Groundnut Seeds Research Articles

Impact of traditional transformation processes on the level of aflatoxin B1 in groundnut seeds sold in northern Togo

Impact of traditional transformation processes on the level of aflatoxin B1 in groundnut seeds sold in northern Togo

Fingerprinting of Volatile Organic Compounds as an Advance Technology to Assess the Seed Quality of Groundnut Through Correlation and Principal Component Analysis Method

Background: Groundnut seeds are highly sensitive to deterioration mainly due to their chemical composition and moisture content. The high oil content and fatty acids of groundnut seeds reduces the seed viability well in advance due to lipid peroxidation process, which is the most frequent cause of seed ageing. As a result, not only lipid peroxidation, but also a series of reactions that produce toxic products occur. Stored seeds produce increased level of volatile organic compounds that leads to seed deterioration. Methods: The experiment was conducted to profile volatile organic compounds emitted from groundnut seeds during storage and also to analysis the volatile organic compounds through correlation and principal component analysis method. Volatile organic compounds profiling of stored groundnut seeds was done through Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The air sample was taken at monthly intervals from the glass bottle using solid-phase micro extraction (SPME) method. Result: The results of the study clearly demonstrated that, totally 52 volatile compounds comprising of 10 alcohols, 5 aldehydes, 15 acids, 9 esters, 7 alkanes, 3 alkenes, 2 ketones and 1 ether were trapped in stored groundnut seeds. Finally the study concluded that ethanol, 1-butanol, 1-hexanol, acetaldehyde, hexanal, Nonenal, 9,12,15-octadecatrionic acid, acetic acid and 3-methyl acetate were found to be highly negatively correlated with seed germination.

Volatile organic compound analysis as advanced technology to detect seed quality in groundnut

An experiment was conducted to profiling the volatile organic compounds emitted from groundnut seeds during storage and also to assess the volatiles emission level during seed deterioration. Volatile organic compounds profiling of stored groundnut seeds was done through GC-MS at monthly intervals. The results showed that several volatile compounds were released from stored groundnut seeds and all the compounds are falling into eight major groups viz., alcohols, aldehydes, acids, esters, alkanes, alkenes, ketones and ethers. The study clearly demonstrated the influence of volatile organic compounds emission level on physiological and biochemical properties during storage. There was a significant decrease in physiological and biochemical quality attributes noted due to an increase in the strength of volatiles released during ageing. When the release of total volatile strength reached more than 50%, a significant reduction in physiological attributes such as germination, root and shoot length, dry matter production and vigour index were observed. With respect to biochemical properties, a significant increase in electrical conductivity of seed leachate, lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenase activity, and a decrease in dehydrogenase, catalase and peroxidase activities were observed. However, the highest reduction in all these properties was recorded when the total volatile strength reached 92.72%. The study concluded that the volatiles released during seed deterioration could be considered the signature components for detecting the seed quality during storage.

Design and Development of Cold Storage System for Community- based Small-size Seed Banks for Farmers

Background: Seed preservation in the context of changing climatic conditions and retaining quality is a big challenge, especially for marginal farmers who does not have appropriate seed storage facilities. Moisture and temperature variations (both seasonal and diurnal) during storage result in moulds, bacteria, insects, mites and rodents attacks. Tropical regions with higher ambient temperatures and relative humidity variations need to address the storage issue. Methods: This research work discusses the process of design, fabrication and testing of a low-cost seed storage unit (SSU) for community-based seed banks. The SSU of 200 L storage capacity was cooled using a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) to provide the temperature range of 15°C to 18°C and relative humidity less than 70% inside the SSU. The SSU was field-tested at fourteen different agro-climatic locations for seeds of paddy (Oryza sativa), gram (Cicer arietinum), onion (Allium cepa), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) and maize (Zea mays) during the period 18 months between 2017 to 2019. These seeds were tested for germination count (GC) and moisture content (MC). Result: Results obtained indicated that the SSU developed can retain essential seed quality parameters i.e. more than 80% germination count (GC), except for groundnut seeds over a period of 18 months as against loss of seed viability in 8 months’ time in traditional storage at ambient temperature. Based on the field performance testing, we recommend the use of such devices for farmers’ and farmers’ producer companies for a decentralised seed storage capacity of 100 to 200 kg.

Effect of Moisture Content on Physical Properties of Groundnut Seed for Planter Development

The physical properties of groundnut seeds were calculated as a function of moisture content. The average length, breadth and thickness of the seed various from 13.09 to 14.10, 8.68 to 9.56 and 7.07 to 7.82 mm, respectively. As the moisture content, increased from 8.13 to 79.80% d.b. the roundness and sphericity increased from 92% to 94% and 68% to 71%, respectively. Also the seed volume increased from 0.803 to 0.984 cm3, 1000 seed weight, W1000 from 328 to 380 g, the angle of repose from 32.620 to 36.50 and the bulk density decreased from 0.845 to 0.81 g cm-3 for the same range of moisture content. The static coefficient of friction increased on three structural surfaces namely, stainless steel (2.013-2.32), aluminum (2.47-2.62) and wooden (2.25-2.42) as the moisture content increased from 8.13 to 79.80% d.b.

Physicochemical Characteristics of Bambara Groundnut Speciality Malts and Extract.

Speciality malts and their extracts have physicochemical characteristics such as colour, flavour, and aroma sorted for in food production. Speciality malts used in food production are mostly produced from cereal grains. Hence, this study aimed to produce speciality malts from Bambara groundnut (BGN) seeds and analyse their physicochemical characteristics and metabolites. The base, toasted, caramel, and roasted malt were produced by drying at different temperatures and times. Syrups were produced isothermally from the speciality malts. The speciality malts and syrups were assessed for colour, pH, protein, α and β-amylases, total polyphenols, antioxidants, and metabolite profiling. The BGN speciality malts were assayed for fatty acid methyl esters (FAME), hydrocarbons, sugar alcohols, sugars, acids, amino acids, and volatile components using capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID). The colours of the speciality malts and syrups were significantly (p = 0.000) different. The protein content of the BGN speciality malts was significantly different (p = 0.000), while the protein content of the syrups was not significantly different. The amylase activities of the BGN speciality malt decreased with the change in kilning temperatures and time. The α- and β-amylase activities for the specialty malts were 1.01, 0.21, 0.29, 0.15 CU/g and 0.11, 0.10, 0.10, 0.06 BU/g. The total polyphenols and antioxidant activities differed for all BGN speciality malts. There were twenty-nine volatiles detected in the BGN speciality malts. Fifteen amino acids consisted of seven essential amino acids, and eight non-essential amino acids were detected in the speciality malts. Fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) identified were palmitoleic, oleic, linolelaidic, linoleic, and arachidic acid. The sugars, organic acids, and sugar alcohols consisted of lactic acid, fructose, sucrose, and myo-inositol. The BGN speciality malts exhibited good physicochemical characteristics and metabolites that can make them useful as household and industrial ingredients for food production, which could be beneficial to consumers.

Design and Development of Manually Operated Single Row Planter for Groundnut Seeds

India is one among the most important producers of oilseeds within the world and occupies a crucial position within the Indian agricultural economy. Groundnut is also called as wonder nut and cashew nut of poor man. Groundnut is one among the foremost important cash crops of our country. Farm mechanization is an important element of agriculture. Mechanization of groundnut farming is an essential input in modern agriculture. The level of farm mechanization in India stands at about 40-45 per cent with states such as UP, Haryana and Punjab having very high mechanization levels, but north-eastern states having negligible mechanization. This level of farm mechanization is still low as compared to the countries such as the U. S. (95%), Brazil (75% and China (57%). While the level of mechanization lags behind other developed countries, it has seen an average agriculture growth rate of 3.56 per cent through the last decade.A single row planter for groundnut seeds, operated by hand, was designed to enhance planting effi ciency and reduce drudgery involved in manual planting method of groundnut seed. The major components of the planter are seed hopper, seed metering device, jaw clutch, seed delivery tube, furrow opener, furrow covering wheels and drive wheel. The diameter of seed metering device was found as 11.66 cm and number of cells on the periphery of seed metering device was found as 6. The theoretical volume of designed seed hopper was found as 0.024472 m3. The overall dimensions of the designed planter were found as 1474 × 960 × 330 mm. The average speed of operation was found as 2.24 km/h during the fi eld testing. The average theoretical fi eld capacity, eff ective fi eld capacity and fi eld effi ciency was found as 0.101 ha/h, 0.081 ha/h and 81.35 per cent respectively. Average seed rate was found as 65.08 kg/ha during the fi eld testing of developed planter. This planter is considered economical with ease of operation, requiring no special skill to operate and can be adopted by the farmers for the planting of groundnut seed.

Structural characterization and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of new chemical constituent from the seeds of bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.)

ABSTRACT A new compound (C20H18O9) was isolated from bambara groundnut seeds (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) and identified as a luteolin glycoside based on 1H, 13C and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data and previously reported data. This compound exhibited similar scavenging activity for DPPH radical to Trolox and had a higher inhibitory effect on superoxide anion radicals than gallic acid and Trolox. C20H18O9 exhibited an inhibitory effect on DPPH and superoxide anion radicals, with IC50 values of 2.25 ± 0.14 µg/mL and 9.8 ± 0.3 µg/mL, respectively. However, C20H18O9 displayed low activities for FRAP and metal chelation. C20H18O9 had a higher inhibitory effect on lipoxygenase (IC50 = 2.16 ± 0.14 µg/mL) than nordihydroguaiaretic acid but had a lower inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase than allopurinol. These results indicate that bambara groundnut seeds can be natural sources of antioxidants for humans and can serve as lipoxygenase inhibitor to reduce inflammation.

English

Bambara groundnut is the main food legume after cowpea, especially in rural areas in Burkina Faso. Due to inappropriate production and storage conditions, the seeds are susceptible to contamination by several fungi. Therefore, the present study was conducted to isolate and identify the postharvest fungi associated with Bambara groundnut seeds produced in Burkina Faso. To do this, a total of 99 seed samples were collected in the three agro ecological zones of Burkina Faso. The sanitary analysis of the seeds was carried out using the blotting paper method with slight modifications. The isolation and purification of the isolates was performed on Potato Dextrose Agar medium while their identification was done through macroscopic and microscopic phenotypical characterization using different culture media (Malt Extract Agar and Czapeck Dox Agar) and different identification keys. A total of 421 fungal strains were isolated and the predominant genera were Aspergillus belonging to section flavi (66.84%), nigri (59.04%), and Macrophomina (26.49%). This study shows that Bambara groundnut seeds produced in Burkina Faso are contaminated by several fungal strains and that seed infection rates by these fungi differ according to the agro-ecological zones. Post-harvest and storage techniques need to be improved to limit crop losses.   Key words: Agro-ecological zone, Bambara groundnut, seeds, fungal strains, macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, Burkina Faso.

Physico-chemical analysis of oil from two cultivars of groundnut seeds (Arachis hypogea L.)

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is mostly grown as an annual crop purposely for its oil content and protein rich seeds. This research was conducted with aim of evaluating the physico-chemical properties of two cultivars of groundnut seeds. The seeds of groundnut were obtained from local farmers in Mada village of Gusau local government Zamfara State. The seeds were grounded into powder using mortar and pestle in preparation for analysis. Physico-chemical properties of groundnut seed oil were analyzed in Biochemistry laboratory of Federal University Gusau Zamfara State using standard procedures. Result of physical analysis of Yarbahausa groundnut showed the highest oil yield of 48.0 %, followed specific gravity which measured 1.57±1.2. Results of chemical properties revealed that, saponification value had the highest value of 168.8±0.14 followed by iodine and acid value of 81.5±0.3 and 12.3±0.35 respectively. Peroxide value and free fatty acids showed the lowest values of 4.43±0.45 and 1.56±0.41. Results of physical properties of Yarchina groundnut revealed that, specific gravity had the highest value 67.9±116.1, followed by oil yield of 46.2%. Chemical properties of oil showed that, saponification value had the highest value of 137.48±111.7 followed by iodine of 96.5±0.14. Peroxide value and free fatty acid showed the lowest value of 2.0±.96 and 1.53±0.39. Findings from this study revealed that, the oil extracted from seeds of groundnut is a good source of oil and should be used for both domestic and industrial applications based on their physical and chemical properties.

Relationship of altitude, individual seed weight, and kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus with biochemical parameters of various Ethiopian groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) accessions

Groundnut is one of the five extensively grown oil crops of Ethiopia. Groundnut kernels contain 40-50% fat, 20-50% protein, and 10-20% carbohydrate and are rich in vitamin E, niacin, riboflavin, thiamine, falacin, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium. This study aimed to determine individual seed weight, kernel colonization by Aspergillus flavus, and biochemical parameters in groundnut seeds collected from different areas of Ethiopia. Groundnut germplasm in the form of seeds was collected from the Ethiopian Biodiversity Institute (EBI), further information about each accession location and altitude was also collected from the institute. Parameters such as individual seed weight (ISW), kernel colonization by A. flavus, and biochemical parameters (i.e. total carbohydrate, protein, and total free amino acids) were measured in the groundnut seeds. A negative relationship between ISW and altitude (p<0.01) was observed in this study which indicates that an increase in altitude would result in a decrease in seed weight. A positive relationship between altitude with total carbohydrate (p<0.01) and with total free amino acids (p<0.05) was also observed. Low-ISW accessions exhibited significantly higher total carbohydrates while high-ISW accessions exhibited significantly higher total free amino acids in their seeds. Groundnut seeds of EBI accessions with 0% kernel colonization contained less total carbohydrate, and the accessions with 100% kernel colonization contained the highest total carbohydrates. Besides, total carbohydrates correlated positively with kernel colonization (p<0.01). So, it is postulated that high total carbohydrate makes groundnut seeds susceptible to A. flavus colonization.

Evaluating the quality parameters of groundnuts seeds and cake (Arachis hypogaea L.) in relation to Sudanese Standard and Metrology Organization SSMO (1995)

This study was conducted in ten groundnut oil expellers in Kordofan state, the aim of study to Evaluation the quality parameters of groundnuts seeds and cake. Ten samples of groundnut oil were collected from the four major oil producing localities of the Greater Kordofan region i.e. Sheikan (Five expellers), Elnuhud (Three expellers), Elrahad (One), and Um Rowaba (One expeller). The oil samples (two samples from each expeller) were collected and kept in dry bottles sealed tidily and labeled, then transferred to the laboratory to assess the quality parameters, The study revealed that the quality parameters of groundnut seeds raveled that there were it higher percentage of impurity with low percentage of oil content. Also it had no dead insect and had good level of moisture and fiber content. The mean Ash content was found (1.60 %) while the samples E8, and E9 had signification lowest lower than specification range (1- 3).The mean protein was (23.9 %). The SSMO, established range (22-30%) these result is agreed with only E1 and E7. The Carbohydrate content was (27.46%).The sample E10 has significant highest carbohydrate content while the sample E5 had signification lowest content among all samples studied. Through thesis study all Expellers were highest than acceptable limit for the small seeds and crashed seed. Concerning weight of 1000 seeds only expellers E4 and E5 within acceptable limit, also all the oil expellers were free from death insects. The moisture content of the cake more than 50% of expellers were highest than the acceptable level. The mean ash content were higher than established limit in E3, E4and E5 while the other expellers within established limit. The study revealed the expellers E5, E7, E9 and E10 had significantly lower than the acceptable level about the mean Protein content. The fiber content expellers E1, E3, E4, E6 and E8 had significantly lower than the acceptable level.

The Hydrophilization and Subsequent Hydrophobic Recovery Mechanism of Cold Plasma (CP) Treated Bambara Groundnuts

Plasma hydrophilization and subsequent hydrophobic recovery in Bambara groundnuts are studied for the first time. Bambara groundnut seeds were treated with cold plasma (CP) for 10 seconds at 10 watts using water as a monomer. The contact angle, as well as physical and chemical changes, were used to determine the kinetics of hydrophobic recovery. The hydrophilic state of Bambara groundnut seeds had decreased after 60 days, but not to original hydrophobicity, and also the recovery rate is slower than those observed on synthetic polymer. However, this slower hydrophobic recovery makes CP treatment as an effective method for long-term seed storage.

Efficacy of microwave irradiation in enhancing the shelf life of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

This study aimed to investigate the effect of microwave irradiation on quality attributes of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) during the storage period of four months. In this experiment, the groundnut seeds of Devi variety (ICGV-91114) were exposed to power density levels (3 and 5 W/g) and treatment time (60 and 90 s) maintaining the initial moisture content (IMC) at 5 ± 0.1 and 7 ± 0.1% db in packaging materials of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polypropylene (PP). With the increase in power level and exposure time, the moisture content and germination percentage were found to decrease. Groundnut kernels at IMC 5% showed lower infestation and samples treated with 3 W/g for 90 s showed a higher percentage of oil yield. The samples treated with 3 W/g for 60–90 s and 5 W/g for 60 s exposure time, stored in PP retained both seed and grain qualities at the end of 4 months. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was carried out to define the most appropriate descriptors of quality attributes of the microwave treated groundnut samples during the storage period. The highest significant negative correlation was found between moisture content and oil yield (r = −0.815) as well as between germination capacity and free fatty acid content (r = −0.815) whereas infestation percentage was positively correlated with the moisture content (r = 0.719) of microwave treated groundnut samples during the four months of storage study.

Studies on Modeling and Physicochemical Properties of Oil Extracted from Moringa stenopetala Seed

Moringa stenopetala, locally known as Shiferraw, is an indigenous vegetable tree native to southern Ethiopia and grown mainly for its food value. This study deals with the investigations of physicochemical characteristics of Moringa stenopetala seeds’ oil extracted using solvent extraction with food-grade hexane as a solvent and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) of the extraction parameters. The seeds were collected from Adama located in Oromia, East Shewa Zone of Ethiopia, and they exhibit the average moisture, ash, fiber, protein, and oil contents of 6.3, 4.2, 2.3, 27.5, and 40.2%, respectively. Temperature, extraction time, and particle size had a significant p < 0.05 effect on the oil yield. According to the Experimental Design Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and ANOVA analysis, the optimum process parameters’ combination to find the highest oil yield was particle size of 0.83 mm, the temperature at 78.82°C, and extraction time of 5.13 hours. The model predicted oil yield was 39.7 ± 0.32%. The oil from Moringa stenopetala seed exhibits physiochemical characteristics of refractive index (40°C), 1.4625; viscosity 49.4 Cp; density at 25 °C, 0.9317 g/cm−3; saponification value, 191.4; peroxide value, 11.52 millieq O2/kg; iodine value of 89.21; and Acid Value (AV) 2.21 mg KOH/g. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis shows that the oil contains both ester carbonyl (C=O) functional groups saturated and unsaturated fatty acid. The physicochemical properties of Moringa stenopetala seeds were compared with other edible oil properties such as sesame, groundnut, olive, and sunflower seeds. The result shows that in the future Moringa stenopetala could be used as a substitute for other oil-bearing seeds sources, such as soybean, sunflower, and groundnut.

Selection of suitable reference gene for gene expression studies during groundnut seed germination

Understanding the mechanism of seed germination requires a sturdy selection of reference genes for expression analysis using qRT-PCR. The accurate normalization of genes becomes necessary to circumvent erroneous result, as housekeeping genes does not remain stable over the different experimental condition in various tissue or species. Reliable and stable reference gene during ethrel induced germination of groundnut seeds is not reported yet. In this study, seven candidate reference genes were selected based on previous reports in groundnut under different experimental conditions. Seeds of NRCG 14380 (dormant) and TAG 24 (non-dormant) genotypes were treated with ethrel and sampled at 0, 6, 12 and 24 hours after incubation. The stability of reference genes such as actin1 (ACT1), actin11 (ACT11), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH3), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), ubiquitin C (UBC) and α-Tubulin (TUA) was analyzed through a different statistical algorithm such as BestKeeper, NormFinder, geNorm and its consensus stability ranking was retrieved using RefFinder. Among all reference genes studied, ACT1 was found most stable reference gene in our study. Stability and reliability of ACT1 and ADH3 (most stable) reference genes were further validated through qRT- PCR with relative quantification of two germination related genes ACC oxidase1 (ACO1) and gibberellic acid regulated protein which showed consistency in their expression level. Our result revealed a stable reference gene that could be used as an internal control gene for gene expression study of ethrel treated groundnut seed germination.

Mycobiota profile, phenology, and potential toxicogenic and pathogenic species associated with stored groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) from the Volta Region, Ghana

This study updates the mycobiota resident in groundnut seeds, their phenology during storage with the view to ascertain their occurrence, potential toxigenic species, and pathologically important species in the stored samples. The moisture content of the seeds ranged from 5.7% to 6.5% within the stipulated safe moisture content of 8% for extension of shelf life. Culturing the seeds on mycological media (Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar SDA; Oxytetracycline Glucose Yeast Extract OGYE, Potato Dextrose Agar, PDA) caused a de novo growth of the quiescent spores at 28–30°C for 7–14 days. Fungal population counts on the three media ranged from 2.01 to 2.16 log10 CFU/g samples to a final 6‐month count of 1.67–2.60 log10 CFU/g. Eighteen different fungal species belonging to ten genera were encountered on the media, namely Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium, Trichoderma, Rhizopus, Rhodotorula, Sporendonema, and Paecilomyces. Aspergillus spp. (A. niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, and A. terreus) were the most frequently isolated, followed by Fusarium species (F. oxysporum, F. solani, and F. verticillioides), Trichoderma (T. harzianum and T. viride), Rhizopus spp (R. oligosporus and R. stolonifer), and Penicillium verrucosum. The species which were seed borne (A. niger, A. flavus, A. terreus, A. fumigatus, F. solani, F. verticillioides, T. viride, C. herbarum, and Curvularia lunata) were isolated on both surface sterilized and non‐surface sterilized seeds. The phenology of the encountered fungal species generally followed five patterns. The most frequently isolated Aspergillus niger, A. flavus, and A. fumigatus predominated throughout the 6 months sampling period, while A. ustus and A. terreus appeared sporadically and disappeared. The early colonizers (R. oligosporus, R. stolonifer, and Paecilomyces) could not be isolated after 2–3 months owing presumably to stronger antibiosis competition from the Aspergillus species. The most predominant Aspergillus species initially constituted 36%–48% of the total population but declined to 10%–36% in 6 months. Mycobiota encountered with mycotoxigenic potential and human health importance were A. niger, A. flavus, A. fumigatus, F. verticillioides, and Penicillium verrucosum. Other species of pathological importance to plants were Curvularia lunata and Fusarium oxysporum. The practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Market Handling Practices Effect on the Nutritional Profiles of Honey-beans and Groundnuts from Three Different Markets in Ibadan, Nigeria

Honey-beans and groundnuts serve as major plant protein sources, market handling practices may affect their nutrient profiles. This study evaluates market-handling practices effects on nutritional profiles of two protein-rich raw-foodstuffs from three markets in Ibadan, Nigeria. Raw honey-beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and groundnut seeds (Arachis hypogaea) were purchased from Dugbe, Sango and Oja-Oba markets (chosen based on their differences) in Ibadan. The samples were cleaned and assayed in triplicates for proximate and mineral compositions (Iron, Zinc, Magnesium and Calcium) according to standard procedures using 3 × 2 factorial method in a completely randomized design. Data were subjected to ANOVA using SAS (2002) and means separated with Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (at α0.05), results of proximate analysis were in percentages while minerals were in mg/Kg. Results showed variations (p<0.05) in dry matter based on different markets. Dry matter content was similar (P>0.05) in Dugbe (91.37±0.67) and Sango (91.46±0.43) market samples but higher (P<0.05) in Oja-Oba (90.64±1.81) samples. Crude protein content of samples from Sango (28.40±11.11) was higher (p<0.05) compared with other locations. Crude fat of honey-beans (24.32±0.44) and groundnut (1.97±0.64) were significantly different (p<0.05). Similarly, crude fibre content of honey-beans (32.42±2.09) and groundnut (16.46±1.33) were different (p<0.05). Results showed similarities in ash content of honey-beans (5.16±0.32) and groundnut (4.85±0.65). Carbohydrate content varied according to sample-type and location; carbohydrate in groundnut (27.88±0.55) was higher (p<0.05) than in honey-beans (14.06±1.92) whereas, carbohydrate content of samples from Dugbe (21.75±7.37) and Sango (21.14±8.87) were different (p<0.05) from each other but both were similar (p>0.05) to samples from Oja-Oba (21.02±7.38). Magnesium content of honey-beans (40.06±9.18) was higher than groundnut (3.11±0.71) while Calcium in honey-beans (5.97±1.25) was also higher (p<0.05) compared with groundnut (2.23±0.54). Variations were observed due to interaction effects of sample-type and market handling. Conclusively, market practices affected nutritional content of selected protein-rich raw foodstuffs.

Robo from melon seeds and groundnut

Robo is a widely consumed Nigeria snack made from local food ingredients. Snacks are often subjectively classified as junk food, possibly because they naturally have little or no nutritional value, and unhealthy snacks consumption are associated with the risk of developing non-communicable diseases. The effects of producing Robo from melon and groundnut seeds at different ratios from 20 to 50% wereevaluated for proximate composition, physicochemical/functional and sensory attributes. The results showed an increase in crude protein (38.56a - 42.8d), crude fiber(15.01±0.014d), fat content (35.20e) and ash content (18.02e), but decreased in moisture content (2.43a - 3.30e). Hardness properties decrease from (240a- 720e). Robo from blends of melon and groundnut seeds have improved sensory attributes in terms of flavour, crispness, taste and overall acceptability, particularly at supplementation of 60% melon and 40% groundnut seeds. Thus, improved Robo will increase consumer’s nutrients intake and prevent health problems associated with snack intake.
 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res.56(4), 263-270, 2021

Proximate Composition of Some Selected Legumes and Quality Attributes of Oils Extracted from Soybean, Oil Bean and Groundnut Seeds

Oil contents through analysis of proximate composition of the seeds of six legumes were investigated in order to assess the quality attributes of some of their oils. These legumes were cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), bambara groundnut (Voandzeia subteranea), yam bean (Sphenoostylis stenocarpa), oil bean (Pentaclethra macrophylla), soybean (Glycine max) and groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) seeds. The oil yields ranged from 2.5% in cowpea to 40.3% in groundnut seeds. Crude protein contents ranged from 20.86% in bambara groundnut seeds to 43.02% in soybean seeds indicating they are good sources of protein. Cowpea seeds had highest content (57.76%) in carbohydrate, followed by yam bean (56.54%) and bambara groundnut (51.64%), while oil bean had the lowest value of 6.92%. The physicochemical properties of the oils from soybean, oil bean and groundnut seeds were further examined since their oil yields were above 10.00%. Seventy grams of oil in each case were extracted from these legumes for these analyses. The specific gravity ranged from 0.910 in oil bean oil to 0.917 in soybean oil. Oil bean oil, with highest values in moisture content (0.75 %) and peroxide value (21.2 mg/g oil) had highest saponification number of 306.86 mg/g oil while soybean oil with lowest values both in moisture content (0.43 %) and peroxide value (9.80 mg/g oil) had the lowest saponification number of 187.94 mg/g oil. Free fatty acid ranged from 0.17 in soybean oil to 0.48 in groundnut oil. Iodine value was highest (98.22 mg/100g) in soybean oil, followed by oil bean oil (98.22 mg/100g) and was lowest (93.40 mg/100g) in groundnut oil. These results obtained highlighted the potentials of these three oils in the manufacture of soaps, cosmetics, paints, confectioneries, margarines and edible oils. The results also maintained that soybean oil exhibited the best physicochemical properties amongst them and thus could be used better as edible oil and for industrial applications.