Nutritional composition in fruits of gynodioecious papaya genotypes

Abstract

The experiment was carried out during 2014-15 to find out the nutritive value of female and hermaphrodite fruits of gynodioecious genotypes of papaya fruits to know their nutrient status. The fruits of five gynodioecious genotypes, namely, P-7-2, P-9-5, P-7-9, P-7-15 and commercial hybrid Red Lady, were evaluated for moisture content, protein, fibre, lycopene, β-carotene, phenols, flavonoids, and various antioxidant activities The total moisture per cent was found minimum (85.62) in P-7-9 followed by P-7-15 and P-9-5 (86.69). The maximum protein (8.71% on DW basis) was in P-9-5 and P-7-9. The lower moisture per cent, fibre, β-carotene, total phenols (31.79 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoids (31.75 mg QE/100 g) and free radical scavenging activity DPPH (0.27 μmol TE/g) were found significantly higher in hermaphrodite fruits of all gynodioecious genotypes. However, protein, lycopene and total carotene were observed higher in female fruits. Fruits of P-9-5 was found with highest amount of nutritive values, particularly total phenols, flavonoids and free radical scavenging activity DPPH followed by P-7-9, and P-7-15.