African Journal of
Food Science

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Food Sci.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0794
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJFS
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 978

Full Length Research Paper

Multivariate analysis of nutritional diversity of selected macro and micro nutrients in pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) varieties

Felix Kiprotich
  • Felix Kiprotich
  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Egerton University, P.O. Box 563-20115, Egerton, Kenya.
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Paul Kimurto*
  • Paul Kimurto*
  • Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soil, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya.
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Paul Ombui
  • Paul Ombui
  • Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soil, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya.
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Bernard Towett
  • Bernard Towett
  • Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soil, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya.
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Lillian Jeptanui
  • Lillian Jeptanui
  • Department of Crops, Horticulture and Soil, Egerton University, P.O. Box 536-20115, Egerton, Kenya
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Ojulong Henry
  • Ojulong Henry
  • International Centre for Research in Semi-Arid tropics (ICRISAT), Nairobi, P.O. Box 39063, Nairobi, Kenya.
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Nicholas Lagat
  • Nicholas Lagat
  • Department of Biotechnology, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya.
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  •  Received: 13 November 2014
  •  Accepted: 03 February 2015
  •  Published: 30 March 2015

Abstract

Analysis on economically viable indigenous food cereals like pearl millet as alternative strategies to curb under nutrition and boost food security is of utmost importance to widen the essential nutrient sources for human beings. To contribute to this area, macro and micro nutrient analysis was carried out on 60 pearl millet genotypes. On each of the genotype, 7 biochemical parameters (starch, amylose, amylopectin, protein, K, Zn and P) were analyzed. Starch content of the genotypes ranged from 27 - 46.7% with a mean of 34.2%, while most of the genotypes had more amylopectin than amylose with exceptions of a few varieties with a ratio of 2:1. The protein content had a range of 4.6 - 9.9% with a mean of 7.1%.  Zinc was among the highest level followed by phosphorous and finally potassium. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first four PCA contributed to 79.8% of the variability among the pearl millet varieties. Cluster analysis grouped data into 6 clusters and a singleton with a genetic distance 0.37 – 8.73 showing great variability. Biochemical traits are useful tool for determining genetic variability in pearl millet and can contribute to breeding programs and enhance food security. 
 
Key words: Nutritional contents, food security, breeding, principal component analysis, genetic distance, cluster analysis.
 

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