Mycoflora associated with brachystegia eurycoma (Achi) seeds and their effects on the biochemical properties of the seed

Abstract

Mycoflora associated with Brachystegia eurycoma (Achi) seeds and their effects on the Biochemical properties of the seeds were investigated. The fungi pathogen implicated were Aspergillus Niger (68%), Aspergillus flavus (30%), Aspergillus nidulans (40%) Rhizopus stonifer (60%), Alternaria altermata (10%). All the fungal isolates were found to be pathogenic to boiled healthy seeds of B. eurycoma. The results of proximate analysis of fungal infected and non-infected seeds (control) carried out revealed that there was an increase in moisture content from 15.30% in the healthy seeds to 19.30% in the infected sample. Protein content had also increased from 6.80% in the healthy seeds to 18.50% in the infected seeds. Meanwhile the following parameters were found to be decreased in the infected than in the healthy B. eurycoma seeds, Viz Ash 1.50%, Fibre 1.20%, Lipid 9.80% and Carbohydrate content 49.80%. Mineral analysis results showed that there was a significant increase in phosphorus content (3.20% to 25.2%) in infected seed relative to healthy ones. Calcium and Iron content had also increased, though not significantly. Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium content had decreased in infected seed sample, however the difference was not significant. All the Plyto chemical content measured; Tannin, Total oxalate, Saponins, Hydrogen cyanide increased in the infected seed sample compared to the healthy ones.