Fungal Contaminants Associated with Groundnut (Arachis Hypogaea) Seeds

Author(s): Isalar OF, Ogbuji NG, Okungbowa FI, Ataga AE

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) commonly known as ‘peanut’ is one of the staple foods in Nigeria. This study is aimed at isolating and identifying the fungi associated with groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) using cultural techniques and molecular method. Fungal organisms were isolated from the seeds using both Standard Blotter and Potato Dextrose Agar methods. Fungi were identified using molecular tools. Fungal DNA extraction was carried out using Quick-DNA Fungal/Bacterial MiniPrepTM Kit (Zymo Research Group, California, USA). Polymerase chain reaction amplification of the Internal transcribed spacer genes was done using universal primer pair; ITS4 and ITS5. Sequencing of the PCR products allowed for species identification on National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The findings from this study revealed six fungal organisms viz Aspergillus tamarii, Lasiodiplodia iranensis, Macrophomina phaseolina, Penicillium citrinum, Aspergillus oryzae, and Aspergillus pennicillioides. Phylogenetic analysis of the obtained sequences showed the relationship that exists among the fungal isolates. The results obtained from this study shows that groundnut harbors several fungal organisms some of which are pathogenic and may diminish its productivity or possibly cause harm to man through consumption.

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