Discovery of Fungi Supplementary with Some Spices Collected from Iraqi Markets

Abstract

The mycoflora  association of  10 spices (Coriander, Black cumin, Fennel, Bay leaf, Sumac, Cardamom, Clove, Sesame, Cinnamon  and Caraway) were purchased randomly from different places of many local markets in Iraq. the Mycoflora of selected spices was isolated by Agar Plate Method used Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). The maximum percentage of infected samples was found in Coriander and Fennel While the lowest percentage was found in Cardamom..The species of fungi that were isolated belonged to fourteen (10) genera (Aspergillus niger , A.flavus ,  A.  aculeatus, Alternaria alternate, A.  solani ,  Rhizopus oryzae , R. stolonifer, R. nodosus, R. arrhizus , Fusarium culumorum, F. solani,Penicillium spp , Phoma sp, Gliocladium sp,Mucor hiemalis,  Colletotrichum dematium, Ulocladium botrytis). A. niger and A. flavus were more frequently detected than other genera of fungi. A. niger was found in all examined spices and medicinal plant samples except Sumac  while, A. flavus was found in all examined spices except Black cumin and Cinnamon.Other species of fungi were isolated from different spices samples, were also frequently improved.The equal of mycoflora connected in spices propose a essential for regulator in all features of the production , dispensation and practice of these spices from decay and food diseases outstanding to contamination of spices.

Keywords: Spice, Fungi, Potato Dextrose Agar, Contamination, Iraqi