Molecular Studies, Nutritional Composition and Functional Properties of Volvopluteus Species in Keana Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Keana forests are well known for high diversity of mushroom, an un-culturable and economic mushroom in Nasarawa state, Nigeria, but their systematics is limited and unorganized. This study focused on Molecular Studies, Nutritional Composition and Functional Properties of Volvopluteus species in Keana Local Government Area, Nasarawa state, Nigeria. Identification was based on morphological characteristics and ITS region rRNA sequences. The proximate composition, phytochemical and functional properties were investigated using standard analytical techniques. The Volvopluteus species samples collected from Keana were identified as Volvopluteus earlei. The highest nutrient detected from soil the Volvopluteus earlei was harvested from was nitrogen (9.0948±0.07 mg/g) while Magnesium (0.6104±0.01 mg/g) was the lowest. Flavonoids (12.35mg/g) were the highest chemical compounds detected and saponin (0.98mg/g) has the lowest. Carbohydrates (57.83 ± 2.03%) was the most abundant nutritional component, while fat (2.83 ± 0.31%) was the least. Oil absorption (462.0 ± 3.12%) was the highest, and gelation concentration (2.2 ± 0.1%) was the lowest. From the findings of this study Volvopluteus earlei from Keana should be used as a functional ingredient in food products such as bread, pastries, soups, and flour-based foods.