Abstract
Despite the economic importance of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), it suffers infestation from toxigenic fungi leading to its contaminations thereby reducing the nutritional contents. Therefore, this study investigated the associated toxigenic mycoflora and nutritional composition of Peanut seeds sold in ten (10) markets in Niger State, Nigeria. Thirty-six (36) samples of peanuts seeds were collected across the three Agricultural zones of Niger State, namely Bida, Mokwa (Zone I), Minna, Shiroro (Zone II), Kotongora, and
Rafi (Zone III), respectively. Isolation of fungus species were done using dilution of 104 factor on PDA. Proximate composition analysis was done following standard procedures. Ninety-three (93) fungal isolates
were identified, belonging to number of genera: Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium respectively. The highest was isolated from Bida samples (27.48%), while the least was obtained from Shiroro samples (7.27%). Significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in the proximate composition of Peanut seeds across all the study areas. The highest percentages in moisture contents, Crude fat, Protein, and Carbohydrate were obtained, from Shiroro (4.64%), Mokwa (47.24%), Kotangora (22.15%) and Shiroro (29.27%) samples, respectively, while the least percentage was obtained from Minna (2.46%), Shiroro (41.6%), Kotangora (18.48%) and Rafi (23.37%) respectively. The result indicates that the majorities of fungi isolated from this research were mostly toxigenic moulds and may have a direct impact on its nutritional contents. Therefore, improved management of these oil-rich seeds will enhance the high-quality product and reduce the risk of health challenges that go with consuming contaminated peanut products.