Estimation of -Carotene in Local Banana Cultivars from Kerala

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.