| Abstract Detail
Ecophysiology Gul, Bilquees [1]. Composition and qualities of halophytic seeds as a potential source of nutrition and edible oil. The gap between demand and supply of edible oils is increasing and the situation is aggravating with global population rise. Countries from the arid regions suffer shortages as oil producing plant sources are depleting with an alarming pace. In addition, limited water supply and degradation of prime agricultural lands imposing serious threats to crop production and cause food prices high. This has forced the world to look for alternate solutions. Halophytes which produce seeds in sufficient quantity with high quality edible oil, and are free from toxic chemical could be a better alternative. Present study shows the potential of coastal halophyte as an edible oil resources crop. Seeds of halophytes distributed in the coastal region of Pakistan were collected and their nutritive and chemical composition along with total oil and fatty acid profile were determined. These are salt tolerant, fast growing species and are capable of producing good quality seeds with high dry matter (91-97%), crude protein (10-28%), carbohydrate (14-37%), crude fiber (4-40%) and energy (289-432 Kcal). Seeds also contained sufficient amount of essential minerals including K+ (1.4-3.7%), Ca+2 (0.4-4.2%), Mg+2 (0.4-1.8%) and Na+ (0.4-2.5%). The total oil contents ranged between 22 and 34%. The fatty acid composition showed higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (60-85%), especially linoleic acid (27-69%) and oleic acid (14-37%). Total saturated fatty acid varied between 12-38% with palmitic acid (8-34%) is the dominant one. 15-41% monounsaturated, and 27-69% polyunsaturated fatty acids are present. Seed oils of halophytes can thus be classified in the linoleic-oleic acid group. Seeds are also rich in health promoting phenolic (0.1-2.1%) and flavonoid (0.1-1.6%) compounds with considerable antioxidant activity. This study provides a base line of salt tolerant species and highlights the potential of halophytic seeds as a valuable source of human nutrition and edible oil production. The quality of seed oil is comparable with conventional edible oils such as those from sunflower and canola. Furthermore, these plants can be grown on saline waste lands with brackish water and could provide edible feedstock for human and animal consumption without compromising regular agriculture.
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1 - University of Karachi, Dr. Muhammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization, Karachi, Sindh, 75270, Pakistan
Keywords:
Edible vegetable oil
Chemical composition
Essential mineral
Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids
Antioxidants
Proximate analysis.
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: ECOPH1, Ecophysiology I
Location: /
Date: Monday, July 19th, 2021
Time: 10:30 AM(EDT)
Number: ECOPH1003
Abstract ID:1093
Candidate for Awards:None |
