Isolation and Molecular Identification of Fungi in Stored Maize ( Zea mays L) and Groundnuts ( Arachis hypogaea L) in Ngaoundere, Cameroon

Abstract

A knowledge of the specific fungi responsible for food spoilage in an ecological zone is paramount for proper preservation. The main objective of this study was to isolate and identify at the molecular level the different fungal species from contaminated stored maize and groundnuts. Contaminated grains from local markets in Ngaoundere, Cameroon were used for the study. Their average percentage water content was 16.75±0.27 and 11.24±0.31 for maize and groundnuts respectively. Nine fungal strains were isolated and identified through 18S rDNA sequencing. It was found that Rhizopus oryzae, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus oryzae and Cunninghamella polymorpha were common in both maize and groundnuts. Aspergillus tamari, Talaromyces purpureogenus and Penicillium citrinum were present only in maize, while Aspergillus parasiticus and Rhizopus stolonifer were identified only from groundnuts. The novel information presented in this study will help to formulate measures to control the fungal contamination of stored maize and groundnut.