Chemical composition of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) leaves from different germplasm

Abstract

An investigation was carried out in moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) to study the extent of genetic variability on yield components and genetic diversity among 12 accessions based on biochemical parameters. The variability persist in the chemical constitutes among the accessions may be due to the persistence of species difference and the prevalence of different agro-climatic conditions. The variation could be also being due to different age and growth phase of the plants. The highest vitamin C was recorded by PKM MO 2 (155.60 mg/100g). Among the genotypes, the highest crude fibre content was observed in PKM MO 1 (25.6 %). The magnesium content was highest in PKM MO 6 (0.86 %) followed by PKM MO 12 (0.86 %). Potassium content was recorded higher in genotype PKM MO 3 (3.86 %), followed by PKM MO 5 (3.20 %). The accessions PKM MO 7 followed by PKM MO 10 recorded the highest iron content. Thus, this study helped to identify agronomically superior and genetically diverse moringa germplasm accessions that can be utilized in moringa breeding for enhancement of leaf yield and quality.