ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MICROORGANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH LOCUST BEANS

ABSTRACT

African locust bean, scientifically known as Parkia biglobosa is a tropical legume widely found in the savannah region of West Africa. In Nigeria, it is called Ogiri, Dorowa, Irugba and nune.Additionally, the plant has been explored for its chemotherapeutic properties and used in traditional medicine for toothaches, sore eyes and dental caries. The aim of this study included identifying and isolating the microorganisms associated with P.biglobosa The bacteria and fungi associated with P.biglobosa were isolated using the serial dilution and pour plate methods. The isolated bacteria were identified using their microscopic and biochemical characteristics while the fungi were identified using its morphological and microscopic features. The results of the microbial analysis of collected P.biglobosa samples revealed diverse range of microorganisms to be associated with P.biglobosa. The identified bacterial associated with the P.biglobosa includes Bacillus sp., Micrococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, and S. epidermis. While the isolated fungi are Aspergillus niger, Penicillum chrysogenum, A. tamari and Mucor sp. The results of the percentage occurrence of the isolated fungi in the various samples showed A.niger and P.chrysogenum with 100% occurrence in samples A, B and E. while Mucor sp. had the lowest percentage occurrence of 2% in sample D. Sample C had the most diverse group of fungi (A.niger, Penicillum chrysogenum, A. tamari). It also shows the result of the percentage occurrence of the isolated bacteria in the sample; bacillus sp with 52% occurrence in sample E and 20% occurrence in sample B. S. aureus had 20% occurrence in sample E. It is recommended that the users of fermented locust beans should cook it well before eating and ensure to obtain it from a hygienic environment.