The Genetic Potential of the Nutritive Value of Beniseed (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

Seeds from 15 cultivars of beniseed grown in a southern guinea savanna agro-ecology were evaluated for their mineral composition as well as their physico-chemical characterization.  Average percentage crude protein (15.40), crude fat (53.27), crude fibre (6.10), ash (2.33) and Nitrogen free extract (16.61) compare favourably with those of groundnut as a reference crop.  However mineral composition are fairly similar in all the cultivars with calcium being the most abundant in two varieties (85-3-1 and T-4).  While magnesium and potassium are appreciably high phosphorus appears to be the poorest major element.  Physico-chemical analysis shows that the cultivars Potskun 98, S-530 (4) and Cameroun 98 are appreciably rich in iodine and saponification values.