Biochemical Composition of Some Promising Genotypes of Pseudocereals and Food Legumes of Himachal Pradesh

The dry mature grains of sixteen buckwheat, five amaranth, eight rice bean and seven promising adzuki bean varieties/genotypes procured from Mountain Agriculture Research and Extension Centre, Sangla; NBPGR, Regional Station, Phagali, Shimla and Department of Crop Improvement, CSKHPKV, Palampur were analysed for various quality parameters like protein, essential amino acids and antinutritional factors. The study indicated that among various genotypes IC-108499 in protein, EC-18282 in methionine, Shimla B-1 in tryptophan, Himpriya in oxalate (exhibiting lowest value) and IC-547385 in total phenols (exhibiting lowest value) content emerged promising buckwheat genotypes, whereas IC-423117 in proteins, IC-422845 in methionine, IC-03812 in tryptophan, IC-423117 in oxalate (exhibiting lowest value) and IC-422652 in total phenols (exhibiting lowest value) content adjudged to be superior amaranth genotypes. However, BRS-1 in proteins, LRB-5 in methionine and tryptophan, LRB-5 in oxalate (exhibiting lowest value) content emerged promising rice bean varieties/genotypes, whereas EC-08707 in protein, EC-340271, EC-08707 in methionine and EC-340271 in tryptophan were adjudged to be superior adzuki bean genotypes for individual quality attribute(s). Moreover, on the basis of cumulative varietal grading in respect of desirable nutritional quality attributes taken altogether ShimlaB-1 genotypes of buckwheat, IC-423117 genotype of amaranth, LRB-5 genotype of rice bean and EC08707 genotype of adzuki bean were found superior over others. These underutilised grains and legumes – species have higher nutritional compositions than conventional cereals such as wheat, rice, rye, barley, millet, sorghum, oatmeal and maize. These species can provide essential minerals, protein and energy requirements to the daily diet of vulnerable groups in rural communities. Thus, nutrient variation observed will be useful in designing strategies that maximise the utilisation of these underutilised crops.