Variation in Seed Kernel and Pulp Chemical Contents of Balanites aegyptiaca from seven Provinces in Sudan

التباين في محتويات النواة واللب الكيميائي لبذور نبات البلانتيس المصرية من سبع محافظات في السودان

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the variation of some randomly selected fruits and seeds chemical contents, in seven intra- specific sources of Balanites aegyptiaca. The fruits were collected during the (2012-2013) season. Samples of fifty fruits were chosen for each provenance. The Pulp and kernel were extracted using a sharp knife and a mortar respectively. Standard chemical analysis were performed on both pulp and kernel to identify and determine the available chemical contents in them. The main chemical contents analyzed were Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, P, and K, in addition to moisture, protein, ash, oil, fiber acid, and saponin contends.  Analysis  of  variance  showed  significant  differences  between

provenances in pulp contents of all six minerals analyzed. In addition they also showed significant differences between them in kernel chemical contents of protein, fat and fiber acid contents. Whereas no significant differences existed between them in moisture contents, ash and saponin. These results matched the natural variability of different edaphic factors, ecological zones, soil types and climatic variables affecting plant distribution, nutrition and growth in these district geographic locations that represent these seed sources across Sudan. Results showed that the seeds collected from Kadogly Provence is rich in Ca content while those produced Kuboshia is almost 50% lower, and likewise the Mg content in Eldinder provenance is 75% higher in Kuboshia provenance. Results so far obtained suggest the presence of genetic variability in addition to a strong provenances environment interaction giving great opportunities for selection of the provenances for successful domestication and conservation of the species and better increase the production of fruits for various uses including food, medicinal industrial and environmental uses.