Many strains of fungi are known to produce mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin, ochratoxin A, patulin and alternaria toxins which are secondary metabolites released into foods and food products. The incidence of these metabolites in foods especially fruits is of great human health concern due to its toxigenic potentials even at low dose levels. Of greater concerns is the consumers' attitude toward the consumption of these fruits, particularly in the areas we studied. The major aim of this research was therefore, to determine the prevalence of fungi associated with ripe, over-ripe and rotten fruits and the consumers' responses using structured questionnaire as well as empirical laboratory analysis. The fungal analysis of the vended ripe and overripe fruits was studied using standard analytical methods. Results show that fungi isolated from the fruits were Aspergillus niger, which is a potent producer of mycotoxin (37%), Fusarium sp. (8%), Mucor mucedo (18%), Aspergillus fumigatus (13%), Mucor sp. (11%), Aspergillus flavus (5%), Penicillium digitatum (4%), Rhizopus stolonifer (3%) and Phytophthora sp. (2%) in that order. This indicates that these fungi species are of economic and public health significance as they are capable of producing toxic compounds in fruits. The toxic substances can result to food poisoning or intoxication if consumed. High poverty level and lack of awareness that over-ripe fruits provide good ground for the growth and production of toxin-laden fungi are the leading factors responsible for many people eating overripe fruits according to our questionnaire. The questionnaire analyses also show that many people are unaware of the dangers associated with the consumption of over-ripe fruits. The results of this work could be used as added material for educating the masses about the dangers of consuming toxigenic materials especially unwholesome fruits.

This study elucidates the susceptibility of leaf and seed extract of Carica papaya on mosquito population breeding in rice fields. The study was conducted in Bida, Niger State using two rice fields sampled for two weeks. Mosquito immature stages (Larvae) were used throughout for the experiment. The leaf and seed extract of Carica papaya were prepared on instars and evaluated Larva stages were evaluated in the laboratory. Mosquito instars larvae stages (L3-L4) were exposed to a concentration of 10mg/ml, 20mg/ml, 30mg/ml, 40mg/ml, and 50mg/ml of each prepared Larvicide, (Leave and seed extract of Carica papaya) within 24hours, the percentage mean survival of the Larvae were recorded. At a concentration of 10mg/ml, 100% of the Larvae died within 3 to 12hours of exposure to seed and leave extract of Carica papaya. The mosquito growth and development were inhibited. However, both the leave and seed of Carica papaya can be used to control mosquito breeding in anthropogenic habitats of which the seed of Carica papaya is the most effective, especially in rice fields. Contribution/Originality:The study contributes to existing literature by the ways to control mosquito larvae infested farmlands using Carica papaya seeds extract. It employs sequential estimation formula which determines the concentration of extracts which mosquito larvae are susceptible. INTRODUCTIONMosquito are the most important vectors of pathogenic organisms. Understanding the spatiotemporal distribution of risk for mosquito-borne infections is an important step in planning and implementing effective control measures [1]. Based on fossil evidence, it is estimated that mosquitoes may have originated in the early tertiary period, some 70 million years ago or even earlier. Mosquitoes, because of their biting nuisance and their role in transmission of deadly human disease organisms are extremely important insects belonging to the Family Culicidae in the Order Diptera [2]. Mosquitoes can colonize a very diverse aquatic habitat types in terms of size and nature, including ponds, swamps, river and stream banks, salt water marshes, polluted water in septic tanks, rock pools, tree holes, discarded domestic containers, discarded tires, plant axils and pitcher plants, rice fields, etc.[3]. Mosquitoes are important vectors of several tropical diseases in humans; including malaria, filariasis, and numerous viral diseases, such as dengue, dengue hemorrhagic fever, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis. An estimated two billion people world-wide live in areas where these diseases are endemic [2].

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by many species of fungi. They are natural contaminants of food (feed) commodities where they cause significant risks to human and animal health. In this work, some food items; Roasted Groundnut Kernel, Dried smoked fish, Grounded melon, Ogbono (Irvingia gabonensis) and Date palm fruits were directly cultured on modified PDA (Chloramphenicol; 0.1g/l and Cycloheximide; 0.5mg/ml) and the respective food-associated molds were isolated and identified microscopically by the use of Lacto-phenol cotton blue for their morphological characterisation. The results showed the presence of Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus, Mucor, Fusarium and Cladosporium with Cladosporium having the highest occurrence in Melon flour (38%) followed by Aspergillus spp. on ground nut (25%) and Mucor spp. having the lowest on cashew nuts (5%). The presence of indicator organisms such as Aspergillus (A. flavus and A. parasiticus) renders foods potentially unwholesome because of the likelihood production of one of the most poisonous mycotoxins (aflatoxin). Poor storage, moisture conditions cause growth and production of unacceptable aflatoxin levels. Some foods are consumed without further processing or under processed. Based on our study, proper food drying and protection from spores are recommended safety preventive measures. This research should create awareness on the dangers associated with the consumption of such food materials especially the ready-to-eat ones.