Isolation and Identification of Bacteria and Fungi Associated with Irvingia Species Kernels (Ogbono) Sold in Imo State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47430/ujmr.25102.008Keywords:
Irvingia species, Aspergillus, Epidermophyton, Trichophyton sp, contaminationAbstract
Irvingia species are valuable commodities that serve as a major source of income for communities across Africa. This research sought to isolate and identify bacteria and fungi associated with kernels of Irvingia species (ogbono) sold in Imo State. A total of forty-five (45) samples of Irvingia species kernels were collected from three major markets in each of the three senatorial districts in Imo state, namely, Imo East (Owerri zone), Imo West (Orlu zone), and Imo North (Okigwe zone). Isolation, identification, total bacterial counts, and fungal counts were conducted using standard methods. The total bacterial count ranged from 1.0 x 105 - 1.40 x 107 while the total fungal count ranged from 1.0 x 104 – 1.50 x 106. The Irvingia kernels obtained from Orie Amaraku and Afor Umuna Onuimo, both in the Imo North senatorial district of Imo State, recorded the highest number of colonies with 1.40 x 107 Cfu/g, followed by samples from Eke ukwu Owerri in Imo East senatorial district with 9.8 x 106 Cfu/g on Nutrient Agar. The highest fungal count was observed in Orie Amaraku in Imo North senatorial district of Imo state, with 1.50 x 106 Cfu/g on Sabouraud Dextrose agar. The most prevalent bacterial genus found on the ogbono seeds was Bacillus sp. Fungi isolated include Mucor sp, Trichophyton sp, Aspergillus sp, Epidermophyton sp, Penicillium sp, Fusarium sp, and Yeast. The results of this investigation indicate that post-harvest handling, processing, and storage can result in substantial microbial contamination of Irvingia species kernels.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Chioma Clara Okolie, Ikenna Nwachukwu, Enuma E Mike-Anosike, Uchechukwu Onyeukwu Ekuma, Oluchukwu Nweke (Author)
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