IIARD International Institute of Academic Research and Development

International Journal of Agriculture and Earth Science (IJAES )

E- ISSN 2489-0081
P- ISSN 2695-1894
VOL. 8 NO. 2 2022

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Nutrient Quality Assessment and Post Harvest Fungi of Bush Cherry (Maesobotrya barteri) fruit found in Rivers State

Agbagwa S. S., Chuku E. C., Emiri U. N. and Elekwachi, P. S.

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Abstract

Research on nutrient quality and post-harvest fungi of bush cherry (Mesobotrya barteri)fruit was carried out in the Department of Plant Science and biotechnology, Rivers State University. Parameters assessed were proximate, mineral and vitamin compositions of the fruit. Highest and lowest values of proximate composition was recorded for moisture (85.65+0.55%) and fibre (1.45+0.05%) respectively. Highest value was recorded for calcium (88.5+0.5mg/100g) while sodium gave the lowest value (6.6+0.1mg/100g). Vitamin C content was highest (252.5+2.5mg/100g) whereas vitamin A recorded lowest value (0.1+0.00mg/100g). Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycoside, tannin, oxalate, saponin, carotenoid, polyphenol, lignant and flavonoid at varying concentrations. Two fungal organisms (Candida sp and Saccharomycessp) were isolated from spoilt M. barteri fruit. Highest incidence of 60% was recorded for Saccharomyces sp whereas Candida sp had lowest incidence (40%).

keywords:

Bush cherry (Maesobotrya barteri), nutrient quality and post-harvest fungi

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