Albidum Seeds Research Articles

Assessing the oil yield and physicochemical parameters of the seed oil of Chrysophyllum albidum (African Star Apple)

Chrysophyllum albidum is of great economic value in tropical Africa due to its diverse industrial, medicinal, and food uses. In Ghana, the fruit is locally known as "Alansa," but its full potential has not been fully explored. In this study, oil was extracted from the seeds of Chrysophyllum albidum (Africa Star Apple) fruit using two methods: Soxhlet extraction and maceration, with normal hexane as the extraction solvent. The extraction was conducted at a temperature of 65 °C for the Soxhlet extraction method. The aim of these methods was to determine the percentage oil yield. The results showed that the oil content was 2.13% by Soxhlet extraction and 1.24% by maceration. Characterization was performed to determine the physical and chemical properties of the extracted oil. The results revealed that the oil was yellow in colour, with no offensive smell. It had a specific gravity of 0.94 kg/m3, saponification value of 181.203 mg/KOH/g, iodine value of 126.6804 mg/g oil, acid value of 5.52%, free fatty acids value of 2.77%, peroxide value of 4.50 meq/kg, and refractive index of 1.3648 at 20 °C. These findings suggest that Chrysophyllum albidum seeds may not be a highly productive source of oil based on their oil yield. However, the studied characteristics of the extracted oil indicate that it may still hold economic value in Ghana.

Effect of extraction technique, solvent polarity, and plant matrix on the antioxidant properties of Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don (African Star Apple)

BackgroundChrysophyllum albidum is a well-known medicinal plant in Africa and has many medicinal properties. This study investigated the effect of sonication, solvent polarity (acetone and ethanol), and plant matrix (bark and seeds) on the antioxidant property of C. albidum. The bark of C. albidum was subjected to sonication and soaking with acetone to evaluate the effect of sonication on the antioxidant property, and C. albidum bark and seeds were subjected to ultrasonic-assisted extraction of acetone and ethanol to evaluate the effect of solvents and plant matrix on the antioxidant property of C. albidum. The phytochemical composition, total flavonoid content, total antioxidant activity, total phenol content, lipid peroxidation (LPO) inhibition activity, nitric oxide, and 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals scavenging activities were evaluated in all extracts.ResultsSonication increased the percentage yield of extracts compared to maceration. Flavonoids and terpenoids were present, while saponins were absent in all extracts evaluated. Ultrasound-assisted extraction increased C. albidum antioxidant property compared to maceration. Ethanol was the most suitable solvent for C. albidum bark, while acetone was the most suitable solvent for C. albidum seeds. C. albidum bark extracts were most active as free radical scavengers, while the seed extracts were most active as inhibitors of lipid peroxidation.ConclusionsExtraction technique, extraction solvent, and plant matrix significantly affect the antioxidant properties of C. albidum. This study indicates that the selection of an effective extraction process for medicinal plants depends on the phytochemical compound responsible for the biological activity of interest.

Seed Germination of Faidherbia albida (Delile) A. Chev as Influenced by Different Pretreatments


 
 
 Faidherbia albida is an agroforesrty tree that has the potential of promoting agroforestry establishment in Nigeria. The seeds are glossy due to the presence of wax in the seed coat which prevents easy penetration of water. Thus, this study assessed the effect of different pretreatments (biological, mechanical and chemical) on the germination of F. albida seeds. The treatments include; seeds scarified at the helium, soaked in cold water for 24 hours, soaked in hot water for 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, & 15 minutes and soaked in Conc. H2SO4 for 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, and 15 minutes. The result showed that all treatment had uniform germination percentage of 100% but seeds soaked in H2SO4 for 15 min and 10 min had the highest germination value of (65.25) and (65.00) respectively, followed by 15mins soaking in hot water (47.14) while the least germination value was recorded in seeds scarified mechanically (33.31). Analysis of variance revealed that there was no significant difference in the treatments. However, seeds treated with H2SO4 at 15 mins and 10 mins had the best performance in terms of germination value compared with other treatments. Therefore, for optimum and uniform germination, the seed of F. albida seeds should be soak in concentrated H2SO4 for 15 min.
 
 

Characterization of potential probiotics isolated from fermented under-utilized Chrysophyllum albidum Linn kernels using microbiological, biochemical and molecular techniques

Chrysophyllum albidum is a crop of commercial value in Nigeria, however, the seeds are either used for local games or thrown away. This study aimed at exploring this under-utilized kernel as a novel source for obtaining health beneficial bacteria with desired probiotic characteristics. Isolation of potential probiotic bacteria from naturally fermented C. albidum seeds was carried out and followed by their safety evaluation, Gram staining, catalase test, acid tolerance, bile tolerance, cellular hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation assays. 16S rRNA sequencing and the detection of bile salt hydrolase (bsh) gene were the molecular methods applied for the bacteria characterization. Three potential probiotic bacteria were isolated from the fermented seeds. All isolates were non-haemolytic, Gram positive cocci, and catalase negative, grew in 1% bile, acidic pH of 3.5, and showed good auto-aggregation property. 16Sr RNA sequencing revealed isolates to be strains of Enterococcus durans, and the bsh gene was detected in all the strains. In conclusion, novel naturally fermented foods as seen in the fermented C. albidum kernels can serve as sources for the isolation of probiotic bacteria with great interest, and thus serve as starter culture to improve the organoleptic property of dairy and non-dairy foods.

Production and Characterization of an Eco-Friendly Oil Based Mud from Synthetic Bio-lubricant Derived from Chrysophyllum Albidum Seed Oil

Sequel to the environmental problems of the none biodegradable nature of the conventional oil-based drilling fluids, it is imperative and urgent for environmental sustainability and for the development of eco-friendly products, that use of petroleum diesel oil as the continuous phase of drilling mud warrant urgent reconsideration. Towards the search to provide a better alternative to petroleum diesel oil as a base oil for drilling mud, vegetable oil from the inedible seeds of the African star apple fruits, was examined In this study, an oil-based drilling mud (OBM) with biodegradable qualities for sustainable environmental applications was developed and characterized. The OBM was produced with chrysophyllum albidum (African star apple) oil methyl ester bio-lubricant to replace petroleum diesel as the continuous phase of the mud. The chrysophyllum albidum oil methyl ester was synthesized from fatty acid methyl ester obtained through transesterification process of none edible oils extracted from chrysophyllum albidum seeds. Tests of physiochemical and rheological properties were carried out on mud samples of chrysophyllum albidum oil biolube-based mud (CAOBBM) and petroleum diesel oil-based mud (PDOBM) to characterise the fluids for performance evaluation and environmental consequences. The findings indicated that CAOBBM was lower in density and less acidic than PDOBM, at barite content of 20 g. Also, CAOBBM had lower viscosity which implies less resistance to flow and lower pressure losses. The low oil to water ratio from the filtration loss test, revealed that CAOBBM is more viable to low fluid loss and consequently enhances wellbore stability and less oil retained on drilled cuttings. Similarly, toxicity test confirmed CAOBBM to be more appropriate and less detrimental to the environment compared to PDOBM. Summarily chrysophyllum albidum oil biolube based muds stands safer and more eco-friendly for a sustainable environment than petroleum diesel oil-based muds.

Exploring the Antimicrobial Activities of Chrysophyllum albidum Seed oil in Pharmaceutical and the Seeds in Food industry.

The anti- microbial activity tests of the seed oil, NaOH and ash soaps of the seed oil, of C.albidum were carried out to determine their effectiveness against gram+, gram– bacteria and some fungi strains. The proximate analysis of C.albidum seeds was performed to determine its nutritional benefits to mankind. Agar diffusion tests using Disc diffusion for the pure oils and soaps while the cup plate test method for dilutions was used in the determination of in-vitro activities. Standard methods as described by AOAC, (1990); AOAC, (1984) and Kjeldahl method described by Chang (2003) were used for proximate determinations. The results show the activity of the oil against Klebsiella pneumonia at a concentration as low as 10 mg/ml. The ash-soap of the leaves shows the highest antimicrobial activities because its MIC is the closest to the standard, Streptomycin. It possesses activity against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia at a concentration as low as 5mg/ml. The % proximate analysis composition shows Moisture content, Ash content, Crude Fibre, fat/Oil, Protein, Carbohydrates as follows (14.98, 1.90, 2.09, 2.38, 12.14 and 67.65)%. The study concluded by unleashing the great potential of Chrysophyllum albidum seeds as a useful raw material in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries rather than being regarded as waste in the environment

Fermentation Enhanced Biotransformation of Compounds in the Kernel of Chrysophyllum albidum.

Chrysophyllum albidum Linn (African star apple) is a fruit with extensive nutritional and medicinal benefits. The fruit and kernel in the seed are both edible. Strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from fermented seeds and assessed for probiotic characteristics. The extracts in both the unfermented and the fermented aqueous extracts from the kernels obtained from the seeds of C. albidum were subjected to analysis using the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method. This analysis identified the bioactive compounds present as possible substrate(s) for the associated organisms inducing the fermentation and the resultant biotransformed products formed. Three potential probiotic LAB strains identified as Lactococcus raffinolactis (ProbtA1), Lactococcus lactis (ProbtA2a), and Pediococcus pentosaceus (ProbtA2b) were isolated from the fermented C. albidum seeds. All strains were non hemolytic, which indicated their safety, Probt (A1, A2a, and A2b) grew in an acidic environment (pH 3.5) during the 48-h incubation time, and all three strains grew in 1% bile, and exhibited good hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation properties. Mucin binding proteins was not detected in any strain, and bile salt hydrolase was detected in all the strains. l-lactic acid (28.57%), norharman (5.07%), formyl 7E-hexadecenoate (1.73%), and indole (1.51%) were the four major constituents of the fermented kernel of the C. albidum, while 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (C1, 1.27%), 3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-2,3-dihydropyran-4-one (C2, 2.90%), indole (C3, 1.31%), norharman (C4, 3.01%), and methyl petroselinate (C5, 4.33%) were the five major constituents of the unfermented kernels. The isolated LAB are safe for consumption. The fermenting process metabolized C1, C2, and C5, which are possible starter cultures for the growth of probiotics. Fermentation is an essential tool for bioengineering molecules in foods into safe and health beneficial products.

Seed Dormancy of <i>Viola mandshurica</i> and <i>V. albida</i> and Their Germination Characteristics by Seed Storage

The purpose of this study was to determine the seed dormancy types of Viola mandshurica and V. albida, and to investigate their germination characteristics during seed storage. V. mandshurica seeds were incubated at 25/15, 20/10, and 15/6°C with final germination rates of 86%, 66%, and 66%, respectively, indicating that these seeds have no physiological dormancy (PD). However, V. albida seeds were found to have PD, since germination hardly occurred during the 4-week experiment, and the final germination rate was 50% or less. When the seeds of V. albida were treated with GA3 1000 mg･L-1, the final germination rate was 100%. Moreover, the germination rate increased as the period of cold stratification for V. albida seeds increased. The germination characteristics of Viola seeds were also examined from seeds harvested in 2019. V. mandshurica seeds germinated at 25/15°C in one week, but the mean germination time decreased compared to seeds that were stored for 4 years. This shows that V. mandshurica has reduced seed viability during storage. V. albida seeds that were harvested in 2019 hardly germinated within the 4-week experiment, and the germination rate increased through cold stratification. Therefore, the seeds of V. mandshurica and V. albida do not change the seed dormancy type, but the seed viability might be affected by the type of long-term storage used.

Effects of Boiled Water Pre-Sowing Treatment on the Germination and Early Growth Performance of Faidherbia albida in Three Ecological Zones of Ghana

Aims: To identify an appropriate boiled water pre-sowing treatment regime for improved germination, survival and early growth performance of Faidherbia albida (Delile) A. Chev., in three ecological zones of Ghana.
 Study Design: The design was a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) in three replicates, where the three different ecological zones were considered as blocks.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Bolgatanga (Guinea Savannah Zone), Abofuor (Forest-Savannah Transitional Zone), and Kumasi-Mesewam (Moist Semi-deciduous Forest Zone) between April 2017 and April 2018.
 Methodology: Matured seeds of F. albida were harvested, dried and cleaned. For each treatment replicate, one hundred F. albida seeds were immersed in boiled water (100ºC) for 0, 30, 60, 120, 180 and 300 seconds and then, soaked in water at room temperature for 24 hours. Seeds were then sown in drills on well prepared seed beds, and then observed for germination. Watering was done to keep the soil moist until the onset of germination.
 Results: There were significant interactive effects between ecological zones and pre-sowing treatments with respect to Final germination percentage (P<0.001), Germination rates (P<0.001) and Survival percentage (P=0.007). Root length (P=0.040), total plant length (P=0.040) and Number of leaves (P<0.001) also exhibited significant interactive effects due to ecological zones and pre-sowing treatments. Roots were significantly longer in the GSZ than in the more humid ecological zones whereas stems were significantly longer in the MSFZ than in the drier GSZ.
 Conclusion: Different durations of F. albida seeds in boiled water had different effects on germination and growth in the different ecological zones.

EFFECT OF THE BOTANICAL PELLETINGS AND STORAGE PERIODS ON THE GERMINATION OF AFRICAN STAR APPLE (CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM G. DON) SEEDS

There is paucity of quantified information on the simple, safe and affordable methods of invigorating seeds and storage of recalcitrant seeds. In this light, investigation was conducted in the screen house of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka, Kaduna on the effect of the botanical pelletings and storage periods of C. albidum seeds. A seed pellet is a coating, usually of clay mixed with other inerts, which streamlines the size, shape, and uniformity of a small, non-round seed. A split-plot experimental design with four (4) replications was laid down to assess the effect of botanical pelletings with the leaves of six agro-forestry tree species (Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Albizia lebbeck, Acacia auriculiformis, Parkia biglobosa and Dacryodus edulis) and storage periods (0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks) on the germination of C. albidum seeds stored in the refrigerator. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA)using SAS (2003)software. The percentage germination of seeds pelletized with G. sepium, L leucocephala, A. lebbeck, A. auriculiformis, P. biglobosa and D. edulis ranged between 18.50%-42.00%, 8.3%-13.60%, 5.2%-18.80%, 3.6% -16.30%, 5.0%-14.30%, and 2.5%-11.10%, for 2-8 weeks respectively. The percentage germination of seeds stored for 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks ranged between 8.50%-21%, 4.70%-24.58%, 9.42%-22.75%, 8.67%-19.58% and 3.33%-8.83% respectively. The percentage germination of seeds pelletized with the leaves of G. sepium, L. leucocephala, A. lebbeck, A. auriculiformis, P. biglobosa and D. edulis and stored for storage periods ranged between 1-65%, 0-30%, 0-30.5%, 1-25%, 0-20% and 0-30%. Botanical pelletings and storage periods significantly (P<0.05) enhanced the germination of C. albidum seeds. Highest germination percentage of 65% was recorded for seeds pelletized with G. sepium leaves and stored for 3 weeks. The research therefore recommends seed pelleting with G. sepium leaves and storage for 3 weeks for mass production of C. albidum seedlings for agro-forestry systems.

GC-MS analysis of raw and roasted seeds of Chrysophyllum albidum, a medicinal plant used for the treatment of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a multi-systematic disease with myriad presentations and manifestations and is the most common cause of infectious disease-related mortality worldwide. The disease is treated with the roasted cotyledonous part of Chrysophyllum albidum seeds by traditional practitioners in Ogun state, Nigeria. The phytoconstituents of the hexane fraction and the hexane extracts of the roasted seeds at 50o C, 100o C and 120o C were investigated using GC-MS analysis. The results showed the hexane fraction of the raw seeds contained 92.71 % by proportion of esters of long chain fatty acids. The hexane extract of roasted seeds (50o C) contained 68.69 % of long chain fatty acids, hexane extract of roasted seeds (100o C) contained74.54 % while the hexane extract of roasted seeds (120oC) contained 91.65 %.The traditional method of application of roasted seeds instead of raw seeds in treating tuberculosis enhances the availability of free fatty acids. The main fatty acids content at 120o C are Hexadecanoic acid and 9, 12-Octadecadienoic acid. Fatty acids had been reported to be toxic to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Thus the efficacy of the treating of tuberculosis with the roasted seeds of Chrysophyllum albidum is due to the presence of hexadecanoic acid and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid which could work together or work synergistically with other antimicrobial effectors to bring about macrophage-mediated killing of the pathogen.

Effect of Sodium Chloride Extract of Dacryodes edulis and Chrysophyllum albidum Seeds on Enteric Pathogens

Effect of Sodium Chloride Extract of Dacryodes edulis and Chrysophyllum albidum Seeds on Enteric Pathogens

STORABILITY AND PRE-SOWING TREATMENTS OF AFRICAN STAR APPLE (CHRYSOPHYLLUM ALBIDUM G. Don) SEEDS

Chrysophyllum albidum is a prominent, indigenous, economic fruit tree species found in compound farm agro-forestry systems . Investigation was conducted to overcome difficulty in germination and storability of C. albidum seeds in the forest nursery of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria. The trial employed a 3x3 factorial experiment with three replications laid out in a completely randomized design to determine the effect of seed coat treatments including clipping at 2mm from distal, circumference and micropyle end; dipping in 10% sulphuric acid and no seed coat treatments and durations of seed storage 1, 5 and 9 days on the germination of C. albidum seeds. Pre-sowing and storage treatments significantly (p < 0.05) affected the germination of seeds. Percentage germination ranged from 17% to 61% for clipping to no seed coat treatment. Highest germination of 61% was recorded for seeds not pre-sowed. The percentage germination ranged from 16% to 60% for seeds stored for nine days to those stored for one day. Highest germination of 60% was recorded for seeds stored for one day. A significant (p < 0.05) decrease in percentage germination was recorded with increasing days of storage. The result of interaction effect revealed that highest germination of 86% was recorded for seeds stored for 5days without pre-sowing treatments. Storing of seeds for 5days is recommended for mass production of C. albidum seedlings in agro-forestry nursery.

English

Faidherbia albida is an important agroforestry tree species widely distributed across parklands and agricultural systems in Africa. The demand to scale it up in similar agroecologies outside their natural distribution range in agricultural systems in Eastern Africa is increasing. The demand is caused by the observed enhancement of crop yields under mature F. albida trees canopies. There are around 132 provenances of F. albida in Africa all displaying differences in seed, germination and seedling growth characters and therefore recommending which provenance (s) for where is a big challenge. Therefore understanding seed morphology, germination and seedling growth of some provenances is an important step in helping identify which provenances could be proposed for establishment in Eastern Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine provenance variation in F. albida seeds morphological characteristics, germination and early seedling growth. Six provenances namely Chinzombo, Wagingombe, Taveta, Maseno, Lake Koka and Awassa were used in the study. The study revealed highly significant differences among provenances in all studied parameters except for seedling height at month 2 to 5. Highest variation among provenances in seed traits was observed in seed weight while seed thickness had the lowest variation. Overall mean germination among provenances was 70.2% varying from 32.7 to 93.3%. Significant correlation was found between seed length and collar diameter and between temperature and collar diameter. The observed variation will enable selection of provenances with desired traits for tree improvement and recommendation of specific provenances for different sites. It can be concluded that since the period of this study was short (5 months), further progeny tests should be undertaken on these provenances in the field over a longer period so as to obtain more information on the identified traits before a general conclusion is made. Key words: Agroforestry systems, germination capacity, germination energy, growth performances, integration, provenance variation, seed characters, seedling traits, selection

Biochemical assessment of the mineral and some anti-nutritional constituents of Aspergillus niger fermented Chrysophyllum albidum seed meal

Effect of fermentation using Aspergillus niger on some mineral and anti-nutritionalconstituents of Chrysophyllum albidum seed meal was carried out. Levels of the some minerals and anti-nutritients (like tannin, oxalate, saponin, phytate and cyanide) of the raw and fermented seed meal were determined. The percentage nutritionalconcentrations (%) in the raw seed were: tannin (6.23 ± 0.01), oxaloacetate (48.39 ± 0.14), saponin (1.58 ± 0.01), phytate (0.76 ± 0.03) and cyanide (1.07 ± 0.32). While level of mineral element concentrations (%) of significantly (p<0.05) high values in the raw seed where: sodium (74.13 ± 0.07), potassium (61.15 ± 1.25), phosphorus (40.76 ± 0.28) and iron (43.10 ± 0.35ppm). Fermentation however, significantly reduced levels of the anti-nutrients (like phytate, oxalate, tannin, saponin and cyanide) and minerals (like phosphorus, sodium, copper and zinc), but increased significantly, levels of minerals (like calcium, potassium, magnesium and iron) in the C. albidum seed meal. Hence the fermentation significantly (p<0.05) improved the nutritional quality of C. albidum seed meal. Key words: Fermentation, Aspergillus niger, Chrysophyllum albidum seeds, minerals, anti-nutrients.

Studies on the isolation of normal and abnormal seedlings of Chrysophyllum albidum: A step towards sustainable management of the taxon in the 21st century

The authors’ field trip revealed that the local populace attempted to plantChrysophyllum albidum seeds but met with severe limitation. In the light of the above a study was designed to determine the optimum seed germination medium, normality and abnormality of seedlings. Of all the growth media used, 4 parts topsoil (4PTS) + 4 parts farm yard manure (4PFYM) had the best result. A mean seed germination value of 83% was obtained. Biomass accumulation was also highest in the medium of (4PTS + 4PFYM) from which mean fresh weight of 1.7 and 0.98 g dry weight were obtained respectively. Abnormality of seedlings was detected. It was such that the seed coat attached to the cotyledon and could not be removed without damage to the tender shoot. The study concluded that farmers generally sowed seeds directly, though the seeds may be viable and could germinate, most of the plantings failed due to seedling abnormality. Seedlings of C.albidum be raised in a tree nursery in a growth medium of 4PTS + 4PF YM, where the seedlings can easily be assessed. The abnormal seedlings should be identified, thinned our and well discarded. This will ensure successful forest plantation of C. albidum that can guarantee good returns on investment. Key words: Normal, abnormal, sustainable management, Chrysophyllum albidum.

Nutrition Evaluation of Faidherbia albida Seeds and Pulp as Source of Feeds for Livestock

The present study was conducted to find out the nutritional values of Faidherbia albida (Acacia albida) seeds and pulp to be used as components in livestock feeds. The samples were randomly collected from various trees during the period of January to February. The samples were separated, milled and analysed for proximate components and mineral elements using standard methods of the AOAC. Proximate analysis results showed that the concentrations of tested parameters in the seed and the pulp respectively on % dry matter were: dry matter (90.0 + 0.4; 93.3 + 0.2), ash (3.3 + 0.1; 6.7 + 0.1), crude protein (20.6 + 1.2; 19.5 + 0.4), crude lipid (13.3 + 0.1; 3.3 + 0.1), crude fibre (6.7 + 0.1; 13.3 + 0.2), and available carbohydrate (46.1 + 0.1; 50.53 + 0.7). The results indicated that the contents of dry matter, ash, crude fibre and available carbohydrate were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the pulp compared to the seed while the crude lipid values, however, were significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in seeds compared to pulp. Crude protein values did not differ significantly (p &gt; 0.05) between treatment means of seeds and pulp. The estimated energy value was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) in the seed (1,682 kJ/100g) compared to pulp (1,363kJ/100g). The results for the mineral analysis indicate that the seeds and pulp contain appreciable concentrations (mg/100g) of Ca (136.6 + 5.0; 55.0 + 5.0); Mg (135.0 + 2.0 + 5.0; 84.7 + 3.0); P (26.6 + 0.9; 29.6 + 0.7); K (144.5 + 0.2; 88.8 + 0.1); Na (12.5 + 0.1; 6.8 + 0.1); Fe (6.2 + 0.2; 8.8 + 0.3); Cu (5.8 + 0.1; 2.5 + 0.1) and Zn (8.0 + 0.1; 3.0 + 0.1). Mineral elements in seed are significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) compared to that of pulp in most cases. From the results it can be inferred that the seed and pulp of F. albida could be an important source of feed ingredient for livestock if properly harnessed.

Evaluation of nutritional composition and anti-nutrients in African white star apple (&lt;i&gt;Chrysophyllum abidum&lt;/i&gt;) seed

A preliminary step to investigating the nutritional importance of Chrysophyllum albidum seed was carried out on the raw seed. In order to achieve this, some analyses like proximate composition, minerals as well as identification of some antinutrient contents of the seed were done. The seed was found to be moderately high in crude protein (18.34%), fat (6.48%) and crude fibre (4.63%). The inorganic determination revealed that the seed is low in minerals. Lead was not detected in the raw seed. It was equally found that the seed contained anti-nutrients like saponnins, glycosides, tannins and flavonoids while alkaloids and anthraquinone were lacking. However, when the seed was fed to wistar rat orally at a dose of up to 2000mg/kg body weight, no death was recorded. However, intraperitoneal treatment of 500mg/kg body weight showed clinical disorder and subsequent death at 50% lethal dosage LD50.Keywords: chrysophllum albidum seeds, anti-nutrients, protein, minerals, lethal dosage Nigerian Food Journal Vol. 23 2005: 252-255

Seed germination responses of four afromontane tree species to red/far-red ratio and temperature

The germination response of Cordia africana, Juniperus procera, Acacia abyssinica, and Faidherbia albida seeds to continuous exposure of various red to far-red ratios (R/FR) and constant-temperatures of 15, 20, 25 and 30 °C were studied. Germination of C. africana seeds was strongly inhibited at low R/FR and it appears that this species has evolved a light quality sensing mechanism that prevents seed germination beneath leaf canopies. The germination probability of C. africana increased as temperature increased from 15 to 30 °C. R/FR, temperature, and their interaction significantly affected germination of J. procera. Seeds of this species displayed a complex dormancy mechanism and germinated only in a narrow range of temperatures and R/FR. The effect of R/FR on germination of J. procera was most pronounced and the highest germination probability was recorded at 20 °C. The germination probability of F. albida seeds increased with rising temperature (from 15 to 30 °C), but there was no significant effect of light. At high temperatures, mean germination time in this species decreased with increasing R/FR, but increased with rising R/FR at low temperatures. Neither R/FR, temperature, nor their interaction had a significant effect on the germination of A. abyssinica seeds. The results suggest that deep sowing of J. procera and especially C. africana seeds, as well as covering and shading of their seed beds with leaf litter in nurseries, should be avoided. By proper regulation of light and temperature conditions, prolonged nursery germination of J. procera seeds can be reduced.

EFFECTS OF DIFFERENT PRETREATMENTS ON THE GERMINATION OFFaidherbia albida(DEL.) A. CHEV. SEEDS

SUMMARY The difficulties of using sulphuric acid for removing the physical dormancy of Faidherbia albida seeds have resulted in a search for alternative methods of pretreatment of the seeds. This trial tested the efffciency of 10 alternative pretreatments. The results show that the sulphuric acid, manual scarification and scarification by hot wire, which achieved stable values of over 90% of germination of seeds after eight days, were clearly superior to the use of a seed gun (80% germination after 16 days at the optimal setting of the gun) or of hot/boiling water methods (less than 20% germination after 16 days). Due to the high capacity of seed gun (i.e. around 1 kg/minute), it appears that the gun method, although methods which treat seeds individually result in higher germination percentages, could be a useful way to treat large quantities of seeds. However, the optimal speed of the rotation of the gun must be determined beforehand for each lot of seeds.