Variation in seed protein, selected minerals, phytic acid, and potential mineral bioavailability of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] mutants and accessions

Abstract

Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp] has the potential of contributing to eradication of hunger and malnutrition. The study objectives were to evaluate the variability of cowpea mutants, IITA and South African genotypes for protein content, selected minerals, phytic acid, and the bioavailability of Fe and Zn, to identify superior cowpea mutants, IITA and South African genotypes, and determine the correlation between measured characteristics. Thirty‐one cowpea genotypes were planted at five different environments in South Africa. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) genotype and genotype by environment interaction effects were observed for protein, minerals and phytic acid concentration. High broad‐sense heritability (> 50%) was observed for almost all the characteristics. Thirteen Namibian mutants, five International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) genotypes, and six South African genotypes that combined high protein, Fe and Zn were identified. The IITA genotype IT93K‐452‐1 and South African genotypes Oloyin and Orelu had good Fe bioavailability. Nine Namibian mutants, four IITA genotypes, and three South African genotypes were associated with high values for protein, Mn, phytic acid, molar ratios of phytic acid with Fe and Zn, and ash. The identified superior cowpea mutants, IITA and South African genotypes could be a good source of the essential minerals and should be further studied for adaptability in South African agro‐ecologies.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

A strategy to optimize soil phosphorus reserve: A study based on native maize of Mexico and genotype selection

“…El cultivo de arroz, por ejemplo, puede extraer hasta 15 kg de P año -1 , pero una reducción de 1 mg g -1 de P en el grano (de 3 a 2 mg -1 ; con un rendimiento de 5 ton ha -1 ), disminuye la cantidad de P removido del suelo (de 15 a 10 kg de P) (Wang et al, 2018). Además, desde el punto de vista genético, una menor concentración de fitato en la semilla podría potenciar una mayor biodisponibilidad de Zn y Fe (46% a 75%) (Dwivedi et al, 2023;Ntswane et al, 2023). A la fecha, se ha reportado una importante variación genética disponible en la concentración de micronutrientes en la semilla de cereales y leguminosas (harvestplus, 2022).…”