African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 6 (18), pp. 2143-2146, 19 September 2007   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2007 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Influence of mutation induction on the chemical composition of cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp

Olabisi F. Adekola* and Funsho Oluleye

Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: fatimoadekola@yahoo.co.uk.

Accepted 9 August, 2007

Cowpea is one of the major sources of plant protein in Nigeria. The nutritional value of cowpea has long been recognized in Africa. This study was conducted to examine the influence of mutation induction on nutritional quality of cowpea. Dry sample of cowpea ‘IT84S 2246 D’ mutants and the non irradiated parent were ground to fine powder and used for proximate analyses in three experiments. Data were collected on dry weight basis on crude fat, crude fibre, crude protein, tannin, dry matter, moisture content and ash content. Results from the proximate analysis showed significant variation between the plant types for all parameters except crude fibre content. Mutant 7 which has the highest protein content (31.06%) and the least ash content (3.50%) and mutant 14 which has high dry matter (95.06%) and the least moisture content (4.91%) are much better than the parent. They are therefore recommended for inclusion in cowpea breeding program for improved seed quality. Crude protein content was significantly negatively correlated with ash and tannin contents. These are indices of improved seed quality in cowpea mutants.

Key words:  Cowpea, mutants, proximate analyses, nutritional composition.