Effects of phosphorus deficiency on secondary metabolites and African nightshade distribution in Kisii, Siaya and Kakamega counties, Kenya
Abstract
163 words
African indigenous vegetables form an integral part of the Kenyan diets, among the most
commonly consumed being the African nightshade. These vegetables contain important
phenolics that have medicinal values and good health attributes. The abundance of these
phenolic substances has strongly been associated with phosphorus use efficiency. In order
to investigate the effect of phosphorus deficiency on African nightshade distribution, a
purposive research was done on 30 random farmers growing the crop using semi-structured
questionnaires in Kisii and Siaya counties of Kenya on February 2014. Solanum scabrum
had 79% distribution whereas Solanum villosum had 21%. The two species were planted
under greenhouse production in Kenyatta University with varying Phosphorus pot treatments
(0, 6, 12 and 18 gms). Plant variables were recorded during their growth period and later the
effects resulting from these treatments were established. Analysis on Total Phenolic Content
is under way. The results obtained will be used to educate farmers and extension personnel
about ways of improving productivity of African nightshade.
Subjects
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