Abstract

The crude protein and mineral elements of the tropical legume Lablab purpureus leaves were determined in eight different lines to evaluate the effect of leaf harvest on the contents of crude protein and mineral elements. Leaves of the eight lablab lines were harvested at 6, 8 and 10 weeks after planting (WAP) for the study. The crude protein and mineral contents were found to be higher at the early harvest stages than at a later stage. At 15 WAP, leaves were harvested from defoliated plants and non-defoliated plants to determine the effect of leave harvest on crude protein and mineral contents. There was no significant difference in crude and mineral contents between leaves from defoliated plants and non-defoliated plants.Thus leaf harvest at the vegetative stage did not compromise the crude protein and mineral element contents of lablab as a vegetable crop. The results show leaves can be harvested at early stage and yet have little or no effect on the crude protein and mineral contents in leaves at a later growth (e.g. flowering) phase.

Key word: Crude protein, Lablab lines, leaf harvesting, mineral elements.