[01] Elaigwu Matthew, Department of Integrated Science, College of Education, Oju, Benue State, Nigeria. [02] Hyacinth Ocheigwu Apeh Oluma, Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. [03] Dennis Isa Ochokwunu, Department of Biology, College of Education, Oju, Benue State, Nigeria. [04] Christopher Oche Eche, Department of Crop and Environmental Protection, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria. [05] Joseph Olalekan Olasan, Department of Botany, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.

Storage of sesame is increasingly becoming important among the growers and users of the crop in Benue state, north central Nigeria. The aim is to sell the produce and maximize benefits/ or for evacuation for export markets. These envisaged advantages often fail due to fungi and its attendant aflatoxin contamination. This study aimed to determine aflatoxin production in Sesame storage in Benue State, Nigeria. Four samples were collected each from four different markets within each of the six surveyed LGA resulting in a total of 96 samples. Markets from selected local government areas were identified through local government departments’ of agriculture and traditional authorities. Using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses; the fraction for the total aflatoxin was subjected to a specific column chromatographic clean up. HPLC analysis revealed four types of aflatoxin viz: AFB₁, AFB₂, AFG₁, and AFG₂ respectively. AFB₁ had the highest frequency of occurrence and the levels were: AFB₁ =3.95-11.75µg/kg, AFB₂= 0.00-2.35µg/kg; AFG₁= 0.00-2.06 µg/kg; AFG₂=0.00-1.47µg/kg respectively. These values were above the European Union Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) of 2 µg/kg for aflatoxin B₁ and 4 µg/kg for total aflatoxin. In conclusion, considering the benefits of sesame, it is recommended that they should source for other type of crops that are not highly susceptible to aflatoxin and also several treatments are be applied to reduce the levels of contamination in sesame before its utilization for safety purposes.

Sesame Sesamum indicum, Aflatoxin Level, Contamination, Safety

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