Post-harvest fungal quality of selected chewing sticks

OBJECTIVE: To study post-harvest fungal overgrowth on chewing sticks used for oral hygiene measures and role of disinfection. METHODS: The post-harvest fungal spoilage of chewing sticks (Garcinia kola, Glyphea brevis and Azadirachta indica) was investigated by subjecting the chewing sticks to different preparatory methods (some disinfected in 0.7% sodium hypochlorite before storage), storage conditions (unsealed or sealed in clear polythene) and different storage periods (2, 3 and 4 weeks). RESULTS: Significant differences (P = 0.05) in mean percentage fungal colonization were dependent on plant type and storage period, but not on preparative methods and storage conditions. There were, however, significant interactions between chewing sticks and preparative methods, storage conditions and storage periods, respectively. Azadirachta indica was observed to be more susceptible to post-harvest spoilage organisms than other test plants. Generally, percentage fungal colonization increased with increase in storage period. Four genera, Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Mucor spp. and Botryodiplodia spp., were implicated with post-harvest colonization of chewing sticks after 4 weeks of storage. CONCLUSION: The use of harvested chewing sticks after prolonged storage period is therefore not advisable for oral hygiene measures.