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ABSTRACT
Title |
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Effects of Purple Blotch Infection on the Proximate and Mineral Contents of Onion Leaf |
Authors |
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K. Shehu, A. A. Aliero |
Keywords |
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Onion leaves, Purple blotch, Alternaria porii, Minerals, Proximate composition. |
Issue Date |
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March 2010 |
Abstract |
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The influence of Alternaria porri Ell. ( Ciferri ) associated with purple blotch disease in onion on the proximate and mineral composition of onion leaves was investigated. Samples of both healthy and purple blotch - infected onion leaves were dried and analyzed for the nutritional components except moisture content. The mineral contents ( Na, K, Ca, P, Mg, Fe , Zn ) were determined by flame photometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The infected leaf showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the quantity of the crude protein, fat, fibre and ash. The moisture content was. significantly (p < 0.05) lower in healthy onion leaves (88.0%) than in the infected leaves (94.7%). Similarly, carbohydrate content was lower in diseased leaves than in healthy onion leaves. The levels of minerals were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in diseased leaves compared to the healthy (control) leaves indicating that the infection of onion leaves by purple blotch pathogen (Alternaria porri ) had a significant impact in reducing the nutritional value of the onion leaves. It is important to avoid fungal contamination with a view to enhance nutrient bioavailability for human consumption. |
Page(s) |
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131-133 |
ISSN |
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0975-9492 |
Source |
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Vol. 1, No.2 |
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