Estimation of β-Carotene in Local Banana Cultivars from Kerala

Abstract

Bananas, a major staple food are the forth important food in the world. Bananas are nourishing fruits contains
many minerals and vitamins. It is a rich source of energy low in protein and fat content and provides a balanced
diet. At present a number of edible banana cultivars are spread throughout the world. India has more than 300
cultivars. Edible cultivars are derived from interspecific hybridization between two wild species Musa accuminata
and Musa balbisiana. In Kerala cultivars like Palayamcodan (AAB), Red banana (AAA), Robusta (AAA), Nendran
(AAB), Rasakadali (AB) and Chingan (AA) are available. In present study, biochemical analysis of 13 cultivars
which belongs to AA, AB, AAA, AAB genomes, respectively was conducted. The analysis involved estimation
of carbohydrates, starch, reducing sugars, proteins as well as β carotene. The cultivars which are studied are Kadali,
Matty (AA), Annanvazha, Rasakadali (AB), Red banana, Robusta (AAA), Palayamcodan, Nendran, Poovan, Padatti
(AAB). Among the cultivars Nendran has high carbohydrates, starch, reducing sugars as well as β carotene content
and padatti has maximum proteins. β carotene content was quantified at differential stages of fruit development
using HPLC