Gum yield, optimization of gum isolation, diosgenin and crude protein contents of fenugreek genotypes and cultivars grown under irrigated and dryland conditions

Abstract

Fenugreek has high fiber content and many potential uses, such as an adhesive, and a stabilizer and an emulsifying agent to change food materials. This study investigated the gum ratio and yield, emulsion capacity and stability, and diosgenin and protein content of 18 fenugreek genotypes and three cultivars cultivated under irrigated and dryland conditions. A wide range in the values of the samples traits was observed, including gum ratio (47.71–79.84%), gum yield (214.30–817.10 kg/ha), emulsion stability (84.62–100%), emulsion capacity (91.11–100%), diosgenin content (0.26–1.42%), and crude protein content (19.16–30.09%) under irrigated and dryland conditions. The PI 639185 and PI 660995 genotypes were superior, with the highest gum ratio and yield, and diosgenin content, compared with the other genotypes. In addition, the Berkem cultivar and PI 613633 genotype had the highest crude protein content. Fifteen correlations were found, positive or negative, and PCA analysis revealed 49.16% total variation. The fenugreek genotypes and cultivars were divided into two main groups; over 57% of the genotypes and 66% of the cultivars fell into the same group. The study suggested that the important genotypic variation for the properties of the examined fenugreek genotypes and cultivars may be utilized in developing new cultivars.