Biochemical and trace elements composition of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) cultivated in Panjgur and Kech districts of Balochistan
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Abstract
Legumes have a very important place in human food. Historically they have been grown since antiquity. Due to high nutritive value they are recommended in daily intake diet. The present study was conducted to determine the biochemical profile and assessment of trace elements in faba beans (Vicia faba L.) from two districts of Balochistan. Biochemical studies indicated that they have different moisture content (7.5 % and 9.5 %), ash content (3.7 % and 3.8 %), fat content (2.07 % and 1.73 %) and protein content (21.62 % and 22.44 %) for samples collected from both locations Panjgur and Kech districts. Trace elements analysis showed the concentration of manganese (Mn) 0.127 and 0.129 μg/g, zinc (Zn) 1.132 and 0.951 μg/g, copper (Cu) 0.57 and 0.60 μg/g, Iron (Fe) 0.07 and 0.09 μg/g respectively, in samples from both districts. The concentration of chromium (Cr) and Nickel (Ni) were not detected in samples from Panjgur district, whereas, their concentrations in samples from Kech district were found 0.01 μg/g. The study concludes that the faba beans grown in Balochistan have high nutritive value and low trace metallic content profile which makes it fit for food and feed. Moreover, a significant correlation was found by comparing obtained profiles of faba beans from both districts. The study suggests that faba beans genotypic evaluation and soil analysis is required for better crop production.
Keywords: Faba bean; Chemical composition; Trace element; Balochistan