Primary Screening of Fungi with Aflatoxin-Production Potential in Rotten Tomato sold at Shasha Market Akure

Abstract

The present study aimed to isolate, characterise, and evaluate aflatoxin-producing fungus from rotting tomatoes sold in Shasha market, Akure. Rotten tomato fruits from the Shasha market in Akure were cultured on potato dextrose and malt extract agar that was made selective for fungi by adding chloramphenicol to inhibit bacteria. Results showed that fungal isolates have 1.40 to 3.30 x 10³ sfu/g of total fungus. Penicillium spp., Rhizopus stolonifer, Mucor mucedo, and Phytophthora spp. had the lowest proportion of occurrence (4.76%), followed by Aspergillus flavus (33.33%) and Aspergillus niger (23.81%). Hepatoma, or liver cancer, and severe hepatitis are caused by aflatoxin, especially in underdeveloped nations like Nigeria. This study informs people that eating rotten tomatoes is harmful. To avoid aflatoxins-producing fungus contamination of tomato fruits, farmers and marketers must implement pre- and post-harvest procedures.