ISOLATION AND MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI IN TIGERNUTS (Cyperus esculentus L.)
Authors/Creators
- 1. Public Health U, United States.
- 2. Department of Microbiology, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.
Description
This project aimed to investigate the diversity of endophytic fungi associated with tiger nuts (Cyperus esculentus Lativum) and their potential implications for human health and tiger nut quality. Tiger nuts are highly valued for their sweet tubers and numerous health benefits. Like other plants, tiger nuts harbour a diverse community of microorganisms, including fungi, which play crucial roles in plant survival, growth, and development.
One concern with consuming raw tiger nut tubers is the potential transmission of endophytic fungi to humans. Therefore, this study focused on isolating and identifying the endophytic fungi present in fresh tiger nuts obtained from three different towns in Osun State, Nigeria, namely Osogbo, Oyan, and Ikirun.
To isolate the endophytic fungi, aseptic rinsing and crushing of the tiger nut tubers were performed, followed by culturing on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). The isolated fungi were then subjected to molecular identification using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the fungi using universal primers. The obtained ITS sequences were compared to the NCBI database using a BLAST search for identification.
Three fungi were successfully sequenced and identified in this study. They were closely related to Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolate 27, Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolate B-NC-12-OZ03, and Candida tropicalis strain Pe1, with high similarity percentages. The presence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida species as endophytes in tiger nut tubers is significant, as they are known to be involved in fermentation processes. However, their presence in the tubers raises concerns about potential negative fermentation or spoilage of the tiger nuts. Additionally, Candida tropicalis has been reported as a pathogen in individuals with weakened immune systems.
The findings of this study provide valuable information regarding the diversity of endophytic fungi that can be isolated from tiger nuts. Further research is recommended to investigate the specific roles of these fungi and their implications for tiger nut quality, safety, and fermentation processes. Understanding the interactions between endophytic fungi and tiger nuts will contribute to improved management practices and ensure the safe consumption of this popular plant.