Effect of aspergillus infestation on nutritional value of chickpea seeds

Chickpea seeds are rich source of proteins and consumed as food and fodder. Chickpea seeds are contaminated with various fungi during storage. Fungi are the widespread pathogen and the rate of seed deterioration is noteworthy for the food industry. Association of mycoflora during storage is a common problem and the most dominant genera were Aspergillus. Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, A. quericinus, A. Oryzae, and A. nidulans are major Aspergillus species recovered from selected chickpea varieties. Fungal infestation affects seedling growths as well as reduction in nutritive values was also observed during investigation. During investigation decrease in dry weight, protein, carbohydrate and starch content was recorded.