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Abubakar. et al.
Int. J. Biol. Sci.
(Onli
RESEARCH PAPER
Germination Trial, Proximate And Elemental Analysis Of
Vitex Doniana
Abubakar S.,*
1Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Sheda Science and T
P.M. B. 186, Garki, Abuja.
2Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja,
Keywords: Germination trial, Proximate analysis, Minerals analysis,
Abstract
The main objectives of this research work is to access the responses of pre
Vitex doniana seeds (dormancy breakage), however, proximate and minerals analysis of its fruits pulp were
also preliminary evaluated. 1800 fruits from 15 trees were collected from
Niger state of central part of Nigeria. The seeds were subjected into chemicals and hot water treatments at
various degree. The result shows that scarification with H
undepulped at 1000c proved to be the best treatment method of germination (dormancy breakage) of Vitex
doniana. The analysis of dried black pulp powder
content proved promising (15.91 and 55.86%) respectively, t
(7.39%). The minerals analysis of the pulp powder reveals that the pulp contain minerals within safety limit
such as, Calcium (Ca, 22.00mg/g), Magnesium (Mg, 7.00mg/g), Sodium (Na, 15.00mg/g), Potassium (K,
12mg/g) and others elements such as Manganese (Mn, 0.03mg/g), Zinc (Zn, 0.004mg/g), Chromium (Cr,
0.023mg/g) Copper (Cu, 0.10mg/g) and Iron (Fe,0.01mg/g) are also present at very low proportions while
Lead (Pd) was completely absent which qualified the pulp to
statistical chi-square (X2) contingency test was adopted to analyzed the significance differences between the
treatments using various chi-square values
Corresponding Author’s Email: [email protected]
Dynamic Network for Research Works
DNetRW © 2015 http://www.dnetrw.com
International Journal of Biological Sciences (IJBS)
ISSN: 2313
(Onli http://www.dne
Vol. 02, No. 02
OPEN ACCESS
Germination Trial, Proximate And Elemental Analysis Of
Vitex Doniana (Linn) Fruits.
Abubakar S.,*1&2Saba, J. J.2 and Umar, I. D.2
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Laboratory, Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO),
Faculty of Science, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Abuja, P.M.B. 117. Abuja, Nigeria.
Germination trial, Proximate analysis, Minerals analysis, Vitex doniana
work is to access the responses of pre-sowing treatment on germination of
Vitex doniana seeds (dormancy breakage), however, proximate and minerals analysis of its fruits pulp were
also preliminary evaluated. 1800 fruits from 15 trees were collected from various location between FCT and
Niger state of central part of Nigeria. The seeds were subjected into chemicals and hot water treatments at
various degree. The result shows that scarification with H2SO4, hot water depulped at 60
c proved to be the best treatment method of germination (dormancy breakage) of Vitex
doniana. The analysis of dried black pulp powder reveals that, the total ash content and total carbohydrate
content proved promising (15.91 and 55.86%) respectively, the pulp powder divulge low protein content
(7.39%). The minerals analysis of the pulp powder reveals that the pulp contain minerals within safety limit
such as, Calcium (Ca, 22.00mg/g), Magnesium (Mg, 7.00mg/g), Sodium (Na, 15.00mg/g), Potassium (K,
) and others elements such as Manganese (Mn, 0.03mg/g), Zinc (Zn, 0.004mg/g), Chromium (Cr,
0.023mg/g) Copper (Cu, 0.10mg/g) and Iron (Fe,0.01mg/g) are also present at very low proportions while
Lead (Pd) was completely absent which qualified the pulp to be safe and good candidate for consumption.
) contingency test was adopted to analyzed the significance differences between the
square values.
P a g e | 27
2015
International Journal of Biological Sciences (IJBS)
ISSN: 2313-3740 (Online)
http://www.dnetrw.com
2, P. 27-38, 2015
OPEN ACCESS
Germination Trial, Proximate And Elemental Analysis Of
echnology Complex (SHESTCO),
P.M.B. 117. Abuja, Nigeria.
fruits
sowing treatment on germination of
Vitex doniana seeds (dormancy breakage), however, proximate and minerals analysis of its fruits pulp were
ious location between FCT and
Niger state of central part of Nigeria. The seeds were subjected into chemicals and hot water treatments at
, hot water depulped at 600c and hot water
c proved to be the best treatment method of germination (dormancy breakage) of Vitex
reveals that, the total ash content and total carbohydrate
he pulp powder divulge low protein content
(7.39%). The minerals analysis of the pulp powder reveals that the pulp contain minerals within safety limit
such as, Calcium (Ca, 22.00mg/g), Magnesium (Mg, 7.00mg/g), Sodium (Na, 15.00mg/g), Potassium (K,
) and others elements such as Manganese (Mn, 0.03mg/g), Zinc (Zn, 0.004mg/g), Chromium (Cr,
0.023mg/g) Copper (Cu, 0.10mg/g) and Iron (Fe,0.01mg/g) are also present at very low proportions while
be safe and good candidate for consumption. The
) contingency test was adopted to analyzed the significance differences between the
Abubakar. et al. P a g e | 28
Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2015
DNetRW © 2015 http://www.dnetrw.com
INTRODUCTION
Today, there are heightened awareness of
importance of wild fruits and the attendant
and amazing health benefits of fruits
generally on the lives of people. However,
little attention and research has been
undertaken on the attendant and amazing
health benefit of most indigenous and wild
fruits such as Vitex doniana especially in
Nigeria and when compared with foreign and
domesticated fruits. While every measure is
being taken to boost food production by
conventional agriculture, a lot of interest is
currently being focused on the possibilities of
exploiting the vast numbers of less familiar
plant resources existing in the wild [1, 2].
Many such plants have been identified, but
the lack of data on their nutraceutical values
has limited the prospects for their utilization
[3, 4]. Most reports on some lesser-known and
unconventional crops indicate that they could
be good sources of nutrients, and many have
the potential of broadening the present
narrow food base of the human species [5, 6].
Moreover, little measures and efforts have
been taken on how to conserve, improve and
cultivate these wild fruits, hence natural
(vegetable) resources are under-exploited.
Vitex doniana (Linn.) is a widespread
deciduous tree found largely in coastal
woodlands and savannah but also in wetter or
riverine areas at lower altitudes [7]. It is
extremely widespread in tropical Africa,
occurring from Senegal to Somalia and to
South Africa, also in Cameroon and
Seychelles [8]. The plant belongs to the Order
Lamiales, Family Verbenaceae which are
composed of herbs, shrubs and trees with
simple (rarely compound), ex-stipulate leaves
in opposite or whorled arrangement. The
stems are usually rectangular in cross section
[9]. [8] stated that, there are 36 genera of
Lamiales, 1,035 families of which family
Verbenaceae is one of them, about 200 Species
of Vitex and that approximately 60 species
occur in tropical Africa among which Vitex
doniana is most widespread. The variability of
Vitex doniana is remarkable regarding it’s
morphology as well as it’s habitat choice and
therefore, biosystematics research is
warranted.[10] gave some local names of Vitex
doniana as follows: English (black plum, Vitex,
African Oak), Fula (Galbihi), Hausa (Dinya),
Fulani (Galbilhi), Kanuri (Ngarmi), Yoruba
(Oori-nla), and in Nupe it is called
Dinchi/Edin.Fruiting is usually between May
to October, broadly ellipsoid fruit shape,
about 1 inch long with a thin pulp
surrounding the very hard stony endocarp
which produces green fruits which ripen into
black [7]. [7] reported that each fruit contains
1 hard, conical seed, 1.5-2 cm long, 1-1.2 cm
wide and that the edible fruit is sweet, tastes
like prunes and is occasionally sold.
The fruit is used to improve fertility and to
treat anaemia, jaundice, leprosy and
dysentery and can be made into wine [7]. The
[7] added that the root is used for gonorrhea
treatment, and women drink a decoction of it
for backaches. The young tender leaves are
pounded and the juice squeezed into eyes to
treat eyes troubles. The young leaves are also
collected and used as a green vegetable and
used as fodder as reported by [9]. The fruits
pulp of Vitex doniana, is also used to make
juice, processed to make wine in many
countries of Africa [11].
The objectives of this research work is to
assess the responses of pre-sowing seed
treatments on germination of Vitex doniana
seeds (breaking of dormancy)using chemicals
and hot water treatments. In addition the
proximate and some minerals contents of
Vitex donianafruits pulp producing in this
areas were also analysed for educating the
Abubakar. et al.
Int. J. Biol. Sci.
community to benefit with various economic
and biological importance of V. doniana
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Area
The study was carried out at University of
Abuja Biological Garden Mini Campus,
Gwagwalada Federal Capital Abuja.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja is
located between latitudes 8025 and 9
of the equator and longitudes 60
east of the Greenwich Meridian. It has a total
land mass of about 8,000sqkm, located
geographically at the center of the country
(Nigeria). FCT falls within the Savanna Zone
vegetation of the West African Sub
with patches of rain-forest especiall
the South Eastern parts of the territory. The
annual total rainfall is in the range of
1,100mm to 1,600mm.
Identification, Collection and Preparation of
Vitex doniana Fruits.
The location, identification and collection of
fruits cut across parts of FCT (Dutse and
Gwagwalada) and Niger State (Izom, Minna,
Figure 1;
DNetRW © 2015 http://www.dnetrw.com
community to benefit with various economic
V. doniana.
The study was carried out at University of
Abuja Biological Garden Mini Campus,
Gwagwalada Federal Capital Abuja. The
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja is
25 and 9026 north 045 and 7039
east of the Greenwich Meridian. It has a total
land mass of about 8,000sqkm, located
geographically at the center of the country
(Nigeria). FCT falls within the Savanna Zone
vegetation of the West African Sub-region
forest especially around
the South Eastern parts of the territory. The
annual total rainfall is in the range of
Identification, Collection and Preparation of
The location, identification and collection of
of FCT (Dutse and
Gwagwalada) and Niger State (Izom, Minna,
Kataeregi, Jima, Doko, Wuya, Kutigi, Labozhi,
Kudu, Mokwa, Takuma, Jebba and Bokani).
Vitex doniana trees were located and identified
around major roads, linking from Abuja to
Minna, Bida, Kutigi, Mokwa up to Jebba
(North) areas in order to have a wider
coverage and sample collection. Hence, the
collection centres were grouped into three
locations; namely Minna –
Kutigi-Bida (KUBI) and Mokwa
(MOJE) locations. MIAB location co
Dutse, Gwagwalada, Izom, Minna, and
Kataeregi centres, KUBI location comprise of
Kutigi, Jima, Doko, Wuya, Labozhi while
MOJE location comprise of Mokwa, Jebba,
Kudu, Takuma, and Bokani).
Many Vitex doniana trees were located and
identified from each location and the trees
were monitored through regular observation
at potential collection sites (locations) to
indicate when collection of fruits is likely to
be worthwhile. This trend continued until the
fruits become matured ripe (i.e. turn black)
which signifies the best time the fruits were
ready for collection as shown in figure 1.
Figure 1; V. doniana mature/ripe fruits.
P a g e | 29
2015
Kataeregi, Jima, Doko, Wuya, Kutigi, Labozhi,
Kudu, Mokwa, Takuma, Jebba and Bokani).
trees were located and identified
around major roads, linking from Abuja to
, Mokwa up to Jebba
(North) areas in order to have a wider
coverage and sample collection. Hence, the
collection centres were grouped into three
– Abuja (MIAB),
Bida (KUBI) and Mokwa – Jebba
(MOJE) locations. MIAB location comprise of
Dutse, Gwagwalada, Izom, Minna, and
Kataeregi centres, KUBI location comprise of
Kutigi, Jima, Doko, Wuya, Labozhi while
MOJE location comprise of Mokwa, Jebba,
Kudu, Takuma, and Bokani).
trees were located and
each location and the trees
were monitored through regular observation
at potential collection sites (locations) to
indicate when collection of fruits is likely to
be worthwhile. This trend continued until the
fruits become matured ripe (i.e. turn black)
hich signifies the best time the fruits were
ready for collection as shown in figure 1.
Abubakar. et al. P a g e | 30
Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2015
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METHODS OF FRUIT COLLECTION
Shaded, Vitex doniana fruits were collected
through hand picking from each of the trees
crown. To have a very high viability of seed
only physiologically matured and ripped
fruits were picked. Collections were made
from a total of fifteen trees across the three
locations.
The reasonable spacing between sampled
trees was also considered to reduce the
likelihood of mixing up the fruits from closely
located trees; hence a minimum of 100 metre
apart was used as a parameter for such
spacing. Collections from the three location
were also adopted in order to ensure
collection from trees with slightly different
environmental, climatic and soil factors.
The fruits were collected using sacks and
perforated polyethene bags to provide
enough aeration for the initial draining of
moisture, reduce overheating and loss of
viability. Collections from each tree were
made in separate sacks and details of
collections were recorded and labeled on each
sack such as location and tree number. All
collections were done within 72hours (three
days).
Pre-Sowing Seed Treatments (PSTs).
Fruits from each tree and locations were
divided into groups according to the number
of treatments to be rendered to them. A total
of six (6) different pre-sowing seed treatments
from two major treatments (chemical and hot
water treatments) were given to the fruits
collected. This was considered in order to
have an increase in the percentage of viable
seed that will germinate and also for the
benefit of faster germination.
Chemical PSTs involve the use of two
different concentrated chemicals namely;
H2SO4 and HNO3. H2SO4 was 97.99%
acidimetric with 89.07g/mol while, HNO3 was
65% with 63.01g/mol. The fruits were
depulped and soaked in chemicals for 30
minutes after which they were removed and
planted.
Hot Water PSTswere made up of two main
categories; namely hot water PST’s at 600c and
1000c. Each category has two groups –
depulped and undepulped. Using kerosene
stove and cooking pots, water was heated to
600c and 1000c for each group; depulped and
undepulped respectively. Thermometer was
used to measure the degree of hotness of
water (Temperature). Depulped and
undepulped fruits for both 600c and 1000c
were immersed in hot water which is then
allowed to cool gradually for up to 24hours to
allow the seeds which are swollen after
imbibing water are ready for sowing.
Seed Sowing/Propagation.
All the treated seeds were directly planted
into already prepared, arranged and well
labeled seed pots. The date of planting (DOP)
of each group of treated seeds were recorded
and observations were made on daily basis.
Twenty (20) seeds per pot, per tree, 100 seeds
for five trees per location and a total of 600
seeds per location for 6 different PST’s were
planted. A grand total of 1800 seeds from
fifteen (15) trees and from three locations
were planted.
Proximate Analysis of the fruits pulp
Determination of the proximate composition
of Vitex doniana fruits (pulp)black powdered
was carried out in Chemistry Advanced
laboratory (SHESTCO). The moisture content,
ash, crude fibre, and crude protein contents of
the pulverized fine powder was determined
using official methods [12]. 100 g of the
powder was weighed in hot air oven at 1050 C
to a constant weight. The difference in weight
was recorded as the moisture content. Three
gram of the powder was placed in a pre-
weighed porcelain crucible and ignited in an
ashing furnace maintained at 60000 C. The ash
content was determined as soon as white ash
was obtained and a constant weight was
Abubakar. et al. P a g e | 31
Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2015
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maintained. The crude fibre was obtained by
digesting 2 g of the samples with H2SO4 and
NaOH and incinerating the residue in a
muffle furnace maintained at 5500C for 5 -8
hrs. The nitrogen content was determined by
micro-kjeldahl method and multiplied by 6.25
to estimate the crude protein content. The
Carbohydrate content was also determined by
differences as described by [12].
Elemental Analysis
Sample digestion, for about 2g of the sample
was digested with (Aqua regia) 3ml of HCL to
1ml OF HNO3 until a clear solution was
observed; the suspension was then filtered
into a 100m volumetric flask and made it up
to the mark (100ml) using deionized water.
Atomic absorption spectrophotometer
(Youngling AAS 8010 Model, Korea) was used
for the determination of each element.
RESULTS AND ANALYSIS
Table 1: Germination of Fruits under Different Treatment from Different Locations.
MAJOR
TREATMENT
SUB
TREATMENT
MINNA-ABUJA (MIAB) LOCATION
TREE
I
TREE
2
TREE
3
TREE
4
TREE
5
TOTA
L
CHEMICAL
H2S04
3
2
4
4
1
14
HNO3
2
2
0
2
0
06
HOT WATER
(600C)
DEPULPED
6
3
4
3
5
21
UNDEPULPED
6
0
5
6
1
18
HOT WATER
(1000C)
DEPULPED
0
0
4
3
0
07
UNDEPULPED
1
0
4
6
4
15
TOTAL
18
7
21
24
11
81
Abubakar. et al. P a g e | 32
Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2015
DNetRW © 2015 http://www.dnetrw.com
Table 2: A Comparison of Summary of Inter Trees, Treatments and Inter Locations
Cumulative Frequency Germination
LOCATI
ON
TREATMENTS
H2S
O4
HNO3 HOT
WATER
(600C)
UNPULP
ED
HOT
WATER
(600C)
UNDEPULP
ED
HOT WATER
(1000C)
DEPULPED
HOT
WATER
(1000C)
UNDEPULP
ED
TOTAL
MINNA
ABUJA
(MIAB)
14
6
21
18
7
15
81
KUTIGI-
BIDA
(KUBI)
34
15
33
26
15
16
139
MAJOR
TREATMENT
SUB
TREATMENT
CHEMICAL
H2S04
HNO3
HOT WATER
(600C)
DEPULPED
UNDEPULPED
HOT WATER
(1000C)
DEPULPED
UNDEPULPED
TOTAL
KUTIGI-BIDA (KUBI)
LOCATION
MOKWA-JEBBA (MOJE)
LOCATION
TR
EE
1
TR
EE
2
TR
EE
3
TR
EE
4
TR
EE
5
TO
TA
L
TR
EE
1
TR
EE
2
TR
EE
3
TR
EE
4
TR
EE
5
TO
TA
L
6
4
10
9
5
34
4
3
4
5
5
21
0
3
4
5
3
15
1
0
2
0
3
06
7
6
11
5
4
33
3
5
6
5
6
25
5
3
3
6
9
26
5
4
5
3
5
22
1
3
4
2
5
15
5
0
3
2
2
12
3
4
2
3
4
16
2
3
5
3
6
19
22
23
34
30
30
139
20
15
25
18
27
105
Abubakar. et al. P a g e | 33
Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2015
DNetRW © 2015 http://www.dnetrw.com
MOKWA
-JEBBA
(MOJE)
21
6
25
22
12
19
105
TOTAL
69
27
79
66
34
50
325
Tables 3-5 show chi-square (X2) contingency test with treatments and locations factors. Expected
counts are printed below observed counts.
Table 3: Chemical Treatments versus Locations
X2= 0.098+ 0.021+ 0.019 + 0.261 + 0.057+ 0.051 = 0.507
DF = 2, P-Value = 0.776
Table 4: Hot Water (HW) 600C Depulped and Undepulped Treatments versus Location
Treatment Mokwa-Jebba
Location
Kutigi-Bida
Location
Minna-Abuja
Location
Total
H2SO4 21
(19.61)
34
(34.86)
14
(14.53
69
HNO3 6
(7.39)
15
(13.50)
6
(5.47)
27
Total 27 49 20 96
Treatment Mokwa-Jebba
Location
Kutigi-Bida
Location
Minna-Abuja
Location
Total
HW 600C
Depulped
25
(25.61)
33
(32.14)
21
(21.25)
79
HW 600C
Undepulped
22
(21.39)
26
(26.86)
18
(17.75)
66
Total 47 59 39 145
Abubakar. et al.
Int. J. Biol. Sci.
X2= 0.014+ 0.023 + 0.003 + 0.017 + 0.027 + 0.003 = 0.088
DF = 2, P-Value = 0.957
Table 5: Hot Water (HW) 1000C Depulped and
Treatment Mokwa-Jebba
Location
HW 1000C
Depulped
12
(12.55)
HW 1000c
Undepulped
19
(18.45)
Total 31
X2 = 0.024 + 0.479 + 0.407 + 0.016 + 0.326 + 0.277 = 1.530
DF = 2, P-Value = 0.465.
Vv
Figure 2: Proximate composition of dried black pulp of
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= 0.014+ 0.023 + 0.003 + 0.017 + 0.027 + 0.003 = 0.088
C Depulped and Undepulped Treatments versus Locations
Jebba
Kutigi-Bida
Location
Minna-Abuja
Location
15
(12.55)
7
(8.90)
16
(18.45)
15
(13.10)
31 22
= 0.024 + 0.479 + 0.407 + 0.016 + 0.326 + 0.277 = 1.530
Figure 2: Proximate composition of dried black pulp of V. doniana fruits.
P a g e | 34
2015
Undepulped Treatments versus Locations
Total
34
50
84
Abubakar. et al. P a g e | 35
Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2015
DNetRW © 2015 http://www.dnetrw.com
Figure 3: Elemental analysis of dried black pulp of V. doniana Fruits.
DISCUSSION
The study revealed that Vitex doniana fruits
have potentials to germinate irrespective of
Pre-Sowing Treatments (PSTs) that could be
given as indicated in table 1. However,
differences in terms of Cumulative Frequency
Germination (CFG) depend on environmental
and genetic factors such as climatic and soil
differences. Hence, a combination of two or
more PSTs such as hot water at 600C and
chemical (H2so4) as revealed from the result
will definitely increase the percentage and
chances of germination of Vitex doniana fruits.
Similarly, a comparison study between the
inter trees, location and treatments based on
CFG as shown in table 2 shows that in MIAB
location, hot water treatment at 600c depulped
recorded the highest CFG (21 seeds
germinated). In KUBI location, H2SO4
recorded highest CFG (34 seeds germinated),
while in MOJE location; hot water treatments
at 600c depulped recorded highest CFG (25
germinated). This also implies that a
combination of two or more PSTs such as
H2SO4 and hot water at 600c (warm water)
treatments could enhance and increase
chances of germination of Vitex doniana fruits.
This findings agrees with the finding of other
studies such as that of [8] in which it was
reported that in Coted’Ivoire, Vitex
donianaseeds were dipped in to Sulphuric acid
95% for 60 minutes and subsequently in warm
water for 72 hours (3 days) and germinated
after 26 days but the germination rate was
only 34%.
On the other hand, table 2 reveals that HN03
treatment recorded the lowest CFG across the
three locations-MIAB location (6 germinated),
KUBI location (15 germinated), MOJE location
(6 germinated); although CFG of hot water at
1000C depulped tally with HN03 treatment in
KUBI location (15 each). This denotes that a
Abubakar. et al. P a g e | 36
Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2015
DNetRW © 2015 http://www.dnetrw.com
combination of PSTs such as HN03 with hot
water at 1000C (boiling point) could be
destructive, reduce the chances of
germination or even impede the germination
of Vitex doniana fruits. The HN03 appears to be
destructive because of its high acidic nature
while hot water treatment at 1000C may be too
hot that it affected the viability of the fruit.
Considering CFG in totality for the three
locations, KUBI location recorded highest –
139 seeds germinated (23.1%) out of the 600
seeds planted, followed by MOJE location -
105 seeds germinated (17.5%) out of the 600
seeds planted while MIAB location has the
lowest -81 seeds germinated (13.5%) out of the
600 seeds planted. The grand total of the
germinated seeds was 325 (18.0%) out of the
1,800 seeds that were planted (Table 1). This is
generally low and there is need for a
combination of two or more PSTs in order to
enhance or achieve higher CFG.
Table 3 presented the chi-square test between
the two chemical treatments (H2S04 and
HNO3) rendered. The X2 =0.507 while the P-
value =0.776; which was greater than the level
of significance of 0.05. Therefore, since P-
value of 0.776 is greater than the level of
significance of 0.05 and conclusion drawn that
germination of seed in any location is
independent of the chemical treatment
rendered.
Similarly, table 4 revealed that by causing X2
=0.088 while P-value=0.957; since P-value of
0.957 is greater than the level of significance of
0.05. Consequently, the germination of seed in
any location is independent of the hot water
at 600C treatment, depulped or undepulped.
On the same note, table 5 shows the level of
significance between hot water treatments at
1000C for depulped and undepulped seeds.
From the table, X2 = 1.530 while P-value= 0.465
which is greater than the level of significance
of 0.05. It is on this note that H0 is retained and
conclusion drawn that the germination of
seed in any location is independent of the
water at 1000C treatment. The proximate
composition of Vitex doniana as presented in
figure 2 shows that Vitex doniana fruits pulp
reveals high moisture content (10.32%) in
comparison with (4.1%) reported from
Dialium guineense [13] and (8.99%) from
Diospyros mespilifomis [14] but the pulp shows
low moisture content in comparison with that
of Phoenix dectylifera (64.34%)[15]. The
Carbohydrate content of the fruits was reveals
average (55.86%) in comparison with other
wild fruits reported 77.21% [14] 65.00%[15]
79.01%[13] from D. mespiliformis, P.dectylifera
and D. guineense respectively. The crude
protein value of Vitex doniana pulp (7.39%)
was also promising. The fruits pulp contains
(3.15%) fibre which is useful for maintaining
bulk, motility and increasing intestinal
peristalsis by surface extension of the food in
the intestinal tract. Fibre is also necessary for
good health during food digestion, and also
have health-promoting properties as they
have been implicated in the lowering of
plasma and liver cholesterol concentrations
[16], diarrhea treatment and detoxification of
poisonous metals [17].
The elemental composition of the fruits pulp
showed the presence of interested elements in
varying quantities shown in (Figure 3).
Calcium reveals highest value22mg/g but the
values was low in comparison with 30.27mg/g
reported by [18]. Calcium is a very important
mineral and very essential in human diet. It
plays a role in the formation of bones and is
also essential for blood clotting and muscle
contraction [19]. Magnesium is a very
important micronutrient required for bone
formation, aids enzyme action and nerve
heart beat functions [20].The value of
magnesium 7.00mg/g reported in this
workwas lower than 90.07mg/g for
D.microcarpum pulp reported by[21]. The pulp
shows 15mg/g and 12mg/g for Sodium and
Abubakar. et al. P a g e | 37
Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2015
DNetRW © 2015 http://www.dnetrw.com
potassium respectively. Sodium and
potassium are involved in maintaining proper
acid-balance and in nerve transmission in the
body [22]. Sodium and Potassium also has
significant importance particularly to a
hypertension patient [23]. The values of
Manganese (Mn, 0.03mg/g), Zinc (Zn,
0.004mg/g), Chromium (Cr, 0.023mg/g)
Copper (Cu, 0.10mg/g) and Iron (Fe,
0.01mg/g) reported in this research work was
low but within safety limit. Pb was not
detected, hence it implies that the fruit is safe
for consumption.
CONCLUSION
It is inferred from this study that Vitex
doniana can be domesticated and cultivated to
serve for diverse purposes such as for
nutritional and income generation and by so
doing it’s conservation will be guaranteed.
Mechanical seed scarification, chemical (acid),
hot water treatments are some of the factors
that can significantly influence germination
percentage in seeds of Vitex doniana and
means through which it can be domesticated
and cultivated. Most importantly, from the
proximate and minerals analysis carried out,
Vitex doniana seed was rich source of
carbohydrate average protein content and also
the pulp contains some minerals, such us
Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium and potassium
within safety limit. It may be concluded that
elevation and proper consumption of these
fruits pulp, may help to improve the diet and
alleviate nutrient deficiencies.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Vulnerable indigenous and wild species that
are going extinct such as Vitex doniana need to
be domesticated and cultivated. To do this, a
combination of two or more PSTs needs to be
given to Vitex doniana seed in order to record
higher percentage germination. Hence, H2SO4
treatment coupled with warm water at 600c,
and further soaking in cold water for
minimum of 7 days is recommended.
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