Identification of Various Micro-organisms Found in Sweetpotatoes and Guava

Abstract

A study was undertaken for the purpose of obtaining information about the flora normally encountered in sweetpotatoes and fresh guavas. Homogeneous suspensions of the cortex and flesh of both products were prepared in sterile water and used for the isolation of micro-organisms. Isolations were carried out on Tryptone Glucose Extract Agar plates incubated at 27°, 37°, and 55° C. An extensive study of the morphological and physiological characteristics of each micro-organism was carried out in accordance with the 7th edition of the Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology (1957). It was found that the organisms isolated from sweetpotatoes are similar to the Genera Bacillus cereus and B. lichemformis. Those isolated from guava were classified as Bacillus megatherium; B. cereus; B. pumilus; B. subtilis var. niger; and Staphylococcus aureus