Ogara, I.M.Ajayi, Folorunso A.Ombugadu, J.M.A.2023-12-112023-12-112008-11-11Ogara I. M1., Ajayi F.A1. and Ombugadu, J. M. A2 1. Dept. of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, PMB 135, Lafia, Nigeria 2. Nasarawa state Ministry of Agriculture and natural Resources, produce Division, Akwamga, Nasarawa State, Nigeriahttps://keffi.nsuk.edu.ng/handle/20.500.14448/3041A study was carried out to determine fungi associated with deterioration of shelled egusi melon sold in markets of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Six markets where egusi melon are predominatly sold were randomly sampled to evaluate for infection with fungi, on hand and mechanically shelled seeds, showing signs of spoilage. Five retailers were randomly selected in each marketed and from each retailer 170g of seed (one tin can of evaporated milk used as a unit of measure) of both hand and mechanically shelled egusi seeds were purchased. Each sample was screened physically, to assess for spoilage, and categorized into normal, colour loss and stained seeds representing healthy, injured and infected seeds, respectively. Determination of associated fungi was done through culture technique in a completely randomized design replicated five times. Ten fungal species were identified: Aspergillus fumigatus, A. flavus, A. niger, A.sp., Microsporum audoini, M. Sypseum, Phialophora vercucossa, Trichoderma rubrum, Mucor sp. and Penicillium spp. The occurrence of mycotoxin producing fungi Aspergillus flavus and A. fumigatus as well as others, means that care must be taken to maintain quality of Egusi melon seeds as it is very popular and major soup ingredient all over Nigeria. The health implications of these mycotoxin producing agents were also discussed.enungi, Egusi melon, Citrullus lanatus, postharvest.Article