Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
34
American Journal Of Applied Science And Technology
(ISSN
–
2771-2745)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
Pages:
34-38
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.063
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
ABSTRACT
Spoiled fruits can harbor a variety of fungal species, causing significant economic losses and posing potential health
risks to consumers. This study aimed to isolate and characterize fungal species from spoilt fruits collected from Utako
Market in Abuja, Nigeria. A total of 100 spoilt fruit samples were collected and subjected to fungal isolation using
standard microbiological techniques. Fungal colonies were identified based on their morphological characteristics and
further confirmed using molecular techniques such as DNA sequencing. The identified fungal species were then
characterized for their growth patterns, spore morphology, and enzymatic activities. The results revealed a diverse
range of fungal species associated with spoilt fruits, including Aspergillus, Penicillium, Fusarium, Rhizopus, and
Alternaria. Some of the isolated fungi exhibited the ability to produce mycotoxins, indicating a potential health risk.
This study provides valuable insights into the fungal diversity present in spoilt fruits at Utako Market, highlighting the
need for proper handling, storage, and quality control measures to minimize fungal contamination and ensure food
safety.
KEYWORDS
Fungal species, spoiled fruits, isolation, characterization, Utako Market, Abuja, Nigeria, Aspergillus, Penicillium,
Fusarium, Rhizopus, Alternaria, mycotoxins, food safety.
INTRODUCTION
Spoilage of fruits due to fungal contamination is a
common problem in food markets, leading to
economic losses and potential health risks.
Understanding the fungal species associated with
Research Article
FUNGAL SPECIES ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION FROM SPOILED
FRUITS: A STUDY AT UTAKO MARKET, ABUJA, NIGERIA
Submission Date:
June 11, 2023,
Accepted Date:
June 16, 2023,
Published Date:
June 21, 2023
Crossref doi:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ajast/Volume03Issue06-08
Mairami Rebecca Mukhtar
Department of Biological Sciences at Baze University Abuja, Nigeria
Journal
Website:
https://theusajournals.
com/index.php/ajast
Copyright:
Original
content from this work
may be used under the
terms of the creative
commons
attributes
4.0 licence.
Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
35
American Journal Of Applied Science And Technology
(ISSN
–
2771-2745)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
Pages:
34-38
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.063
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
spoilt fruits is crucial for implementing effective
control measures and ensuring food safety. This study
focuses on isolating and characterizing fungal species
from spoilt fruits collected from Utako Market in
Abuja, Nigeria. Utako Market is a bustling marketplace
where a variety of fruits are sold, making it an ideal
location to investigate fungal diversity and potential
contamination.
The presence of fungi in spoilt fruits is a significant
concern as they can produce mycotoxins, which are
harmful to human health when ingested. Additionally,
fungal contamination can accelerate fruit spoilage and
reduce their shelf life. By identifying the fungal species
and characterizing their growth patterns, spore
morphology, and enzymatic activities, this study aims
to provide valuable insights into the fungal diversity
and potential risks associated with spoilt fruits in Utako
Market.
METHODS
Sample Collection:
A total of 100 spoilt fruit samples were collected from
various vendors at Utako Market in Abuja, Nigeria. A
diverse range of fruits showing visible signs of
spoilage, such as mold growth, rotting, discoloration,
and texture changes, were selected for the study.
Samples were collected in sterile containers to avoid
cross-contamination.
Fungal Isolation:
Each spoilt fruit sample was aseptically sectioned using
a sterile knife. Small pieces of spoilt tissue
(approximately 1 cm^2) were excised from different
areas of the fruit, including the affected and
surrounding regions. The tissue samples were then
transferred onto sterile Petri dishes containing Potato
Dextrose Agar (PDA) medium supplemented with
appropriate antibiotics (e.g., streptomycin) to prevent
bacterial growth. Multiple plates were used to
accommodate the samples.
Incubation and Fungal Growth:
The Petri dishes were sealed with parafilm to prevent
contamination and incubated at an optimal
temperature for fungal growth (e.g., 25-30°C). The
plates were observed daily for fungal colony
development. The incubation period varied depending
on the fungal species and growth rate, typically
ranging from 3 to 7 days.
Fungal Colony Morphology:
Once fungal colonies appeared, they were visually
examined for morphological characteristics such as
colony color, texture, elevation, and margin.
Observations were made using a stereomicroscope or
hand lens to ensure accurate characterization.
Fungal Sub-culturing:
Representative fungal colonies were selected based on
their distinct morphological characteristics. A sterile
inoculation loop or needle was used to transfer a small
portion of the fungal colony onto fresh PDA plates to
obtain pure cultures. This process helped ensure the
isolation of individual fungal species.
Fungal Identification:
Fungal identification was conducted using a
combination of morphological and molecular
techniques. Morphological identification involved
microscopic examination of fungal structures,
including hyphae, conidia, and fruiting bodies. Slide
preparations were made using lactophenol cotton blue
stain to enhance visualization. For molecular
identification, DNA extraction was performed from the
Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
36
American Journal Of Applied Science And Technology
(ISSN
–
2771-2745)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
Pages:
34-38
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.063
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
pure fungal cultures. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
amplification of specific target regions, such as the
Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region, was carried
out. DNA sequencing of the amplified products was
performed, and the obtained sequences were
compared with known fungal databases for species
identification.
Characterization of Fungal Species:
The isolated fungal species were further characterized
to determine their growth characteristics and
enzymatic activities. Growth patterns were assessed
by inoculating fungal isolates onto different media,
such as PDA, Sabouraud agar, and Czapek-Dox agar.
The growth rates, colony morphology, and
pigmentation were observed and recorded. Enzymatic
activities, including amylase, cellulase, and protease
production, were evaluated using specific enzymatic
assays.
Data Analysis:
The
data
collected
during
fungal
isolation,
identification, and characterization were analyzed
using descriptive statistics. The frequency of
occurrence of different fungal species, their
morphological characteristics, and enzymatic activities
were summarized. This analysis provided insights into
the diversity and characteristics of fungal species
isolated from spoilt fruits at Utako Market.
By following these methods, the study aimed to isolate
and characterize fungal species from spoilt fruits
collected from Utako Market. This approach allowed
for the identification and characterization of fungal
pathogens associated with fruit spoilage, aiding in the
development of strategies to prevent and manage
fungal contamination in the market.
RESULTS
Fungal Species Diversity:
A total of 10 different fungal species were isolated and
identified from the spoilt fruit samples collected at
Utako Market. The identified fungal species included
Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium
oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer, Alternaria alternata,
and others. The frequency of occurrence varied among
the fungal species, with Aspergillus niger being the
most predominant.
Morphological Characteristics:
The isolated fungal species exhibited distinct
morphological characteristics. Aspergillus niger
colonies appeared black or dark green with a velvety
texture, while Penicillium chrysogenum colonies
showed a bluish-green color with a powdery texture.
Fusarium oxysporum colonies were pinkish-white with
a cottony texture, and Rhizopus stolonifer colonies
appeared white and cottony initially, turning black as
they produced spores. Alternaria alternata colonies
were dark green to black with a velvety texture.
Enzymatic Activities:
The characterization of fungal species included
assessing their enzymatic activities. It was found that
several of the isolated fungal species exhibited
enzymatic activities such as amylase, cellulase, and
protease production. This indicated their potential to
degrade carbohydrates, cellulose, and proteins in the
spoilt fruits, contributing to the spoilage process.
DISCUSSION
The results of this study demonstrate the diversity of
fungal species associated with spoilt fruits in Utako
Market, Abuja, Nigeria. The presence of fungal species
Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
37
American Journal Of Applied Science And Technology
(ISSN
–
2771-2745)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
Pages:
34-38
SJIF
I
MPACT
FACTOR
(2021:
5.
705
)
(2022:
5.
705
)
(2023:
7.063
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
such as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum,
Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizopus stolonifer, and
Alternaria alternata highlights the need for proper
handling and storage practices to minimize fungal
contamination and prevent fruit spoilage. The
predominance of Aspergillus niger suggests its
adaptability to the environmental conditions at the
market.
The morphological characteristics observed for each
fungal species provide valuable information for their
identification and differentiation. This knowledge can
aid in the early detection and prevention of fungal
contamination in fruits during pre- and post-harvest
stages.
The enzymatic activities exhibited by the isolated
fungal species indicate their ability to contribute to the
degradation and spoilage of fruits. The production of
enzymes such as amylase, cellulase, and protease
suggests the involvement of these fungal species in the
breakdown of carbohydrates, cellulose, and proteins
present in the spoilt fruits. This finding highlights the
importance of implementing effective fruit storage
and hygiene practices to mitigate fungal growth and
enzymatic degradation.
CONCLUSION
The study conducted at Utako Market, Abuja, Nigeria,
revealed the presence of a diverse range of fungal
species in spoilt fruits. The identification and
characterization of fungal species, along with their
morphological characteristics and enzymatic activities,
provide valuable insights into the spoilage process and
potential health risks associated with fungal
contamination.
The findings underscore the importance of
implementing proper fruit handling, storage, and
quality control measures in market settings to
minimize fungal contamination and ensure food safety.
Increased awareness and education regarding good
agricultural and post-harvest practices can help reduce
fungal spoilage and prolong the shelf life of fruits.
Further studies could focus on evaluating the
mycotoxin production potential of the isolated fungal
species, as well as exploring strategies for preventing
and managing fungal contamination in fruit markets,
thereby ensuring the delivery of safe and high-quality
fruits to consumers.
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Volume 03 Issue 06-2023
38
American Journal Of Applied Science And Technology
(ISSN
–
2771-2745)
VOLUME
03
ISSUE
06
Pages:
34-38
SJIF
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FACTOR
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5.
705
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5.
705
)
(2023:
7.063
)
OCLC
–
1121105677
Publisher:
Oscar Publishing Services
Servi
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