Isolation and cultivation of fungi with agrowastes formulated media

This experiment was performed to test the suitability of agro waste in media formulation for fungi cultivation. Yam glucose agar (YGA), plantain glucose agar (PGA) and pineapple broth (PB) were prepared and used in comparison to a well-known commercial fungi growth medium (PDA). The formulated media supported the growth of fungi species by exposure to the environment and seeding technique. Eleven fungi species were isolated with the formulated media and are Neurospora crassa, Asteromyces cruciatus, Thysanophora longispora, Cylindrocarpon spp, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride, Penicillium italicum, Aspergillus parasiticus, Gonatobotrys sp, Chrysosporium sp, Cephalosporium sp. Seeding of Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus and Trichoderma viride on the formulated media also grew within three days. Antifungal activity of two plants extracts and nystatin using the formulated media was also carried out in comparison with PDA. Susceptibility of test fungi on the formulated media was comparable to potato dextrose agar. Formulated medium with pineapple on addition of agar agar did not attain solidification and therefore was converted to broth culture and as well supported the growth of fungi species.