Effect of Poultry and Goat Manures on the Nutrient Content of Sesamum alatum Leafy Vegetables

Khulekani Cyprian Mbatha,Charmaine Ntokozo Mchunu,Nontuthuko Rosemary Ntuli,Sydney Mavengahama

doi:10.3390/app112411933

Khulekani Cyprian Mbatha, Charmaine Ntokozo Mchunu + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411933

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Abstract

Sesamum alatum Thonn. is one of the less-popular but nutritious leafy vegetables that is still collected from the wild or as weeds among crops in South Africa. The plant is also used in medicines and cosmetics in Africa and elsewhere. Despite its importance, the cultivation of S. alatum under different agronomic systems for improved harvestable yield and nutrient content is still lacking. The study aimed to determine the response of S. alatum nutrient content to the application of poultry and goat manures. Plants were grown in pots under rain-fed shade cloth conditions, with poultry and goat manures applied at 0, 1, 2, and 3 t ha–1 each, and they were laid in a completely randomized design. Shoot tips were harvested at 60 days after planting and analyzed for nutrient content. Shoots contained better nutrients in S. alatum plants grown during the first than the second season, with minor exceptions. Poultry and goat manure application led to an increase in Ca, Mg, K, P, and micro-nutrients. Goat manure had potential to increase the nutrient content in S. alatum than poultry manure, although differences were not substantial. Therefore, both manures could be equally used to improve nutrient content of S. alatum.

Highlights

Sesamum alatum Thonn., commonly known as winged-seed sesame, is a leafy vegetable that is collected from the wild in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa [1] and other parts of the globe [2,3]
The exception was recorded in acid detergent fibre, which was greater in plants grown during the second than in the first season, as well as neutral detergent fibre and fats, where both had insignificant differences during both seasons
The increase in nutrient concentrations in S. alatum plants treated with manure over the control suggests that poultry and goat manures are useful in the improvement of crop nutrient content

Summary

Introduction

Sesamum alatum Thonn., commonly known as winged-seed sesame, is a leafy vegetable that is collected from the wild in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa [1] and other parts of the globe [2,3] It is an erect, year-round, mucilaginous herbaceous plant [4]. Sesamum alatum has excellent amounts of proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fibre, fats, Ca, N, P, K, Mg, and other trace elements such as Cu, Fe, Mn, Na, and Zn, which compare well with Amaranthus hydridus [1,7] It contains essential antioxidant which can be linked to it use as an ayurvedic medicine against diseases such as, diarrhoea, intestinal disorders [4], and diabetes [8]. Fresh leaves and seeds are valued for their oils and their mucilaginous substance that has qualities valued in hair shampoo, cloth washers, and hair conditioner [3]

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