PCA analysis on postharvest quality characterization of fenugreek depending on seed weight

Abstract

In this study, the changes of quality characters of fenugreek according to thousand-seed weight (TSW) was examined and compared with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Fenugreek seeds were separated into 5 different TSW ranges (W1, W2, W3, W4, W5). Different TSW had significant effects on crude protein content, palmitic, stearic, linoleic and linolenic acid contents and K, Ca and Mn contents. Linoleic acid had the highest content among fatty acid components. Increasing K and Mn contents and decreasing Ca contents were observed with increasing TSW. The highest values were obtained from W1 range in terms of crude ash and crude oil content, palmitic and linolenic acid, Ca, Mg, P, Na and S. At the end of the study, the W1 (10.00-13.00 g) range, which stands out in many quality features, can be recommended in fenugreek cultivation for high quality.