Study of Fungi on Stored Maize (Zea mays L.) in Kebbi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the fungal species associated with stored Maize from three villages: Sabiyel, Dan warai and Jiga all within Aliero L.G.A. From each village, twenty spike of silo maize were collected, making a total of sixty samples. Fungi were investigated using the standard procedure recommended by the International Commission on Food Mycology (ICFM). Eight fungal species were isolated and identified from the results obtained; Aspergillus niger, Mucor racemosus, Aspergillus fumagatus, Aspergillus terries, Fusarium species, Ceplosporium species, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium species.  Aspergillus niger had the highest mean frequency and percentage 3.00 (16.60%) while the lowest was obtained in Penicillium species 1.67 (9.77%). Jiga village had the highest fungal rate of 87.5% and Sabiyel with the lowest 75% based on locations. In conclusion, it was observed that perishable agricultural food is susceptible to spoilage by fungi, probably because these organisms' spores are easily transmitted via the air, during transportation, harvest, handling, and preservations of these products might lead to spoilage of stored maize grains. There is a need for proper storage techniques, farmers' awareness of the health implications of these fungi, and adequate storage conditions in the study area to reduce contamination of store maize grains by these fungal isolates.