Assessment of variability for biochemical and mineral contents in fenugreek germplasm

Thirty accessions of fenugreek (Trigonellafoenum-graecumL.) were investigated for the morphological and proximate composition of (moisture, protein, phenols, total antioxidants and mineral contents) during 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. The genotypes showed a wide range of variations in the biochemical parameters. The fully mature leaves of fenugreek germplasm were subjected to biochemical analysis and revealed a wide range of variability in biochemical traits viz. Protein (3.19 to 5.57%) ascorbic acid content (31.8 to 82.5 ug/ g-1), phenol content (0.74 to 2.74 mg GAE g-1) and total antioxidants capacity (0.60 to 5.11 mg Trolox/g). EC 510685 was identified for green- copper color leaf with high antioxidant content of leaves ((5.11 mM Trolox/g), EC510717 was found rich in protein (5.5 %) and Zn content (1.12 mg/100 gm).EC510559 was reported to have higher Ca content (360mg100g-1) while EC510579 was observed with a higher test weight (20.15g). Significant differences were also recorded in mineral content viz. Ca (105 to 360mg/100 gm), Zn (0.34 to 1.2mg/100 gm) and mg (45.7 to 131mg/100 gm). Based on the evaluation superior genotypes identified can be exploited either for the promotion of antioxidants rich fenugreek, coloured leaves genotype for ornamental purposes and minerals-rich genotypes in the processing industry for fortification of fenugreek by developing products with other functional food to overcome malnutrition. This information could also be used to develop antioxidant-rich varieties through a suitable breeding approach.