Abstract

This research aimed at isolating and identifying fungal species associated with stored cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) seeds, the cowpea samples were first surface sterilized using sodium hypochlorite for 2-3mins and then rinsed four times using sterile distilled water. Five seeds from each of the 6 sterilized sub-samples were separately plated directly on three Petri dishes each containing Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA), streptomycin was added to the medium before it was poured into the Petri dishes. The inoculated plates were incubated at room temperature and observations were made daily for possible development or growth of seed borne fungi. Observed colonies were sub-cultured onto freshly prepared PDA plates containing streptomycin and incubated for 7 days. Eight Fungal genera isolated and identified with their percentage abundances were Aspergillus flavus (31.59%), Rhizoctonia sp. (21.05%), Fusarium sp. (15.79%), Penicillium sp. (10.53%), and least are, Colletotrichum sp., Curvularia sp., Rhizopus sp., and Mucor sp., each with percentage abundance of (5.26%,). However this study should be considered as preliminary and further research is required to determine the extent of fungal contamination in other Cowpea varieties in other markets. Studies should also be conducted to identify the source and the risk factors that determine the presence of fungi in the Cowpea varieties. Government and health organizations like NAFDAC should also take proactive measures to reduce the fungal contamination of Cowpea.