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 126
- Downloads 0
A Survey of Human Deoxyribonucleic Acid
Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is a molecule that carries most of the genetic instructions used in the development, functioning, and reproduction of all living organisms. The genes in living organisms contain instructions r...
Effect of Different Casting Techniques on the Castability of Nickel-Chromium Alloy
Statement of Problem: Castability plays an important role in success and failure in the field of restorative and prosthetic dentistry. Recasting of base metal alloys can alter its castability value and some of its physic...
Productivity and Soil Fertility Status of Mango-Based Agroforestry System in Red and Laterite Zone of West Bengal
Aim: To find out suitable mango based agroforestry system. Design: Randomized block design. Place and Duration of Study: Field experiment was conducted during 2015 and 2016 at Regional Research Station, Red and Laterite...
Evaluation of Herbicides Efficacy to Control the Complex Weed Flora of Dry Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
First thing which strike in researcher’s mind whenever they talk about dry direct seeded rice (DSR) is weed, no doubt Dry DSR is a promising resource conservation technology (RCT) but its acceptance among rice growers is...
Strength Properties of Bamboo-Fibre Cement Boards Used as Building Partitions
This research studied the strength properties of Bamboo-fibre Cement Boards used as building partitions, and compares the results with those of a conventional partition board. Bamboo-fibre Cement Boards, with bamboo by v...