THE USE OF CHERRY (Chrysophyllum albidum) SEED AS A CULTURE MEDIUM FOR THE GROWTH OF SOME FUNGI

Abstract

This study evaluated the use cherry (Chrysophyllum albidum) seed as a culture medium. Proximate analysis of cherry seed cotyledon showed the presence of carbohydrates, protein, fats, moisture, fibre and trace ash. Defatted cherry seed cotyledons were evaluated as a component of microbiological medium for the growth of Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium notatum and Candida albicans. The cherry extract medium was supplemented with glucose, and compared with two commercially prepared potato dextrose agar (LAB M and Oxoid). From the cherry extract medium supplemented with glucose (CEG), Rhizopus stolonifer had the highest colony count and diametric growth of 94±0.70 Cfu/ml and 7.2±0.10 mm respectively. This was followed by Aspergillus niger and Penicillium notatum. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans showed lower colony counts and diametric growth, indicating poor growth. The formulated cherry seed medium was found to be very efficient in the growth of R. stolonifer and A. niger, where 100% efficiency was observed when compared with Lab M potato dextrose agar. The study demonstrated the importance of utilizing locally available plant materials for culture preparation in isolation and enumeration of fungi.