Determination of Multi -elemental Profile of Nakima (Tupistra nutans)

Abstract

Nakima (Tupistra nutans) is one of the indigenous underutilized vegetable crops of the State of Sikkim and the inflorescence part is used for consumption. The study has been conducted at Dept. of Horticulture, Sikkim University, Gangtok during 2014-15 with an objective to determine the multi-elemental profile of Nakima (Tupistra nutans). The Nakima inflorescences were collected from all the four districts of Sikkim i.e. East, West, North and South. There were altogether eight samples i.e. two samples from each of the four districts of Sikkim. Three replications were taken for each sample and the statistical design used was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The determination of elements was done through ICPMS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrophotometry) after microwave digestion. Among Major elements P, K, Mg and Mn, Fe, Zn micro elements were found in higher concentrations. Nakima has been found to be good source of major and minor nutrients, so commercial production Nakima should be promoted in the state of Sikkim. Large scale commercial production would provide economic benefits to the farming community and will be helpful in reduction of cost of underutilizated vegetable.