatoes, a finding that correlates with their hemolytic activity on blood agar. Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed variable resistance profiles among the isolates. While some fungi were inhibited by antifungal agents such as voriconazole and fluconazole, others displayed low sensitivity to drugs like nystatin and ketoconazole. The findings therefore emphasize the urgent need for integrated postharvest management strategies that combine proper handling, improved storage, strict hygiene practices, and the adoption of eco-friendly control methods.

Chemical preservatives are commonly used in food preservation, but rising safety concerns have shifted attention toward natural alternatives such as ginger (Zingiber officinale), a spice known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to isolate and characterize fungi associated with fried bottled groundnuts sold in Benin City, and to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of aqueous ginger extract at varying concentrations (20 g/mL, 40 g/mL, and 60 g/mL) against the isolates. Groundnut samples were collected from three markets (New Benin and Ring Road) and June 12 (a commercial hub) inoculated on Potato Dextrose Agar, and subjected to microscopic and cultural identification. Pure cultures of A. Niger and mould (A.clavatus) were obtained and treated with ginger extract using agar well diffusion, and zones of inhibition were measured. Results showed that ginger extract had significant antifungal activity, with inhibition zones generally increasing with higher concentrations. A. Niger isolates from New Benin and Ring Road samples exhibited a clear dose-dependent response, while the June 12 isolate showed optimal inhibition at 40 g/mL. Mould isolates from June 12 and Ring Road responded consistently, with the highest inhibition recorded at 60 g/mL (26.0 mm and 24.3 mm, respectively). The overall trend confirmed that 60 g/mL ginger extract had the strongest inhibitory effect (mean inhibition: 37%), supporting its concentration-dependent efficacy. The findings confirm that ginger extract possesses promising antifungal activity against common contaminants of fried bottled groundnuts and can serve as a safe, affordable, and locally available natural preservative. This is important for enhancing food safety, lowering spoilage, and reducing aflatoxin health risks in areas lacking advanced storage options. Further studies should improve extraction methods, use larger samples, and investigate combining this with other natural agents for sustainable food preservation.

This study investigated the response of soil fungi to various organic amendments; earthworm cast (EC), poultry manure (PM), and inorganic fertiliser (urea) and their impact on the growth of amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus L. The experiment aimed to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the effects of organic amendments on fungal communities and their potential benefits for sustainable amaranth production. The experiment was done using a complete randomised design (CRD) and replicated three times, using soil and a plastic container. Results showed that organic amendments significantly influenced the composition of soil fungal communities compared to the control treatment. Notably, Trichoderma spp., a fungus with high phosphate solubilization potential, was most abundant in urea-amended soil. However, poultry manure (PM) treatment yielded plants with the highest fresh and dry matter weight, likely due to increased nutrient availability and microbial activity stimulated by the breakdown of organic matter. The study showed that PM amendments improved soil health, promoting the growth of beneficial fungi like Trichoderma spp., and enhancing amaranth growth, potentially contributing to sustainable agricultural practices

This study was carried out to examine the fungi associated with the leaf blight of Ochroma pyramidale trees. The diseased leaves of Ochroma pyramidale were obtained from the Department of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management Arboretum, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin, Ugbowo Campus, Benin City. Isolation, sub-culturing, identification of isolates were carried out. The medium used was Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Identification of isolates under the light microscope was carried out. The symptoms observed on the leaves were darkish brown to black lesions that spread around the edges of the leaves and progressed into the lamina. Two fungi were found to be associated with the leaf blight of Ochroma pyramidale. These are Sclerotium rolfsii and Penicillium sp. More research work should be embarked upon to ascertain the pathogen of the disease and how to effectively control and prevent its development.

Maize (Zea mays) is a cereal crop which is an important raw material in human diet. It is an annual grass in the family Poaceae and is a staple food crop grown all over the world. The aim of this study was to isolate and identify fungi from maize and its products (pap). A total of 6 samples from six vendors were cultured for total heterotrophic fungi counts on different potato dextrose agar (PDA). The total fungi count of maize and pap samples ranged from 0.4 × 10 6 – 1.4 × 10 6 cfu/g and 1.40 ×10 2 - 2.00 ×10 6 cfu/g respectively. A total of 37 fungal isolates were identified. The morphological, cultural and biological characteristics of fungi isolates revealed the following fungi species; Penicillium oxalium, Penicillium italicum, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Mucor mucedo, Penicillium oxalium, Cladiosporium sp., Saccharomyces spp., Mucor sp., Clavispora spp., Cryptomonas spp. and Saccharomycodes, Galcatomyces. The results of fungi diversity in different samples revealed that samples A (21.6 %), C (24.3 %) as the most contaminated isolates, while sample D (10.8) and F (10.8) was the least contaminated. This study revealed the common fungi flora of maize and pap samples sold in local markets in Benin City. This study revealed the common fungi flora, their distribution in maize and pap and some possibly fungi contaminants which may not be directly associated with maize and pap. The distribution of fungi species in maize and pap samples may be dependent upon environmental conditions at the time of harvest, processing and the difference between the storage structures. It is therefore recommended that further studies be undertaken to understand the role of each fungi general isolated in this study and their source of contamination