Studies on different genotypes of Indian bathua (Chenopodium album) for thier yield, quality and antioxidant activities

Abstract

Sixteen genotypes of Chenopodium (Chenopodium album) were evaluated for desired horticultural traits, viz. plant
height (cm), leaf colour, leaf length and width, days to bolting, dry matter (%) and yield/plant (g); and their important
quality traits, total carotene, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content, Cuprac ion Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC)
and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) were also estimated during rabi/winter season of 2010 and 2011 at
Division of Vegetable Science, IARI, New Delhi. Among the genotypes plant height ranged from 54.7 cm (Desi bathua)
to 223 cm (Bathua 2). Yield/plant was recorded maximum in Bathua 13 (280 g) followed by Bathua 12 (277 g). Local
Bathua (Desi type) recorded lowest yield 45.1 g/plant; however, it recorded maximum and significantly high dry matter
content (16.5 %). Considerable variability was recorded in total carotenoids which ranged from 30.7 mg /100g (Bathua 7)
to 89.2 mg /100 g (Bathua 10). Bathua 10 also recorded maximum value of ascorbic acid (157.8 mg /100g) which was
significantly higher than other genotype. High variability was recorded in total phenolic content, which ranged from
276.87 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g (Bathua 6) to 893.83 μg GAE/g (Bathua 13). Antioxidant activities recorded by
both CUPRAC and FRAP method was found high in Bathua 13, Bathua 12 and Desi Bathua. On overall basis, it was
concluded that Bathua 13, Bathua 12 and Bathua 14 could be the desirable genotypes for increasing yield and quality of
Chenopodium. However, Bathua 10 was found rich source of carotene and ascorbic acid and Desi Bathua for high antioxidant
activity. These genotypes can be further utilized to develop nutritionally rich leafy vegetables.