Abstract

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Isolation and identification of fungi associated with sun dried okra (Abelmoshus esculentus) sold in some selected parts of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory was investigated. Various fungi isolates were sub-cultured until pure cultures were obtained using pour plate technique. Determination of the pH and moisture content of the sun dried okra was carried out. The pH the samples ranged from 5.83 to 6.90, Kwali and Bwari council areas had the highest with 6.90, while Abaji council had the least with 5.83. Moisture content of Okra samples from Gwagwalada council was recorded as the highest with 18.62%, while samples from Abaji council had the least moisture content of 11.80. Fungal count across the council areas indicated Bwari had the highest with 2.0 x 105CFU/mg, while the lowest fungi count occur in Kwali with 6.0 x 102CFU/mg. The mould species identified in all the samples include; Aspergillus flavus 13(27%), Aspergillus fumigatus 9(18.4%), Aspergillus niger 6(12.5%), Mucor spp 4(8.3%), Fusarium spp 4(8.3%), Aspergillus sydowii 3(6.25%), Aspergillus ustus 3(6.25%), Aspergillus candidus 2(4.2%), Penicillum spp 2(4.2%), Saccharomyces spp 1(2.1%) and Clasdoporum carrionii 1(2.1%). Fungi isolated from Okra in this study could pose serious public health risk if consumed with time. Therefore, safety precautions should be employed in the processing and sun drying of Okra to avoid its contamination

Keywords: Okra, pH, Moisture content, Fungi isolates