Diversity of Iron and Zinc Content in Bananas from East and Central Africa
Michael Pillay, Robert Fungo
Bananas and plantains (Musa sp.) are major staple foods in many developing countries of the world. Although bananas are rich in carbohydrate, fiber, protein, fat, and vitamins A, C, and B6 they are largely deficient of iron (Fe), iodine, and zinc (Zn). A small increase in the micronutrient content of bananas could play a major role in combating disorders that are due to deficiency of mineral micronutrients such as Fe and Zn. The objective of this study was to determine the Fe and Zn content of 47 banana genotypes from a germplasm collection in Uganda using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Fe and Zn content showed wide variability and highly significant differences (P < 0.001) within and among the different banana categories selected for this study. The highest average Fe content (1.42 mg/100 g) was found in ‘Saba’ (ABB) while the least Fe content (0.06 mg/100 g) was found in ‘Kikundi’ (AAA). The highest average Zn content (1.21 mg/100 g) among the analyzed accessions was found in ‘Kivuvu’ (ABB) while Zn was not detectable in both ‘Kabucuragye’ (AAA) and ‘Grand Naine’ (AAA). Considering these figures, there is a greater than 20-fold variation in the Fe and Zn levels of the banana genotypes used this study suggesting that genetic improvement of genotypes for enhanced micronutrient levels may be achieved by breeding.
HortScience April 2016 vol. 51 no. 4 320-324
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