Variation in protein content, starch components, selected minerals and their bioavailability in bambara groundnut accessions

Abstract

IntroductionBambara groundnut is a highly nutrient dense underutilized orphan crop, and has the potential to address malnutrition and food security. The study objectives were to estimate the variation in the concentration of protein, starch, amylose, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), phytic acid (PA) and mineral bioavailability, to identify superior bambara accessions and to determine the interrelationship between measured traits. Materialsand methods: Grain samples were collected from 59 accessions that were planted in two different locations over two seasons and used to measure the nutritional quality traits. Results: Significant variability among accessions in diverse locations and seasons for protein, Fe, Zn, and PA/Fe and PA/Zn ratios was observed. The average values of measured characteristics were protein (22.59 %), starch (36.52 %), amylose (21.15 %), Fe (38.83 mg kg−1), Zn (27.10 mg kg−1), PA (6239.24 mg kg−1), PA/Fe (17.74) and PA/Zn (22.87) content. Significant positive correlations between protein, Fe and Zn were observed and these traits were negatively correlated with starch, amylose, PA, PA/Fe and PA/Zn ratio. Accessions SB 4–4 A and M 3 were superior for more than one nutritional trait and had good mineral bioavailability. ConclusionSuperior accessions can be used as potential parents for the development of nutritionally improved bambara cultivars.