Mycoflora of copra and effect of brining on some properties of copra in Nigeria

Abstract

Mycoflora of copra cultivars and effect of brining on the preservation of the product was investigated. Brining at 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% concentrations irrespective of the cultivar, had no significant effect on the total oil contents of the copra, total free fatty acid and iodine value but significantly affected the severity of infection of the mycoflora. Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus Flavus and Rhizopus stolonifer were isolated from the copra cultivars and were found to reduce total oil content, and increased the free fatty acid and iodine value of the oil, indicating deteriorative processes of the oil. Brining increased the acceptability of the taste but reduced the weights of the copra. Similarly, the acceptability of the physical characteristics was generally reduced by brining irrespective of time and cultivar used. In general, 10% brine concentration and reduced time of dipping (6 hours) appears to hold promise for the preservation of copra. Other recommendations are also addressed.

Evaluation of Pathogenic Microorganisms that Cause Onion Bulb Rots in Selected Markets in Abuja, Nigeria

“…However, the present investigation indicates that the aforementioned fungi were associated with deterioration of onion bulbs. This agrees with the findings of [3,4] that fungi constitute a menace in the storage of many agricultural commodities including fruits, vegetables and nuts. Finding also showed that all the isolated bacteria were also found to be pathogenic, the highest among of the bacteria in terms of the size of rot is Pseudomonas spp.…”

“…Fungal and bacterial isolates from the study are similar to those of [4], who also isolated Aspergillus niger, Rhizopus stolonifer and Fusarium oxysporum from the rotten onion bulbs sold at five different markets in Sokoto, Nigeria, [3,5] also implicated fungi as contaminants of many agricultural commodities including onions. Also [6] reported Aspergillus niger as the causative agent of black mold rot of onions while [7], isolated Enterobacter species, Pseudomonas species, Escherichia coli from rotten onion bulbs sold in Uyo Metropolis, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria.…”

“…The method [3] was employed. The bulbs were stripped of their outer dry scales and the surface was sterilized in 1% Sodium hypochlorite solution for 60 sec.…”

Effects of Extraction Method on the Physicochemical and Mycological Qualities of <i>Canarium Schweinfurthii</i> Fruit Oil

“…Therefore, the application of cleaning, brining and aseptic handling that characterised the improved fermentation method lowered fungi contamination and growth in the oil. This agrees with the finding of Dimkpa, and Onuegbu, (2010) that cleaning and brine disinfection protocols had no significant effect on the total oil contents of the copra, total free fatty acid and iodine value but significantly affected the severity of infection of the mycoflora. Similarly, Onuegbu and Ihuanne (1994) reported reduction in growth of A. niger, Penicillium spp.…”

“…Similarly, studies on the effect of extractions methods on quality of vegetable oils had reported alteration in chemical composition and oxidative stability of the oil (Hopia, 1993;Vekiari et al, 2002;Dimkpa and Onuegbu, 2010;Tasan et al, 2011). Fundamentally, in this study the obvious variation in the extraction methods centered on the applications of conditions that improved quality of Also processing steps such as decanting had been reported to be responsible for high acidity in olive oils (Vaz -Freire et al, 2008).…”