Abstract

A survey of the fungi and aflatoxin contamination of bush mango seeds (Irvingiaspp.) was conducted in Akwa lbom State, Nigeria. Bush mango seeds sold at four major markets, located at Abak, Uyo,  Ikot Ekpene and Itam  in Akwa Ibom State were heavily contaminated with moulds. Eight different fungi were found associated with the bush mango seeds; Aspergillus carbonarius, Aspergillus tereus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus candidus, Penicillium expansum, Aspergillusniger, Candida tropicalis and Aspergillus glaucus. A. niger have the highest rate of occurrence with high colony counts (1.0 x 10³ – 4.3 x 10³ colonies/g). The aflatoxins B₁ and G₁ concentrations ranged from 0.2 – 4.0 and 0.3 – 4.2 µg/kg, respectively. The result showed that bush mango seeds sold in Akwa lbom markets require quality control and proper preservation.

Key words: Bush mango, aflatoxin, mycoflora, Aspergillus, Nigeria.