Biochemical composition of pigeonpea genotypes in Kenya

Abstract

Pigeonpea is an important crop in semi-arid tropics and sub-tropics. The improvement and utilization of this crop in East Africa can enhance food and nutrition security. A study was carried out to examine variation in biochemical composition (crude protein, total phenols, total flavonoid and total anti-oxidant activity) of 55 pigeonpea genotypes grown in Kabete field station during the long rains of April-September 2017. The experiment was set up in a randomized complete block design with three replications. After harvest, 100g of dry seed samples were collected for biochemical analyses. The biochemical analyses were performed at nutrition platform of Biosciences eastern and central Africa- International Livestock Research Institute (BecA-ILRI) Hub, Nairobi, Kenya. Treatment means were separated based on Tukey test using Genstat, SAS and R software. The genotypes varied significantly (P≤0.05) for all the parameters measured with a mean of 20.88 g/100g, 46.21 mg/100g, 23.98 mg/100g and 38.13 mg/100g for crude protein, total phenol, total flavonoid and total anti-oxidant activity, respectively. Advanced elite materials out performed for all parameters analyzed except for crude protein with a mean of 59.57 mg/100g, 26.64 mg/100g and 30.23 mg/100g for total phenols, total flavonoid and total antioxidant activity, respectively. The total antioxidant activity had significantly positive correlation (P≤0.05) with total phenol, total flavonoid and crude protein. Similarly, total phenol and total flavonoid had significantly positive correlation (≤0.05). The results revealed that the advanced elite materials contain high phenolics and antioxidant activity that contribute to lowering oxidation of free radicals due to their redox properties. Therefore, these germplasm are valuable genetic resources for improving pigeonpea varieties for nutritional qualities.