F.I Okungbowa

The study of the fungi associated with leaf spot disease of P. guajava (guava) was conducted in order to compare the radial mycelial growth of the isolated fungi on both potato dextrose agar (PDA) and corn meal agar (CMA). Fungi associated with the diseased guava leaves were isolated using the direct plating method while the radial mycelial growth of the isolated fungi was done using radial mycelial measurement technique. Pestalotia psidii and L. theobromae were identified as the fungi associated with the diseased guava leaves. Cultural description shows P. psidii to form whitish to grey mycelium with sparse black sporulation on PDA but grows very slowly on CMA with rarely visible mycelial growth on the culture plate. Lasiodioplodia theobromae on the other hand developed cottony mycelia that transition from white to black as the colony matures on PDA and produces less whitish to dark, septate mycelia on CMA which barely turns black as the colony matures. The results the radial mycelial growth of P. psidii and L .theobromae on corn meal agar shows an increase in the average mycelial growth of P. psidii from 3.25cm on day 3 to 5.20cm on day 7 while L. theobromae was observed to increase from 3.63cm on day 3 to 5.63cm on day 7. On PDA the average mycelial growth of P. psidii increases from 5.05cm on day 3 to 8.5cm on day 7 while L. theobromae was observed to increase from 3.90cm on day 3 to 7.45cm on day 7. Findings of this study has shown P. psidii and L. theobromae to be the major fungi associated with leaf spot disease of guava leaves and also shown the growth medium PDA to be more suitable for the in vitro radial mycelial growth study of P. psidii and L. theobromae.

Chest x-ray remains a major tool for the diagnosis and management of many diseases ravaging mankind. The aim of this study is to assess the chest x-ray requests and findings in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo. A retrospective study of 1,624 patients who underwent chest x-ray examination at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Edo. The results showed that more females, (58%, n = 943) were referred for chest x-ray than the males, (42%, n = 681). The highest indication for chest x-rays in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital is Other, (47%, n = 762). Patients between the age bracket of (36– 50) have the highest referral for chest x-ray. Most of the chest x-ray referrals are from GPC (33% n = 542). More than half of the chest x-ray referrals (65.1%, n = ) appear radiologically normal while the remainder (34.9%, n = 174) were abnormal. The chest radiographs of 100% of those for medical exam/Routine check appeared radiologically normal. In conclusion, conventional chest x-ray remains the primary diagnostic tool for most diseases of the chest region. However appropriate clinical diagnosis should always be conducted to reduce the number of normal chest-x-rays diagnosed. Routine chest X-rays should be discouraged as they almost amount to unnecessary irradiation of patients with low diagnostic yield.

Fungi plays a significant role in the deterioration of pepper. Pepper is a widely used and valued spice and is susceptible to fungal contamination, factors such as temperature, and storage conditions can influence the fungal load of stored pepper. This study shows the fungal dynamics of pepper (Capsicum annum and Capsicum chinense) when stored in room temperature, 15⁰C and alternations between 15 ⁰C and room temperature. In this research, healthy pepper samples (cayenne pepper and scotch bonnet pepper) were purchased from the market and stored in room temperature which was properly ventilated, they were also stored in at 15 ⁰C, and also alternated in 15 ⁰C and room temperature. They were monitored for 14 days and the observations recorded. Results revealed that lower temperature (15 ⁰C) had a higher amount of unaffected peppers and room temperature also had a lesser impact of spoilage than alternating temperatures. It highlights the importance of maintaining consistent temperature condition for long-term food preservation, it emphasizes the significance of implementing effective storage strategies to minimize fungal contamination in pepper. Ultimately, this study aids in enhancing optimal temperatures for maintaining the quality of stored pepper.