ISOLATION AND IDENTIFIACTION OF FUNGI FROM PINEAPPLE FROM DIFFERENT VENDORS AROUND

ABSTRACT

The fungi associated with the spliced Pineapple (Ananas comosus) fruits in Benin metropolis (June12, Ekosodin, Jara Supermarket) were studied. The samples were transported in sterile container to the laboratory. The samples were analyzed using spread plate technique and subcultured. Spread plate techniques was done by carrying out serial dilution of the sample after which appropriate dilutions were used for inoculation on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. Then further evaluation of the possible fungi on the fruit samples was carried out based on standard microbiological methods. The least count for Day 0, (3.0 x 105 cfu/g) was obtained from control sample while the highest count (6.4 x 105 cfu/g) was obtained from JUNE 12 sample, Then for Day 1, least count (3.1 x 105 cfu/g) was obtained from JARA sample while the highest count (7.1 x 105 cfu/g) was obtained from EKOSODIN sample and lastly for Day 2, The least count (1.9 x 105 cfu/g) was obtained from CONTROL sample while the highest count (3.3 x 105 cfu/g) was obtained from JUNE12 sample. Finally, for Days 1 and 2, the JARA sample had the lowest count (3.1 x 105 cfu/g) and the EKOSODIN sample had the highest count (7.1 x 105 cfu/g). For Days 1 and 2, the CONTROL sample had the lowest count (1.9 x 105 cfu/g) and the JUNE12 sample had the highest count (3.3 x 105 cfu/g). The microbial isolates discovered included yeast, Mucor, Rhizopus, and Fusarium species. Mucor sp., Rhizopus sp and yeast samples have the most occurrences at 100%, and Fusarium sp. has the lowest occurrences at 10%. The results shows that the sliced fruits was contaminated with microorgansims that is significant for public health, and it is advised that consumers make sure to thoroughly wash the fruits before eating them.