First report on Basidiomycota fungi in sorghum and millet from Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

Trametes species are mushroom fungi with several biotechnological applications. This includes decolourisation of wastewater from olive mill and elimination of endocrine-disrupting hormones.This study reports the presence of two Trametesspecies, namely Trametespolyzona and Trametesvillosa from the phylumBasidiomycota in sorghum and milletvended inSouthwest Nigeria. These fungal isolates were identified culturally and further identified through phylogenetic characterisation. Trametessp occurred in 10% of sorghum samples and 20% of millet samples. The two species were morphologically similar but distantly related phylogenetically. Most fungal species present in cereal crops belong to the division Ascomycota. However, two Trametesspecies belonging to division Basidiomycota are being reported for the first time in cereal crops.Trametessp can be harnessed for their health benefits such as the treatment of cancer and the reduction of viral activity in humans.