Studies on Quality Gradation and Mvcobial Contamination in Processed Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb) Leaves

Studies were undertaken on processed Kendu (Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.) leaves of various qualities as practised by the Forest Department of Government of Orissa, with regard to size, texture, colour, moisture, chlorophyll content etc. and the nature of mycobial contamination. The results indicated that, out of four broad categories of leaves studied (M-I&II, M-III, Q-IV and rejected samples) M-I&II quality leaves have the highest chlorophyll pigment and lowest moisture content with lowest fungal contamination. Chlorophyll content of leaves decreased with fall in quality of leaves but fungal population and moisture content showed reverse trend. Fungal population increased with fall in quality of leaves. Various species of Aspergillus were found to be the dominant flora in all the leaf samples, along with species of Penicillium, Curvularia and Cladosporium, Aspergillus flavus a fungus known for production of aflatoxin was found to be present in Q-IV leaf samples in low percentage (about 10%).