ASSESSMENT OF UREASE ACTIVITY IN SELECTED VARIETIES OF LEGUMINOUS SEEDS

Urease, a seed protein found in plants, catalyzes the breakdown of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide, making urea a nitrogen source for plants. The study quantified urease activity and protein content of eight leguminous seed varieties (Soybean, Bambara nut, Iron beans, Kaduna Brown beans, Bakin Ido beans, Sokoto White beans, Mung beans and Oloyin beans) to optimize urea fertilizer use and identify a valuable urease source for clinical and industrial applications. Crude protein concentration was determined using the Micro-Kjeldahl method, while total protein concentration and urease activity were determined using Biuret method and pH increment method respectively. Soya beans has the highest crude protein of 27.7% and urease activity of 1.82 U/ml content, with Sokoto White beans having the least crude protein of 13.8% and urease activity of 0.45 U/ml. This study guides cultivation of locally available legumes, focusing on efficient fertilizer and pesticide application, enhancing yield, food security, employment opportunities, and innovation in line with Sustainable Development Goals.