Effect of Cucumber mosaic cucumovirus on the nutritional composition of fluted Pumpkin, Telfairia occidentalis Hook F.

This study aimed to determine the effect of cucumber mosaic virus on the nutritive composition of the leafy vegetable of Telfairia occidentalis. Proximate composition, mineral and vitamin tests were used to study the nutritive factors in the healthy and the Cucumber mosaic virus-infected leave samples. Comparing the healthy and Cucumber mosaic virus infected leaves at P≤0.05, the moisture content was not affected while crude protein, carbohydrate and energy, as well as vitamins (such as vitamin A, B, B, C and D) 1 2 were significantly reduced. Crude fibre, lipids and ash content, as well as mineral nutrients (such as Calcium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium and Zinc) concentrations all increased in infected leaves. It has been ascertained that Cucumber mosaic virus has some significant impact on the nutritional compositions of the leafy vegetable. The outcome of the study should serve as a basis for further extensive research on the impact of the virus on Telfairia occidentalis.