Identification and Prevalence of Fungal Species in Stored Sorghum Grains Surveyed at Bodija and Oyo Town Markets in Oyo State and Ikire and Iwo Town Markets in Osun State, Western Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the identification and prevalence of fungal species in stored sorghum grains surveyed at Bodija and Oyo town markets in Oyo State and Ikire and Iwo town markets in Osun State, Western Nigeria using appropriate standard methods. Six distinct fungal species were isolated from the sorghum grains and identified through macroscopic and microscopic examination. These species included Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, A. tamarii, A. terreus, Fusarium sp., and Rhizopus stolonifer. The prevalence of fungal contamination was found to be higher in the markets of Oyo State compared to those in Osun State. Additionally, Aspergillus flavus and A.niger were the most prevalent fungal species, while Rhizopus stolonifer was the least prevalent.