Nutritional composition and fatty acid profile of important genotypes of fieldpea (Pisum sativum ssp. arvense)

Twelve genotypes of fieldpea viz., JP 885, HFP 4, HUP 2, KPMR 144, KFP 103, Rachna, IPF 14, IPF 17, IPF 27, IPFD 98-1, IPFD 98-7 and IPFD 98-9 were compared for their nutritional quality parameters. The soluble protein content of these genotypes ranged from 16.3 to 22.9%, genotypes JP 885, KFP 103 and Rachna exhibited higher seed protein as compared to other genotypes. The starch of seed was in the range of 41.3 to 51.2%. HUP 2, KPMR 144, KFP 103 and IPF 14 possessed relatively higher starch as compared to other genotypes. Soluble sugar ranged from 6.1 to 7.8%. All the genotypes were at par in respect of soluble sugar except KPMR 144, IPF 14 and IPFD 98-9, which had relatively higher sugar in their seed. The crude fiber content was in the range of 3.4 to 4.7%. HUP 2, Rachna, IPF 17, IPFD 98-7 had relatively high crude fiber in their seed. The seed lipid was low and varied in a narrow range of 1.1 to 1.5%. The fatty acid profile was dominant of unsaturated fatty acids. Linoleic acid was the most predominant unsaturated fatty acid in seed lipids, followed by oleic and linolenic acid. The major saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid. High protein, dietary fibre and unsaturated fatty acids in seed are responsible for hypocholesterolemic effect of fieldpea.