Isolation and Identication of Fungi in Fermented Locust Beans (Parkia Biglobosa) Preserved by Different Storage Methods

An experimental study was carried out to isolate and identify fungi fermented locust Beans (parkia biglobosa) preserved by different storage methods. Samples of locust beans (parkia biglobasa) obtained from an open market in Lagos metropolis, were subjected to four different storage methods namely refrigeration, Oven drying at 50 ° C, sun drying and storage under room temperature ne for two months. Samples were cultured for presence of fungi using a locally prepared potatoes dextrose agar (PDA) under good hygienic Conditions using already made manufacturer's specication with modications. The Incubation period lasted for 2 to 4 weeks. The fungi growth ranges between 2.5x 10 (log¹⁰ 2:39) 6.5 x10⁷ (log¹⁰ 7.8). Pure Cultures were examined macroscopically and microscopically, Culture characteristics like texture, Colour, size, morphology of the spore produced and shape of the upper thallus and production of pigment on underside noted. Fungi from positive Cultures were Identied based on Colonial characteristics, Cultural and morphological features such as pigment production, Conidial morphology, Colonies appearance and microscopic examination in Lacto phenol cotton blue preparation. Isolation of the fungi was done in an inoculation site Swabbed with ethanol before inoculation. The agar was inoculated by transferring some. Locust beans (parkia biglobosa) to Surface of the medium using Sterile spatula. The following fungi Zygosaccharo mycesrouxií, Debaryo myceshansenii, Aspergillus avus, pencillium SPP., Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus spp , Fusarium spp and Alternaria alternate were isolated and identied in fermented locust beans ( parkia biglobosa ) preserved using different Storage methods . The highest fungi isolate and identied was recorded in fermented locust beans (parkia biglobosa) preserved by room temperature storage method, While Sample preserved by over drying Storage method had the least fungi Isolate and Identied. Result shows that no method of storage totally preserves locust beans (parkia biglobosa) against fungi growth. It was therefore recommended among others that Oven drying Storage method is far better than other Storage methods