Paper Details

Abstract

Abstract Garcinia kola Heckel is an indigenous plant, widely consumed in most parts of Nigeria as a result of its several pharmacological activities. The susceptibility of Garcinia kola to microbiota poses significant challenges to their safety and quality. This study aimed at evaluation of microbiota associated with postharvest rot of Garcinia kola. The pathogenicity test of the isolated fungi and sensitivity test of the bacteria as well as the proximate analyses of the healthy and diseased nuts were carried out. A total of six (6) microorganisms, two (2) fungi and four (4) bacteria were isolated and identified based on their morphological characteristics and gram reactions. The identified fungi were Penicillium pinophilum and Aspergillus niger while the bacteria were confirmed to be Bacillus sp, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Lactobacillus sp. The bacteria pathogens were tested against LAB strains and antibiotic using agar-well diffusion method. Control wells produced significant higher zones of inhibition amongst other strains. Proximate analysis of the diseased nuts showed a reduction in the crude protein (4.86%), fat (0.95%) and crude fiber content (2.79%) compared to the healthy nuts with 10.22%, 1.55% and 4.10% of crude protein, fat and crude fiber content respectively. The results revealed that the infection of Garcinia kola with the aforementioned microbiota affects the phytochemical components and the consumption poses a threat to human health. Understanding the microbiota associated with post-harvest rot of G. kola nuts can aid in implementing effective quality control measures, thus ensuring the production of safe and high-quality nut products. Keywords: Garcinia kola, Microbiota, pathogenicity, proximate analysis, agar-well diffusion.

To Cite This Article