DR. Segun Gbolagade JONATHAN

Academic and Professional Qualifications B.Sc., M.Sc. Microbiology PhD Mycology (Ibadan)

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Area of Specialization: Food, Industrial & Environmental Mycology

Office Room 8, Department of Botany & Microbiology, University of Ibadan.

Tel: +2348164746758

Contact: [email protected] [email protected]

Dissertation and Thesis Physiological studies on some yeast strains associated with cocoa beans fermentation B.Sc,project 1991) Production of acetone and butanol from microorganisms (M.Sc Long Essay & Seminar,1994) Nutritional requirements of Volvariella esculenta,(Mass)Singer,a Nigerian fungus (M.Sc.dissertation,1994) Vegetative growth requirements and antimicrobial activities of some higher fungi from Nigeria (Ph.D thesis , 2002)

Membership of Learned Societies Science Association of Nigeria (Member) Mycological Society of Nigeria (Member) Botanical Society of Nigeria ( Member) Microbiology Association of Nigeria (Member) Mushroom Growers’ Association of Nigeria ( Secretary) Mycological Society of America (Member) American Society for Microbiology (Member) Nigerian Field Society (Member) African Mycological Society (Member)

Details of Teaching Experience at University level: (a) Undergraduate Courses Units BOT 141 Basic Principles of Botany 3 BIO 211 Introductory Genetics and Cell Physiology 3 BIO 221 General Microbiology 1 3 BIO 222 General Microbiology II 3

BOT 361 Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 3 BOT 321 Mycology 3 BIO 314 Plant Pathology 3 MBIO 305 Microbiological Techniques 2 MBIO 309 Food Microbiology 2 BOT 421 Fungal Physiology & Metabolism 3 BOT 461 Plant & Cell Biochemistry 3 MBIO 424 Epidemiology& Public Health Microbiology 3 BOT 462 Plant Physiology 3 BOT 463 Introductory Mushroom Growing Technology 3

(b) Postgraduate Courses Units BOT/MIC 701 M Sc. Research Project 6 BOT/MIC 702 Postgraduate Seminar & Literature Review 3 BOT/MIC 720 Advanced Mycology 4 BOT 721 Fungi in human environment 4 BOT 722 Fungal biotechnology & Applied mycology 4 BOT 760 Instrumentation techniques in plant physiology 4 BOT 761 Special topics in cell physiology 3 BOT 762 Environmental soil biology 3 BOT 763 Mushroom growing biotechnology 3 MBIO 806 Environmental Microbiology 3

(C) Project Supervision Undergraduate Students Supervised 47 Masters Project Students Supervised 20 Master students (Under Supervision) 5 Ph D under Supervision 4

(d) University and Departmental Duties: Departmental Examination coordinator (2008 - date) Coordinator of Final Year Departmental results (2003 – 2005) Coordinator, Final Year Research Projects (2004-2005) Member, Departmental Postgraduate Committee (2005 to date) Sub-Dean, Undergraduate, Faculty of Science (2004 - 2006) Coordinator, Faculty Registration of Students (2004 – 2006) Member, Faculty of Science Board of Studies (2002 – 2006) Member, Faculty of Science Curriculum Committee (2000 – 2005) Congregation Representative in University Senate (2001 – 2005,2008 - date) Member, Senate Committee on Center for External Studies (2001 - 2002) Member ,Senate Committee on Honorary Degrees & Fellowship (2001- 2002)

Member, Business Committee of University of Ibadan Senate (2002 - 2004) Member, Senate Development committee ( 2003-2004) Senate Representative on Court of Governor College of Medicines (2010-date) Congregation Representative in Senior staff Housing committee (2009-date )

Research (Completed)

(a) Requirements for vegetative growth and fruit bodies production of Nigerian edible fungi

Growth requirements of selected Nigerian edible fungi (Volvariella esculenta,V.bombycina,Tricholoma lobayensis,Lentinus squarrosulus,Pleurotus tuber-regium,P.forida and Auricularia polyticha) were studied with the aim of obtaining optima physico-chemical conditions which could enhance their cultivation locally. Phytohormones such is Gibberrellic acid (GA3), 2, 4 dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4D) and Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) in varying concentrations were found to stimulate vegetative growth of the tested fungi. Likewise, simple organic, inorganic and complex carbon and nitrogen compounds as well as various mineral elements and vitamins enhanced the growth of these macro fungi. Various agro industrial wastes were found to enhanced different degree of fruit body production

(b)Nutritional Values of Nigerian edible macro fungi and microorganisms affecting their cultures

Attempts were made to investigate the food values and mineral element compositions of Nigerian macro fungi. The results of these studies showed that they are rich food containing protein, ethanol soluble sugars, glycogen and dietary fibres. These edible fungi were also found to contain essential mineral elements (Ca, Mg, K, S, Zn, Fe, S and P) needed for normal functioning and metabolism of the body. Besides, tissue culture of sporophores of these edible fungi is required to establish the mycelial starter cultures, which will act like “seeds” in mushroom cultivation. The weed microorganisms which usually attack this stage were isolated and characterized and, ways of preventing or controlling them were suggested.

This research which started in 2001 was aimed at obtaining information on medicinal properties of Nigerians mushrooms. The studies established that many Nigerian higher fungi growing in the wild possessed antimicrobial values. The consumption of these mushrooms will confer natural protections

3 against common disease causing microorganisms. The results of these investigations showed that Nigerian higher fungi are potential therapeutic drugs.

(d) Nutritional evaluation, mycobiota and bacteria associated with ‘dodo Ikire

‘Dodo Ikire’ (plantain snack) is a local convenience food being consumed mostly by Yoruba people of South Western Nigeria. It is sold by mobile food vendors in market places or hawked around major road to gain attention of buyers. Evaluation of microflora of this locally sold convenience food and its proximate compositions were determined. The results as presented in paper 3 showed that ‘dodo Ikire’ is rich in sugars, lipids, protein and essential mineral elements. Medically important microorganisms were also isolated and characterized from the locally made ‘dodo Ikire’ and their implications on the health of consumers were outlined.

B. Current Research Interest

I. Biodegradation of Wastes Agro-industrial wastes constitute major problems to our environment. Waste disposal facilities are grossly inadequate in Nigeria. Some of these wastes are being disposed off by burning which further affect our environment adversely. In these studies, agro-industrial wastes such as paper wastes, sawdust, cotton wastes, rice straw, cassava peels and maize straw are being biodegraded by activities of microorganisms especially fungi. Various wastes were screen for the cultivation of edible mushrooms. The spent mushroom composts and other products of solid state fermentation will be utilized as animal feeds, organic fertilizers and other useful products.

II. Studies on biomass and exo-polysaccharide production by Nigerian fungi Fungal biomass and exo-polysaccharrides have been found to be important for several purposes. (i) They are used as food or protein supplements (ii) They could be used as flavours (iii) They are used for wound treatments. The present studies are being embarked upon to determine physico-chemical properties which are required for the production of mycelial biomass and exo-polysaccharrides from Nigerian macro fungi most especially Nigerian mushrooms.The studies are presently on Pleurotus tuber- regium,P.ostreatus,Lentinus squar-rosulus and Volvariela bombycina This research is being supported by University of Ibadan Senate research grant

III. Mycobiology and mycotoxins detection in Nigerian local foods A survey of fungi and aflatoxins they produced is being carried out on stored Nigerian food such as edible fungi ,fermented dried yam,cassava,sweet

potato & banana chips (‘gbodo’,’garri’ ,‘elubo ogede’and ‘elubo anomo’) onion,suya spices, 'aadun' ‘robo' and giant guava. These studies are carried out using postgraduate project students in conjunction with other staff of the University and other universities in Nigeria

Publications (a) Books published 1. Fasidi, I. O.; Kadiri, M.; Jonathan, S. G.; Adenipekun, C. O. and Kuforiji, O. O. (2008). Cultivation of tropical Mushrooms.Ibadan University Press.(Nigeria) 2. Ajayi, E. J. and Jonathan, S. G. (2004). Plants pests and diseases-An Approach to control methods. J O S. Nig Ltd .152 pp (Nigeria)

(b) Articles published in referred Journals 3. Fasidi, I. O. and S. G. Jonathan (1994). Growth requirements of Volvariella esculenta (Mass) Singer,. A Nigerian edible mushroom. Chemie Microbiologie. Technology Lebensmtel 16 (5/6) (151 – 155) (Germany ) 4. Jonathan, S. G. and Fasidi, I. O. (2000). Studies on requirements for vegetative growth of Lepiota procera(Fr.)S.F Gray,a Nigerian mushroom. Bulletin of Science Association of Nigeria 23:183-188 (Nigeria, 80%) 5. Jonathan, S. G. and Olowolafe, T. B. (2001). Studies on nutrient contents and microorganisms associated with ‘dodo Ikire’ a plantain snack from Western Nigeria.Nigerian Society for Experimental Biology Journal (NISEB). 1(1):27 – 30 (Nigeria ) 6. Jonathan, S. G. and Fasidi, I. O. (2001). Effect of carbon, nitrogen and mineral sources on growth of Psathyrella atroumbonata ,Pegler. A Nigerian edible mushroom. Food Chemistry. 72:479 -483(Britain ) 7. Jonathan, S. G. and Fasidi, I. O. (2001). Studies on Phytohormones, vitamins and mineral element requirements of Lentinus subnudus and Schizophyllum commune from Nigeria. Food Chemistry .75; 303 – 307 (Britain) 8. Jonathan, S. G. and Fasidi, I. O. (2003). Studies on Psathyeralla atroumbonata (Pegler), a Nigerian edible fungus. Food Chemistry. 81:481 – 484 (Britain) 9. Jonathan, S. G. and Fasidi, I. O. (2003). Physiological studies on Schizophllum commune (Fr. Ex. Fr.). A Nigerian mushroom. Bioscience Research Comm. 15.( 1): 15 – 22 (Nigeria ) 10. Jonathan, S. G. and Fasidi, I. O. (2003). Requirements for vegetative growth of Tricholoma lobayensis (Heim), A Nigerian edible fungus. Advances in Food Science. 25(3.):. 91 – 95 (Germany) 11. Jonathan, S. G.; Fasidi, I. O. and Odebode, A. C. (2003). Temperature, pH. phytohormones and vitamin requirements of Lepiota

procera (Fr.) S. F. Gray, A Nigerian edible macro-fungus. Advances in Food Science .25 (.3):. 87 – 90 (German) 12. Jonathan, S. G. and Fasidi, I. O. (2003). Antimicrobial activities of Lycoperdon pusilum (Bat. Ex.) and Lycoperdon giganteum (Pers.), Nigerian edible macro fungi. African Journal Biomedical Research.6 (2):.88 – 90 (Nigeria) 13. Jonathan, S. G.; Fasidi, I. O. and Ajayi, E. J. (2004). Physico-chemical studies on Volvariella esculenta (Mass) Singer, A Nigerian edible fungus. Food Chemistry. .85: 339 – 342 (Britain) 14. Jonathan Gbolagade (2005). Bacteria associated with cultures of Psathyrella atrombonata (Pegler),and Schizophyllum commune (Fr.Ex.Fr),Nigerian edible mushrooms. Acta Phytopathologica. Et Entomologica Hungarica. 40 :( 2-3), 333-340 (Hungary) 15. Jonathan Gbolagade and Ishola Fasidi (2005). Antimicrobial activities of some selected Nigerian mushrooms .African Journal of Biomedical Sciences.8 (2):83-87 (Nigeria) 16. Sobowale, A. A.; Cardwell, K. F; Odebode, A. C.; R. Bandyopadhyay ,R and Jonathan, S. G. (2005). Growth Inhibition of Fusarium verticillioides by Isolates of Trichoderma Pseudokoningii Strains from maize parts and its rhizosphere .Journal of Plant Protection.45 ( 4).273-289 ( Poland) 17. Gbolagade, J. S.; Fasidi, I. O.; Ajayi, E. J. and Sobowale, A. A.(2006). Effect of physico-chemical factors and semi-synthetic media on vegetative growth of Lentinus subnudus (Berk.), an edible mushroom from Nigeria. Food Chemistry. 99:742-747 (Britain) 18. Gbolagade J. S. (2006). Bacteria associated with compost used for cultivation of Nigerian edible Mushrooms: Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fr.) Singer, and Lentinus squarrosulus (Berk.).African Journal of Biotechnology.5 (4) :338-342 (Kenya) 19. Adenipekun, C. O. and Gbolagade J. S. (2006) Nutritional requirements of Pleurotus florida(,Mont) Singer, a Nigerian Mushroom. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 5(6): 597-600. (Pakistan) 20. Jonathan Gbolagade, Ayodele Sobowale, and Damilola Adejoye, (2006). Optimization of submerged culture conditions for biomass production in Pleurotus florida (Mont) Singer, A Nigerian edible fungus. African Journal of Biotechnology 5 (16):464-469 (Kenya) 21. Jonathan Gbolagade; Adetola Ajayi; Ikpebivie Oku, and Donbebe Wankasi (2006). Nutritive value of common wild edible mushrooms from southern Nigeria. Global Journal of Biotechnology and Biochemistry 1(1):16-21 (Pakistan). 22. Jonathan Gbolagade (2006). The effect of different nutrient sources on biomass production of Lepiota procera grown in submerged liquid culture. African Journal of Biotechnology. 5(12): 1246-1249 (Kenya) 23. Sobowale, A. A, Cardwell, K. F.; Odebode, A. C.; Brandyopadhyay and S. G. Jonathan (2007). Persistense of Trichoderma species within

maize stem against Fusarium verticillioides .Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection.40:3 215-231 (Germany) 24. Taiye Fasola, Jonathan Gbolagade and Ishola.Fasidi (2007). Nutritional requirements of Volvariella speciosa (Fr. Ex. Fr.) Singer, a Nigerian edible mushroom. .Food Chemistry. 100( 3) : 904-908 (Britain). 25. Jonathan, S. G. Kigigha , L. T. and Ohimain E. (2008). Evaluation of the Inhibitory potentials of eight edible higher Nigerian fungi against pathogenic Microorganisms. African Journal of Biomedical Research 11:195-200 (Nigeria) 26. Jonathan, S. G; Fasidi, I. O; Ajayi, A. O. and Adegeye, A ( 2008). Biodegradation of Nigerian wood wastes by Pleurotus tuber-regium (Fries) Singer. Bioresource Technology 99:807-811 (England) 27. Jonathan, S. G.; Odebode, A. C. and Bawo, D. D. S. (2008).Studies on collection and proximate compositions of Phallus indusiatus( Vent.Ex) Pers,A Nigerian higher fungus. World Journal of Agricultural Sciences 4( 1):18-229 (Pakistan) 28. Ajayi, I. A.; Jonathan, S. G.; Adewuyi, A. and Oderinde, R. A. (2008). Antimicrobial screening of the essential oil of some herbal plants from western Nigeria. World Applied Sciences Journal 3(1):79-81 (Pakistan) 29. Elijah I. Ohimain, Gbolagade Jonathan and Steve O. Abah(2008) Variations in Heavy Metal Concentrations Following the Dredging of an Oil Well Access Canal in the Niger Delta Advances in Biological Research 2 (5-6): 97-103 (Pakistan) 30. Jonathan, S. G.; Bawo, D. D. S; Adejoye, D. O. and Briyai, O. F. (2009). Studies on biomass production in Auricularia polytricha collected from Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. American Journal of Applied Sciences (6(1):182-186 (USA) 31. Akinfemi, A, Babayemi, O. J. and Jonathan, S. G. (2009). Bioconversion of maize husk into value added ruminant feed by using white-rot fungus. Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola 9 No. 4 972-978 (Chile) 32. Sobowale, A. A.; Jonathan, S. G., Odu, B. O. Ayansina, A. D. V. and Ojikutu, T. K. (2010). Trichoderma longibrachiatum as an antagonist of Botrydiplodia theobroma .Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection. 43 (5):479-484 ( Germany) 33. Sobowale, A. A; Odebode, A. C.; Cardwelf K. F. ; R. Brandyopadhyay; R and Jonathan, S. G. (2010).Antagonistic potential of Trichoderma longibractihiatum and T.hermatum resident in Maize (Zea Mays) plant against Fusarium verticilliodes(Nirenberg) isolated from rotting maize stem.Archives of Phytopathology and Plant Protection 43 (8):744-753 (Germany) 34. Jonathan, S. G; Akinfemi, A. and Adenipekun, C. O. (2010). Biodegradation and invitro digestibility of maize husks treated with

edible fungi (Pleurotus tuber-regium and Lentinus subnudus) from Nigeria. Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry(EJEAFche) 9(4):742-750 (Spain) . 35. Jonathan, S. G. and Awotona F. E. (2010). Studies on Antimicrobial Potentials of three Ganoderma species.African Journal of Biomedical Research13(2):119-125 (Nigeria) 36. Jonathan, S. G.; Akinfemi, A. and Ijato, J. Y. (2010). Treatment of maize stover with white rot fungi (Pleurotus tuber-regium and Lentinus subnudus) and their effect on in vitro digestibility. World Applied Science Journal 9(10) 1201-1205(Pakistan) 37. Akinfemi, A.; Jonathan, S. G. and Adu, O. A. (2010). Improving nutritive values of millet using biological treatment. Libyan Agricultural research centre Journal Internationa1 (3)195-2010(Libya) 38. Jonathan, S. G. and Esho, E. O. (2010). Fungi and Aflatoxin detection in two oyster mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus pulmonarius from Nigeria Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry(EJEAFche) 9(11):1722-1730 (Spain) 39. Jonathan, S. G.; Olawuyi, O. J.; Popoola, O. O. and Aina, D. A. (2010). Antibacterial activities of extracts of Daldinia concentrica,. African Journal of Biomedical Research 14(1):57-61 (Nigeria) 40. Fadahunsi, I. F.; Jonathan, S. G. and Garuba, E. O. (2011). Fermentation studies during the production of of’ ‘iru’ from bambara nut (Voandzeia subtearranea Thorns),an indigenous condiment from south western Nigeria. Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry(EJEAFche) 9(1829-1836 (Spain). 41. Jonathan, S. G.; Ajayi, I. and Omitade, Y. (2011). Nutritional compositions, fungi and aflatoxins detection in stored ‘gbodo’ fermented (Dioscorea rotundata) and ‘elubo ogede’ fermented (Musa parasidiaca) from south western Nigeria. African Journal of Food Science 5(2):105-110 (Kenya). 42. Jonathan, S. G. and Adeoyo, O. R. (2011). Evaluation of ten wild Nigerian mushrooms for amylase and cellulose activities .Mycobiology 39(2):103-108 (Korea). 43. Jonathan, S. G. and Adeoyo, O. R. (2011). Collection, morphological characterization and nutrient profile of some wild mushrooms from Akoko, Ondo state, Nigeria. Natural products: 7(3):128-136 (India,). 44. Jonathan, S. G.; Amos, Tautua B. M. W. and Olawuyi, O. J. (2011). Food values, heavy metal accumulation, aflatoxin contamination and detection of exo- polysaccharides inLentinus Squar-rosulus Berk, a Nigerian mushroom. African Journal of Agricultural Research. 6(13):3007-3012.(Kenya). 45. Adebayo-Tayo, B. C.; ,Jonathan, S. G.; Popoola, O. O. and Egbomuche, R. C. (2011).Optimization of growth conditions for mycelia yield and exo -polysaccharides production by Pleurotus

ostreatus cultivated in Nigeria. African Journal of Microbiology Research.5 (15):2130-2138 (South Africa) 46. Jonathan, S. G. and Adeoyo, O. R. (2011). Comparative studies on enzyme activities of bacterium (Bacillus subtilis) and Nigerian edible fungi (Termitomyces clypeatus,Termitomyces globulus, Pleurotus tuber-regium, and Agaricus sp). Natural products 7(3):124-127 (India) 47. Jonathan, S. G. and Adeoyo, O. R. (2011). Effect of environmental and nutritional factors on mycelia biomass yield of ten Nigerian mushrooms during cellulase and amylase production. Electronic Journal of Environmental, Agricultural and Food Chemistry(EJEAFche)10 (9) 2891-2899 (Spain). 48. Jonathan, S. G.; Lawal, M. M. and Oyetunji, O. J. (2011). Effect of spent mushroom compost of Pleurotus pulmonarius on growth performance of four Nigerian vegetables .Mycobiology ;(3):2833 (Korea) 49. Jonathan, S. G.; Okorie, A. N.; Garuba, E. O. and Babayemi, O. J. (2012). Bioconversion of sorghum stalk and rice straw into value added ruminant feed using Pleurotus pulmonarius. Nature and Science; 10(4):10-16(USA) 50. Jonathan, S. G.; Okorie, A. N. and Babayemi, O. J.; Oyelakin, A. O. Akinfemi, A. (2012). Biodegradation of agricultural wastes (rice straw and sorghum stalk ) into substrates of utilizable products using white rot fungus( Pleurotus florida). Nature and Science10(9):131- 137(USA). 51. Jonathan, S. G.; Popoola, K. O. K.; Olawuyi, O. J.; Ajiboye, M. and Oyelakan, A. O. (2012). Insect and fungal pests of some mushrooms collected from university of Ibadan, Nigeria campus. Nature and Science10(9):142-147(USA). 52. Kigigha, L. T. and Jonathan, S. G. (2012). Microbiological assessment of opened soft drink bottles for pathogenic bacteria associated with drinking directly from the orifice. Continental J. Microbiology 6 (1): 26 – 32 (Nigeria) 53. Jonathan, S. G.; Oyetunji, O. J. and Asemoloye, M. A. (2012). Influence of spent mushroom compost (SMC) of Pleurotus ostreatus on the yield and nutrient compositions of Telfairia occidentalis Hook .FA. (Pumpkin), a Nigerian leafy vegetable. Nature and Science 10(10):149-15622(USA). 54. Aina, D. A.; Jonathan, S. G.; Olawuyi, O. J.; Ojelabi, D. O. and Durowoju, B. M. (2012).Antioxidant, antimicrobial and phytochemical properties of alcoholic extracts of Cantharellus cibarius – Nigerian mushroom. New York Science Journal 5(10):114-120(USA) 55. Jonathan, S. G.; Olawuyi, O. J.; Aina, D. A.; Dada, H. G. and Oyelakin, A. O. (2012). A Influence of storage time on bio deterioration,

aflatoxin contamination and food values of onion (Allium cepa ) Nature and Science 10(11):26-33(USA) 56. Jonathan, S. G.; Adegboyega, A. A. and Oyelakin, A. O. (2012). Cultivation of Pleurotus pulmonarius Fr. Singer on fermented and non fermented sawdust New York Science Journal 5(11):36-40(USA). 57. Jonathan, S. G.; Abdul-Lateef, M. B.; Olawuyi, O. J. and Oyelakin, A. O. (2012). Studies on bio-deterioration, aflatoxin contamination and food values of fermented, dried and stored ipomoea batatas chips. Nature and Science 10(11):123-128 (USA) 58. Jonathan, S. G.; Okon, C. B.; Oyelakin, A. O. and Oluranti, O. O. (2012). Nutritional values of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) (Jacq. Fr.) Kumm cultivated on different agricultural wastes.Nature and Science; 10(9):186-191 59. Jonathan, S. G.; Olawuyi, O. J.; Aina, D. A.; Odeniyi, S. O.; Adediji, I. O. and Ikhedia, A. (2012). Comparative studies on antifungal, antioxidant and phytochemical potential of Momordica charantia and Moringa oleifera. New York Science Journal 5(12):17-28 60. Jonathan, S. G. Oyetunji, O. J.; Olawuyi, O. J. and Asemoloye, M. D. (2012). Growth responses of Corchorus olitorius Lin. (Jute) to the application of SMC as an organic fertilizer. Academia Arena :4(9):49- 56. 61. Jonathan, S. G.; Olawuyi, O. J. and Oluranti, O. O. (2012). Studies on Immunomodulatory and prophylactic properties of some wild Nigerian mushrooms: Academia Arena: 4(9):39-45. 62. Jonathan, S. G. 1.; Udoh, E. M. 1.; Ojomo, E. E.; Olawuyi, O. J. and Babalola, B. J. (2013). Efficacy of Jatropha curcas Linn. as fungicides in the control of Ceratocystis paradoxa (Chalara anamorph) IMI 501775 associated with bole rot of Cocos nucifera Linn. seedlings. Report and Opinion 2012:4(12):48-60 63. Jonathan, S. G.; Oyetunji, O. J.; Olawuyi, O. J. and Uwukhor, P. O. (2013). Application of Pleurotus ostreatus SMC as soil conditioner for the growth of soybean (Glycine max). Academia Arena: 2013:5(1):54- 61 64. Jonathan, S. G.; Abdul-Lateef, M. B. and Ayansina, A. D. V. (.2013). Fungal and aflatoxin detection in fresh and stored ‘garri ijebu’ (locally processed food) Manihot esculenta. Report and Opinion:5(2):13-19 65. Jonathan, S. G.; Nwokolo, V. M.; Ekpo, E. N. (2013). Yield performance of Pleurotus pulmonarius (Fries.) quelet, cultivated on different agro-forestwastes in Nigeria. World Rural Observations ;5(1):22-30.

My Research focus

My field of research interest is Mycology and my main research focus is in the area of Food and Environmental Mycology/Biotechnology. In the past 15 years, I have

10 extensively studied biodiversities of several Nigerian higher fungi in the families of Agaricaceae, Lycoperdaceae and Polyporacea. My research work has identified vegetative growth requirements of Psathyerella atroumbonata, Schizoplyllum commune, Lepiota procera, Pleurotus florida and Tricholoma lobayensis which are all edible fungal species indigenous to Nigeria. The reports which are first of its kinds on Nigerian mushrooms have been published in reputable international journals in the area of Applied Microbiology (Fasidi and Jonathan, 1994; Jonathan and Fasidi, 2000, Jonathan and Fasidi, 2001; Jonathan et al., 2003, Jonathan et al., 2011, Aina et al., 2012). Nutritional evaluations of these edible fungi and microorganisms which affect their cultures have been also identified. It was found that Nigerian mushrooms are rich food and their protein values lied between meat and vegetables (Jonathan, 2005a; Jonathan et al, 2006; Jonathan et al, 2008a). Production of enzymes from Nigerian mushrooms have been elucidated (Jonathan and Adeoyo, 2011).Fungal and Insect pests of Nigerian edible mushrooms were identified and methods of prevention and control were suggested (Jonathan et al, 2012).

Agro-industrial wastes such as wood wastes, animal dung, cereal straws, con-cob, cotton wastes, paper wastes etc, constitute a major problem to our environment. In the course of my research work, we have been able to isolate and characterize microorganisms which could convert some of these substrates to useful products (wastes to wealth). Wastes such as rice straw, sawdust and cotton wastes have been bio-degraded to substrates which could be used for cultivation of edible fungi and the spent substrates have been fond to be useful as animal feeds. (Jonathan, 2005; Fasola, Gbolagade and Fasidi, 2007; Jonathan et al., 2008a; Jonathan et al., 2010; Jonathan et al, 2011a, Jonathan et al, 2012a). This research was carried out in conjunction with other scientists in Animal Science and Forestry Departments.

Fungi and mycotoxin contamination of stored mushrooms, as well as local spice onion (Allium cepa), fermented food product such as ipomoea batatas chips ,yam and plantain snacks ‘gbodo’ and ‘elubo ogede’have also been investigated. It was shown that the risk of aflatoxin contamination increases with the length of storage (Jonathan and Esho, 2010, Jonathan et al, 2011b, Jonathan et al, 2012a and b). Spent mushroom substrates which is usually regarded as wastes have been used as organic fertilizer for the growth of vegetables and other crops (Jonathan et al, 2011d, Jonathan et al, 2012b). My research work has also presented detailed reports on antimicrobial profile of the wild higher fungi collected from forest zones of South Western Nigeria. It has been shown that the extracts of these macro fungi could inhibit the growth of some clinically important microorganisms. This indicates that consumption of these edible fungi may naturally confer immunity against the disease causing microorganisms (Jonathan, 2002; Jonathan and Fasidi 2003b;

Jonathan and Fasidi, 2005c; Jonathan et al 2008b, Jonathan and Awotona, 2010; Olawuyi et al, 2010; Jonathan et al, 2011c )

RECOMMENDED LINKS [email protected] [email protected]