ISOLATION AND IDENTIFICATION OF MYCOTOXIGENIC FUNGI IN MAIZE IN NAROK TOWN, KENYA

Abstract

Abstract The aim of this study was to identify the occurrence of fungal contamination in different samples of corn (zea mayes) grains in Narok Town. A total of 30 samples were analyzed by direct plating method on a quarter strength potato dextrose agar and focusing on mycotoxigenic fungi.pure cultures of Aspergillus isolates were sub cultured and transferred onto differential media; malt extract agar, czapek yeast extract and czapek dox agar for species identification. The colony were purified and identified using colony growth characteristics, colour on potato dextrose agar and microscopic characterization. The isolated mould included Aspergillus, Fusarium, Penicillium and zygomycetes. Significant difference was observed between the frequency of fungal isolates from different samples of maize grains. The results indicate possible health hazards in the long run for humans and animal consumption of such contaminated maize grains by mycotoxigenic fungi