GENETIC DIVERSITY OF MYCOTOXIGENIC MOLDS ASSOCIATED WITH CEREALS IN KARAMOJA SUB-REGION, UGANDA

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dc.contributor.authorODONGO, SOLOMON OTIM
dc.date.accessioned2026-11-02T08:53:15Z
dc.date.available2026-11-02T08:53:15Z
dc.date.issued2026
dc.description.abstractABSTRACT Mycotoxin contamination in cereals severely threatens food safety, community health, and economic security in sub-Saharan Africa, with the semi-arid Karamoja sub-region of Uganda being particularly vulnerable due to its climate and high rates of malnutrition. This research was mainly to determine the genetic diversity of mycotoxigenic fungal species in staple cereals maize, sorghum, and millet across Karamoja to understand the underlying drivers of contamination. A cross-sectional survey of 108 grain samples from six districts revealed an alarming contamination prevalence of 94%, with only 6% of samples being mold-free. Maize was the most susceptible crop (33% of contaminated samples), followed by sorghum (31%) and millet (28%). Contamination was pervasive across all districts, with Kotido and Karenga exhibiting 100% prevalence. Molecular identification, utilizing PCR amplification of the gene EF-1α and Sanger sequencing, identified Aspergillus species as the predominant genus, constituting over 70% of isolates. A. flavus and A. niger contributed the highest proportion of species, with A. oryzae also being prevalent. Fusarium species accounted for 22% of isolates, while Penicillium and Alternaria were minor constituents. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a great genetic similarity within the A. flavus and other isolates, indicating a homogenous population capable of colonizing all three cereal types regardless of the district of origin. The study concludes that cereals in Karamoja are extensively contaminated with genetically stable, potentially mycotoxigenic fungi, with maize bearing the highest burden. These findings underscore an urgent need for integrated pre and post-harvest management strategies, targeted farmer education, and enhanced food safety monitoring to mitigate mycotoxin exposure, improve food security, and safeguard the health of the Karamoja population.
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14270/1110
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherGULU UNIVERSITY
dc.subjectGENETIC
dc.subjectDIVERSITY
dc.subjectMYCOTOXIGENIC MOLDS
dc.subjectCEREALS
dc.titleGENETIC DIVERSITY OF MYCOTOXIGENIC MOLDS ASSOCIATED WITH CEREALS IN KARAMOJA SUB-REGION, UGANDA
dc.typeThesis

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