EFFECTS OF PATHOGENIC FUNGAL INFECTION ON THE NUTRIENT AND ANTI-NUTRIENT CONSTITUENTS OF POST HARVEST Irvingia gabonensis (OGBONO) SEEDS

Effects of pathogenic fungal infection on the nutrient and anti-nutrient constituents of post-harvest Irvingia gabonensis seeds were evaluated. The fungi pathogens isolated from partially rotted seeds of I. gabonensis seeds include Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillium italicum. These fungi were used as test fungi to inoculate healthy I. gabonesis seeds aseptically. The results of the proximate analysis in (%w/w)/100g of seeds inoculated with test fungi and uninoculated (control) seeds carried out revealed that there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in Moisture, Ash and Lipid content of seeds inoculated with the test fungi, relative to uninoculated (control) seeds. While fiber carbohydrate and protein content decreased in fungi inoculated seeds relative to uninoculated seeds. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) in mineral content evaluated. Calcium, Phosphorus and Iron increased in seeds inoculated with the test fungi relative to the uninoculated, while Potassium, Soduim and Magnesium decreased in seeds inoculated with the test fungi. Anti-nutrient (phytochemical) content; Tannin, Saponin, Total oxalate and Cynogenic glucoside increased in the fungi inoculated seeds relative to uninoculated seeds. Significant differences also existed among the test fungi. Apparently, Penicillium italicum induced more changes in the anti-nutrient (Phytochemical) content measured. Hence higher values were recorded by Penicillium italicum in Tannim, Saponin, Total oxalate and Cynogenic glucoside, Keywords: Irvingia gabonensis, Nutrient, Anti-nutrient, Fungi, Inoculated