Moringa landraces of Pakistan are potential source of premium quality oil

In Pakistan it is dire need to explore potential sources of vegetable oil with good quality. Therefore, seed yield and oil quality were explored in wild trees of Moringa (Moringa oleifera L.) from different locations of Punjab, Pakistan. Fifteen trees from each six locations {Rahimyar Khan (RYK), Faisalabad (FSD), Bahawalpur (BWP), Multan (MUL), Layyah (LAY) and Khanewal (KWL)} were selected. Data regarding different traits were taken for two years (2014 and 2015). Significant higher yield-related traits were observed at RYK contributing to maximum seed yield; 4.11 and 3.77 kg/tree during 2014 and 2015, respectively. Oil yield was also found maximum; 1.48 and 1.40 kg oil/tree during respective seasons in landrace of RYK. Oil-quality related traits (sterol, fatty-acid profile and oxidative-stability) were statistically similar in all landraces during both seasons. The physio-chemical characteristics were noted as: refractive index (1.4622–1.4631), saponification value (176–182 mg of KOH/g of soil), iodine value (67–71 g of I/100 g of soil) and free-fatty acids (0.41–0.49% oleic acid). Oleic-acid (ω–9) was dominant fatty acid contributing 70% to fatty-acid profile, on the other hand, polyunsaturated fatty-acids (linoleic and linolenic acid) were found in minor range (less than 1%). In sterol composition main fractions were of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol and delta 5-avenasterol accounting to 96% of total sterols-composition while, β-sitosterol was found in high level (55%). Overall, landrace of RYK has been recognized as potential candidate for premium quality oil production for food and industrial use. Farmer can get more income by developing moringa orchards and health of local community can be improved by use of moringa oil as it is rich in health supportive fatty acids (ω–9) and sterols (β-sitosterol).