Mycoflora and Moisture Content of Garri Sold in Anyigba, Kogi State

Aims: Investigations were carried out to determine the mycoflora and moisture content of garri sold in Anyigba, Kogi State.

Methodology: Samples of white and yellow garri collected from two major open markets namely; Garage and Anyigba old markets were used for the study. Enumeration of fungal counts in all samples was carried out using the pour plate method. Isolates were identified based on examinations of conider heads, phialides, conidiophores, and the presence or absence of rhizoids and data analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. The moisture content of each sample was also determined.

Results: Moulds isolated from these samples were; Aspergillus spp, Rhizopus spp, Penicillium spp, Mucor spp and Neurospora spp. Higher mould species were recorded in yellow garri samples compared with that in white garri samples. The mean total fungal counts showed that white garri ranged from 2.03 x 104 to 6.40 x 106 while yellow garri was from 3.96 x 104 to 8.60 x 106. Significant differences in mean fungal counts were recorded in the various dilutions of white and yellow garri (P = 0.05). Results from this study revealed high moisture contents which were not within safe levels and encouraged the growth of fungi.

Conclusion: Proper handling, packaging and storage under hygienic conditions are recommended. Also proper drying of garri to lower its moisture content should be encouraged.