Minerals and Nutrient Variations as Influenced by Harvesting Stages in selected African Leafy Vegetables Grown in Busia, Kenya
Journal Title: Current Journal of Applied Science and Technology - Year 2017, Vol 19, Issue 5
Abstract
Proper nutrition contributes to declines in under-five mortality rates and improves the productivity of adults. Addressing nutritional problems requires adequate information on the diets of individuals and populations. African leafy vegetables (ALVs) are widely consumed and often harvested at different stages after planting. Four ALVs namely Vigna unguiculata, Amaranthus hybridus, Cleome gynandra and Solanum scabrum are commonly grown in western Kenya, their potentials have not been evaluated for supply of nutrients. However, nutritional values may vary depending on the species and harvesting stage. The effects of harvesting stages on nutritional value of selected ALVs were evaluated. The trials were laid out in a randomized complete block design in three replicates. Leaves were sampled at different harvesting stages and analyzed for N, P, K, Na, Ca, Mn, Mg, Fe and Zn levels. The levels of nutrients significantly (P≤0.05) varied between species and harvesting stages. The Fe, Mg and Zn levels were above the Recommended Dietary Allowance. Amaranthus hybridus had higher (P≤0.05) levels of P, Ca, Zn, Mn and Na. The N, P, K, Ca and Zn levels significantly (P≤0.05) increased from 4 to 6 weeks after seed emergence (WAE) then decreased from 6 to 10 WAE. The Fe levels increased from 4 to 6 WAE while the increase from 6 to 10 WAE was not significant. Magnesium levels significantly (P≤0.05) increased from 4 to 8 WAE then decreased, while Mn and Na levels did not vary with harvesting stage. Harvesting the ALVs from 4 to 6 WAE for the supply of P, K, Ca and Zn, 4 to 8 WAE for Mg and 4 to 10 WAE for the supply of Na and Mn is recommended.
Authors and Affiliations
Makokha Grace, Okinda Owuor, Ongeri David
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP318332
- DOI 10.9734/BJAST/2017/32437
- Views 108
- Downloads 0
Influence of External Mechanical Stimulus on Response of Linked Structures Made from Lightweight Metals
A progressive increase in interest in the use of linked metal structures has become increasingly evident in the time spanning the last three decades. These structures are gaining increasing attention and use in a spectru...
Natural Incidence and Genetic Variability of Erysiphe pisi, the Causal Agent of Powdery Mildew on Peas in the Nilgiris District, Tamil Nadu, India
Erysiphe pisi, which causes pea powdery mildew, is an obligate biotrophic pathogen that can easily adapt to its host plant. Understanding the natural incidence and genetic variations of the pathogen is essential for dise...
Relationship between Students' Learning Strategies and their Cognitive Engagement at International Islamic School Gombak
This study investigates the relationship between students' learning strategies and their cognitive engagement in English class at International Islamic School in Gombak, Malaysia. Explicitly, the research intends to fath...
Performance Evaluation of Subsurface Drainage System with Reference to Water Table Response in Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu, India
Water logging and subsequent soil salinity are the two major effects of irrigated agricultural lands. Low lying areas are susceptible to water logging. Subsurface drainage is an effective control measure for salinity r...
Glued laminated Timber Produced with Tropical Brazilian Wood Species
Despite the wood versatility, its application is, sometimes, difficult because of its properties and performances under different work conditions are not completely known. The present work, developed in Laboratory of woo...