112

FRUIT: MORPHOLOGY, YIELD AND BIOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS

8.1. INTRODUCTION A variety of the wild edible plants are found in the Central Himalaya have been

progressively neglected due to dependency on few staple foods, thereby narrowing the

base of food security. This has resulted over the years in food supply crises, hunger and

malnutrition. There are some 800 million food insecure people mainly in the developing

countries; about 30,000 people (half of them children) die everyday due to hunger and

malnutrition. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) among 3.7 billion people (mainly women)

suffering because of IDA and 0.5 million children suffering annually from blindness due

to vitamin ‘A’ deficiency are stark realities that mankind faces today (Naik et al., 2003).

On the other hand, obesity, cardiovascular diseases and type II diabetes are on the

increase, even in developing countries, because of oversimplified diets (Jaenicke and

Höschle-Zeledon, 2006).

Since time immemorial, traditional knowledge and indigenous evidences suggest

that a variety of wild edible plant species in the Himalayan region have played a

prominent role in providing the health and nutritional security to human beings and

animals (Dhyani et al., 2007; Maikhuri and Gangwar, 1993). Majority of the

underutilized or unutilized wild edible plants are good source of nutrition and are rich in

protein, mineral and vitamin constituents. However, there are large number of wild edible

plants that have still not been properly addressed for their nutritional issues. In particular,

the lack of micronutrients, vitamins and other essential dietary components, are still

greatly neglected in daily diets (Frison, 2004).The ignorance of wild edible plants in

traditional food system and erosion of many of these species, from wild, managed or

cultivated, can have immediate consequences on the food security and well-being of the

rural communities. There are many nutritional elements present in these wild edibles and

their enhanced consumption can bring about better nutritional support for everyone. For

example, many underutilized fruits and vegetables contain more vitamin C and pro-

vitamin A than widely available commercial species and varieties (Anonymous, 2002).

CHAPTER

8

113

Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is essential for preventing common

micronutritional disorders such as vitamin A, iron and iodine deficiencies etc. (Babu,

2000).

The identification of phyto-chemicals is required for recognizing the potential of

indigenous wild edible fruits as reliable supplementary food nutrition. Ethnobotanical

surveys and various scientific researches have already confirm that hundreds of such

species are still to be discovered in many countries those represent an enormous potential

to contribute towards food security and nutrition by combating deficiency ailments

through providing the vitamins and minerals requirements. However, during recent past

these locally important species are often neglected by the rural and urban societies. Lack

of proper attention from research and development has meant that the potential value of

these wild edibles to human well-being and incomes from them are underexploited

(Maikhuri et al., 2004). This neglect can also lead to the genetic erosion of their diversity

and usefulness, further restricting an important development and economical option for

the rural population of higher Himalaya (Anonymous, 2002). However, recently wild

edibles have featured prominently and are elaborated in the discussions and framework of

rural development, biodiversity conservation and livelihood related issues all over the

world (Dhyani et al., 2007; Maikhuri et al., 1994).

Sustainable harvesting and appropriate management strategies regarding

Hippophae rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) have been listed as one of the prominent

bioresources from the Uttarakhand Himalaya for providing nutritional security as well as

economic benefits for hill states (Dhyani et al., 2007). While, several suggestions have

been put forward to enhance the area of the species through plantation, identifying the

potential and elite populations from the wild, and their production capacity and

biochemical constituents of edible parts (fruit berries, seeds etc.) need to be understood.

The present study is an attempt to assess biochemical composition of fruit berries and

seeds of Hippophae species from five prominent valleys of Central Himalaya. Such

information is expected to help the local communities for improving their nutritional

security as their dietary constituents and providing alternative livelihood in sustainable

manner while harnessing the potential of this species to meet both short and long-term

subsistence, social, economical, cultural and conservation needs (Dhyani et al., 2007).

114

Considering all these factors the present study was designed to understand the

morphology of fruit and seed, fruit yield and various biochemical attributes of the target

species.

8.2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

8.2.1. Morphological attributes

For estimating the shape, size, colour, weight and juice quantity and quality of fruit

berries and seeds, 100 fruits were collected from randomly selected 15 plants from each

of the five valleys. The collection of fruit berries was carried out with the help of pruning

cutters during first week of November, as it is the peak ripening period of fruits. Digital

Vernier caliper was used for measuring the longitudinal and horizontal diameters as well

as shape and size of fruit berries and seeds. Fruits color was recorded by the direct

observation method.

8.2.2. Fruit yield Fruit yield was estimated by harvesting manually. Ten female plants in each of three

C.B.H (small 0-30, medium 31-50, large >51 cm) classes were marked in all the five

valleys. The number of main fruiting branch, number of offshoot, number of fruits per

offshoot, average weight of 100 fruits was recorded for each individual. The average

weight of one fruit was obtained by dividing the 100 fruit weight by 100. Fruit yield data

were pooled and average yield (Kg/tree) for each size (C.B.H) classes (small, medium

and large) calculated.

8.2.3. Fruit juice yield For estimating the juice quantity of fruit berries, 100 fruits were collected from randomly

selected 15 plants from each valley. The detail about fruit berries collections is given

above. Muslin cloth was used for the extraction of juice whereas; the measuring cylinder

of 25 ml. was used for estimation of fruit juice yield. The weight of fruit pulp was

measured with the help of digital balance.

115

8.2.4. Biochemical analysis Biochemical analysis was mainly confined to the estimation of proximate and ultimate

nutrient analysis present within the fruit berries and seeds of Hippophae rhamnoides

collected from different valleys of the Garhwal Himalaya. Fruit juice was extracted by

hand pressing method and filtered with the help of muslin cloth for the proximate mineral

analysis. The remaining residue that is pulp and seeds were collected separately for sun

drying followed by oven drying. The dried pulp and seed samples were grinded to fine

powder for the ultimate mineral analysis.

Various recommended methods for analyses of plant material were used as given

by AOAC (1984), Rangana (1979), Allen (1989) and Anderson and Ingram (1993). The

quantitative analysis of the fruit samples was broadly done for proximate analysis as well

as ultimate analysis. The proximate analysis provides useful information, particularly

from nutritional and biochemical point of view, and constitutes of primary organic groups

of the plant samples, viz. fats, carbohydrates, proteins, sugars, fibres, ash, acidity, etc. It

accounts for most of the organic dry matter of the foodstuff. The ultimate analysis refers

to the determination of a particular element (viz. N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, etc.) or a

compound present in the material (Allen 1989, Rangana 1979). A brief presentation of

various methods used in the analysis is given below:

8.2.4. A. Proximate nutrient determination

8.2.4. A. (i) Moisture and Fibre Moisture in plant samples was determined by measuring loss in weight due to oven

drying the plant samples till constant weight and estimated the difference between fresh

weight to dry weight. Crude fibre is essentially the residue left after sequential hot

digestion with H2SO4 and NaOH. It mainly consists of cellulose together with a little

lignin. Crude fibre was determined by acid and alkaline digestion methods using Fibretec

apparatus.

8.2.4. A. (ii) TSS and Acidity Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content of fruits was measured through Hand Refrectrometer,

which gives refractive index by placing a drop of fruit syrup on the prism and reading the

116

corresponding value (in percentage) of substance by direct reading. Acidity of fruit juices

was determined by titrating a known weight of sample with 0.1N NaOH using a few

drops of 1% phenolphthalein solution as the indicator. The value calculated with

reference to percent anhydrous citric acid.

8.2.4. A. (iii) Fats and Proteins Crude fat in plant samples was determined by exhaustively extracting a known weight of

powdered plant material with petroleum ether using Soxhlet apparatus. The ether is

evaporated and the residue weighted. The extracted crude fat of plant samples represents,

besides the true fat (triglycerides), phospholipids, sterols, essential oils and fat-soluble

pigments etc. Protein was determined by micro-kjeldhal methods by multiplying nitrogen

with 6.25. This is based on the assumption that plant proteins consist 16% of nitrogen.

8.2.4. A. (iv) Carbohydrates, Sugars, Cellulose and Lignin

Carbohydrate content, other than sugars, for plant samples was obtained by the difference

methods. The sum total of ash, acidity, crude fat, protein, sugars and crude fibre is

subtracted from 100, represents primarily the carbohydrate content which also includes

starch, pectin, gums etc. The sugar content in the plant samples was estimated by

determining the volume of unknown sugar solution required to reduce completely a

measured volume of Fehling’s solution to red, insoluble cuprous oxide. The reducing

sugar in plant samples (juice) was determined by mixing with lead acetate, kept

overnight, mixed with potassium oxylate and titrated with Fehling’s solution A+B. For

estimation of total sugar the overnight filtered juice was mixed with H2SO4, and again

kept for another 24 hrs. Thereafter, it was neutralized with NaOH solution using

phenolphthalein as an indicator. This solution is titrated with the Fehling solution (A+B).

Acid detergent lignin (ADL) was determined by using Fibretec apparatus by de-

fating a known weight of plant sample (W1) with acetone (cold extraction) and with acid

detergent solution (hot extraction), and washed with hot water. The sample is mixed with

H2SO4 for 3 hrs, again washed to free from acid. It is dried, weighted (W2) and ashed in

muffle at 525oC for 3 hrs and again weighted (W3). The ADL is calculated as per

following formula:

117

W2-W3 x 100

ADL (%) = W1

8.2.4. B. Ultimate nutrient determination

8.2.4. B. (i) Macro-nutrients

Nitrogen was determined through micro-kjeldahl method by digesting a known weight of

plant sample and treated with alkali. The liberated ammonia is collected in boric acid and

titrated with HCl. Phosphorus was estimated colorimetrically by treating the digested

sample with ammonium molybdate and freshly prepared ascorbic acid.

Spectrophotometer apparatus was used to measure the absorbance at 880 nm. Potassium

and sodium was determined through Flamephotometer. The flame excited atoms of

potassium and sodium emit radiation at different specific wavelengths, which is measured

using different filters. Calcium and magnesium in plant samples was determined by

EDTA (the disodium salt of Ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid) titration method.

8.2.4. B (ii) Micro-nutrients The micro-nutrients (Fe, Zn, Cu, As) were determined through Atomic Absorption

Spectrophotometer. The plant samples were digested in tri-acid solution of HClO4, HNO3

and H2SO4 were passed through atomic absorption spectrophotometer using different

lamps and values were recorded, which further calibrated for different micro-nutrients

estimation.

8.3. RESULTS

8.3.1. Morphological Attributes

The survey results obtained through extensive survey showed that, among two

morphological forms of Hippophae rhamnoides, the tree form is present in the valley of

Bhyundar and Yamunotri while the shrub and small tree form are dominated in the Mana,

Gangotri and Niti Valleys. The bigger size of fruit berries was obtained in Mana valley

with length of 7.73 (± 0. 18) mm and width of 7.05 (± 0.21) and smaller in Niti valley

118

with a length of 6.86 (± 0.16) mm and width of 6.20 (±0.32) mm (Table 8.1). The size of

seeds were found larger in the Niti valley with the length of 4.95 (± 0.12) mm and width

2.88 (±0.07) mm whereas the smaller size were recorded from Gangotri valley with the

length of 4.49 (± 0.10) mm and width of 2.88 (± 0.09) mm (Table 8.2). The weight of 100

fresh fruit berries was calculated highest (21.25 ± 0.47 gm) among the plants growing in

Mana valley whereas the minimum (16.73 ± 0.49 gm) was calculated for the plant

population of Niti valley. Average weight of 100 seeds (1.26 ± 0.07 gm) was found

higher in the population located in Mana valley whereas the minimum weight (1.11 ±

0.02 gm) was recorded in the plants of Bhyundar valley.

Table. 8.1. Morphological features of fruits of different populations of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Seabuckthorn) growing in Garhwal region, Uttarakhand.

Place

Altitude (m amsl)

Weight of 100 fruits (gm)

Length (mm)

Width (mm)

Shape

Colour

Gangotri

2560

18.48 (± 0.69)

7.19 (± 0.03)

6.85 (± 0.02)

Oval

Orange

Yamunotri

2586

19.50 (± 0.41)

7.50 (± 0.04)

6.89 (± 0.06)

Oval to elliptical

Orange yellow

Bhyundar

2575

21.07 (± 1.16)

7.55 (± 0.16)

7.29 (± 0.12)

Round or ovate

Orange

Mana

2530

21.25 (± 0.47)

7.73 (± 0.18)

7.05 (± 0.21)

Oval – elliptical

Reddish- yellow

Niti

2618

16.73 (± 0.49)

6.86 (± 0.16)

6.20 (±0.32)

Ovate

Red – orange

119

Table 8.2. Morphological features of seeds of different populations of Hippophae rhamnoides L. (Seabuckthorn) growing in Garhwal region, Uttarakhand.

8.3.2. Fruit yield The entire data of potential fruit yield recorded for different size classes in five valleys

are presented in the Table 8.3. Comparing the different valleys the maximum fruit yield

(t/ha) was observed in the Yamunotri (7.598±0.79) valley followed by Mana

(7.053±0.87), Bhyundar (2.785±0.29), Gangotri (2.760±0.30) and Niti (2.568±0.32)

valleys (Fig). It was clearly observed that the average fruit yield was significantly

(p<0.05) affected by the different size classes (small, medium and large). In other words

the fruit yield was positively correlated with the increased size classes. The average

number of fruit branches varied in different size classes and was found in between

8.0±0.58 (0-30cm CBH) to 23.6±1.25 fruit branches/tree (above 51cm CBH). Similarly,

the average number of fruit offshoot varied from 12.7±1.11 to 20.9±0.78 offshoot/fruit

branch. The number of fruit per offshoot was counted highest (170.5±14.24

fruit/offshoot) in Mana valley and minimum (102.4±6.07) in Gangotri valley. Besides, it

was also revealed that the fruit number was entirely based on the increasing number of

offshoot branches.

Place

Altitude (m amsl)

Weight of 100 seeds (gm)

Length (mm)

Width (mm)

Shape

Colour

Gangotri

2560

1.12 (± 0.01)

4.49 (± 0.10)

2.88 (± 0.09)

Ovate

Reddish Brown

Yamunotri

2586

1.13 (± 0.01)

4.84 (± 0.16)

2.84 (± 0.08)

Elongate

Reddish Brown

Bhyundar

2575

1.11 (± 0.02)

4.56 (± 0.10)

2.94 (± 0.07)

Ovate Dark Brown

Mana

2530

1.26 (± 0.07)

4.60 (± 0.12)

2.90 (± 0.05)

Ovate

Brown

Niti

2618

1.25 (± 0.01)

4.95 (± 0.12)

2.88 (±0.07)

Elongate

Reddish Brown

120

Plate8.1. Materials processed for biochemical analysis process: (A) fruits collected from

different valleys, (B) Measurement of fruits with the help of digital vernier caliper, (C)

Juice extraction, (D) Squeezed fruit pulp and seeds, (E) Sun drying of seed and pulp, (F)

separation of seeds and pulp using sieve.

A B

C D

E F

121

Table 8.3. Variation in Hippophae fruit yield (kg/tree) across CBH classes and valleys

Valley Size DBH class

Average Fruit Branches /plant

Average offshoot/ fruit branch

Average No. of fruits/ Offshoot

Average Weight of one fruit (g)

Average Yield/twig (Kg)

Average Yield/Fruit branch

Average Yield (Kg/plant)

Mana Small 10-30 cm

9.30±0.8 13.50±1.06 118.26±11.96 0.2125±0.005 0.025±0.003 0.335±0.04 3.06±0.39

Medium 31-50 cm

15.3±1.11 18.5±0.92 134±9.42 0.2125±0.005 0.029±0.002 0.523±0.04 8.24±1.02

Large 51<

23.1±1.33 20.4±0.97 170.5±14.24 0.2125±0.005 0.036±0.003 0.756±0.09 17.35±2.12

Niti

Small 10-30 cm

8.80±0.61 12.7±1.11 116.2±10.04 0.1673±0.005 0.194±0.002 0.244±0.03 2.15±0.30

Medium 31-50 cm

14.5±1.11 17.4±0.9 116±8.92 0.1673±0.005 0.194±0.002 0.335±0.03 4.93±0.70

Large 51<

21.7±1.09 19.9±0.77 157±10.38 0.1673±0.005 0.026±0.002 0.529±0.05 11.38±1.12

Bhyundar Small 10-30 cm

8.3±0.75 13.2±1.15 113.8±9.94 0.2107±0.016 0.024±0.002 0.312±0.04 2.52±0.29

Medium 31-50 cm

14.1±1.12 17.0±0.89 113.3±9.16 0.2107±0.016 0.024±0.002 0.402±0.03 5.69±0.72

Large 51<

21.6±0.99 20.3±0.80 143.9±8.45 0.2107±0.016 0.030±0.002 0.627±0.05 13.41±1.20

Gangotri Small 10-30 cm

8.0±0.58 13.9±1.22 113.9±7.61 0.1848±0.007 0.021±0.001 0.294±0.03 2.27±0.25

Medium 31-50 cm

13.9±1.35 16.3±0.92 102.4±6.07 0.1848±0.007 0.019±0.001 0.308±0.02 4.37±0.63

Large 51<

20.9±0.81 20.3±0.83 141.1±7.48 0.1848±0.007 0.026±0.001 0.531±0.04 11.12±0.88

Yamunotri Small 10-30 cm

9.4±0.86 12.9±1.04 117.2±10.74 0.1950±0.004 0.023±0.002 0.288±0.03 2.73±0.41

Medium 31-50 cm

16.4±0.91 18.2±0.94 131.3±11.06 0.1950±0.004 0.027±0.002 0.458±0.04 7.66±0.89

Large 51<

23.6±1.25 20.9±0.78 162.0±12.02 0.1950±0.004 0.032±0.002 0.673±0.07 15.54±1.52

122

8.3.3. Fruit juice yield Further studying the fruit juice yield and productivity reveals that the quantity of juice

extracted from 100 fruits was calculated minimum 11.05 (± 0.41) ml in Niti valley and

maximum 13.93 (±0.44) ml in Mana valley (Table 8.4). It was also estimated that 1 kg of

fresh fruits may yield about 800 to 840 ml of fresh juice.

Table. 8.4. Quantity of juice yield from per 100 fruit samples from different populations of Hippophae rhamnoides. L in the Garhwal region

8.3.4. Biochemical analysis

The proximate nutrient analysis determines the percentage of the moisture, acidity, fat,

lignin, carbohydrate, reducing sugar, starch, protein etc., whereas, the ultimate mineral

analysis accomplishes with determining the percentage amount of Nitrogen,

Phosphorous, Sodium, Potassium, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Magnesium, Arsenic etc.

8.5.4. (i) Proximate nutrient determination The percentage of moisture content was obtained high (9.15 ± 0.11 %) in the pulp of

Seabuckthorn berries collected from Niti valley, whereas, lower values were found in the

pulp of other valleys. The percentage of Total Soluble Solid (TSS) estimated in the fruit

of various populations varied with the maximum value 9.72 ± 0.06 % for Bhyundar

valley and minimum 8.86 ± 0.05 for Mana valley. The percentile quantity of starch and

acidity was found higher 85.17 ± 0.28 % and 0.68 ± 0.002 % in the fruits collected from

Mana valley, whereas, minimum value was estimated for the fruits collected from

Place

Altitude (m amsl)

Weight of 100 fruits (gm)

Juice yield (extracted) from 100 fruits (ml)

Weight of residue (gm) (seed & pulp)

Gangotri 2560 18.48 (± 0.69) 12.58 (± 0.48) 5.00 (± 0.31) Yamunotri 2586 19.50 (± 0.41) 13.11 (± 0.20) 5.57 (± 0.29) Bhyundar 2575 21.07 (± 1.16) 13.32 (± 0.50) 5.40 (± 0.45) Mana 2530 21.25 (± 0.47) 13.93 (±0.44) 5.47 (± 0.22) Niti 2618 16.73 (± 0.49) 11.50 (± 0.41) 4.71 (±0.35)

123

Gangotri (29.42 ± 0.32 %) and Niti valley (0.63 ± 0.01 %). Percent of Fat content was

obtained highest 10.33 ± 0.88 % in the fruit pulp of Gangotri population. Protein content

in fruit pulp (7.13 ± 0.64 %) and seed (28.33 ± 0.41 %) was obtained highest for the

samples collected from Gangotri population, whereas minimum content of protein in fruit

pulp (5.42 ± 0.11 %) was found for Bhyundar and in seeds (22.79 ± 0.17 %) for

Yamunotri population. Carbohydrate content in fruits was obtained highest 0.40 ± 0.01 %

for Gangotri population and least value of carbohydrate was estimated 0.30 ± 0.02 % for

population of Bhyundar valley. Reducing sugar content was obtained highest 0.60 ±

0.003 % in the fruits of Gangotri population whereas, least value was estimated 0.05 ±

0.16 % for the population of Yamunotri valley (Table 8.5).

Table. 8.5 . Nutrient composition of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits collected from different valleys of Central Himalaya

Valley

Moisture (%)

TSS

Acidity

(%)

Reducing

Sugar (%)

Starch

(%)

Lignin

(%)

Fiber (%)

Fat (%)

Carbo

hydrate (%)

Protein

(%)

Gangotri

97.6

9.28

± 0.14

0.65

± 0.003

0.60 ±

0.003

29.42 ±

0.97

21.33 ±

0.67

14.0 10.33

± 0.88

0.40 ±

0.01

7.13 ±

0.64

Yamunotri

88.4

9.08

± 0.05

0.66

± 0.14

0.05 ±

0.16

37.04 ±

0.98

21.67 ±

0.67

12.0 9.00

± 0.58

0.39 ±

0.02

6.38 ±

0.07

Bhyundar

85.3

9.72

± 0.06

0.66 ±

0.01

0.23 ±

0.17

48.87 ±

1.01

26.33 ±

2.85

12.0 9.33 ±

0.33

0.30 ±

0.02

5.42 ±

0.11

Mana

86.4

8.86

± 0.05

0.68

± 0.002

0.05 ±

0.00

85.17 ±

1.03

17.67 ±

0.88

13.0 10.00

± 0.58

0.37 ±

0.01

5.83 ±

0.22

Niti

84.9

9.28

± 0.07

0.63 ±

0.01

0.21 ±

0.16

62.55 ±

1.21

18.00 ±

0.00

13.0 8.33

± 0.67

0.34 ±

0.002

5.96 ±

0.18

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8.3.4. (ii) Ultimate nutrient determination Among the various macronutrients, the percent of Nitrogen content varied from 1.14 ±

0.10 % (Gangotri) to 0.89 ± 0.01 % (Bhyundar) in the fruit pulp whereas, in seeds it

varied from 4.53 ± 0.07 % (Gangotri) to 3.65 ± 0.03 % (Yamunotri). The fruit pulp

contains 0.67 ± 0.01 % of Phosphorous collected from Yamunotri population, whereas, it

was found least 0.60±0.02 % in the fruit pulp of Niti valley. The Phosphorous content of

seeds from different population showed variation from 0.69±0.001 % (Gangotri) to

0.61±0.003 % (Yamunotri population). The potassium content in the fruit pulp of various

populations ranged between 14.84 ± 0.21 % (Gangotri) to 10.12 ± 0.92 % (Bhyundar)

whereas, the maximum content of potassium in seed was found in Gangotri (13.42 ± 1.47

%) population. The value for other macro and micronutrients viz., sodium, magnesium,

Iron, copper, Zinc etc was also determined for the fruit pulp and seeds of Hippophae

rhamnoides collected from five different populations of Garhwal Himalaya (Table 8.6,

8.7).

Table 8.6. Ultimate Nutrient composition (ppm) of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits collected from different populations.

Fe (ppm)

Mg (ppm)

Cu (ppm)

Zn (ppm)

As (ppm)

Valley

Pulp

Seed

Pulp

Seed

Pulp

Seed

Pulp

Seed

Pulp

Seed

Gangotri

0.81

± 0.090

0.647

± 0.013

1.92

± 0.727

2.843

± 0.339

0.103

± 0.003

0.043

± 0.003

2.74

± 0.383

1.943

± 0.514

0.231

± 0.012

0.095

± 0.004

Yamunotri

1.127

± 0.093

0.593

± 0.153

0.72

± 0.050

2.487

± 0.321

0.133

± 0.007

0.097

± 0.044

0.92

± 0.092

0.817

± 0.294

0.06

± 0.004

0.099

± 0.012

Bhyundar

0.727

± 0.086

0.46

± 0.017

0.62

± 0.1

2.996

± 0.114

0.11

± 0.006

0.043

± 0.003

1.3 ±

0.075

0.827

± 0.044

0.077

± 0.014

0.145

± 0.007

Mana

0.753

± 0.074

0.36

± 0.006

1.703

± 0.534

1.806

± 0.209

0.133

± 0.022

0.023

± 0.0067

0.817

± 0.247

0.497

± 0.0088

0.16

± 0.006

0.078

± 0.002

Niti

0.703

± 0.023

0.573

± 0.007

0.78

± 0.035

3.04

± 0.081

0.09

± 0.006

0.057

± 0.018

1.14

± 0.645

2.83

± 0.373

0.064

± 0.013

0.063

± 0.007

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Table.8.7. Ultimate Nutrient composition (%) of Hippophae rhamnoides fruits collected from different populations

8.4. DISCUSSION Wild plant species of Himalayan region played a prominent role as majourity of them

provide food nutritional and medicinal security not only for the subsistence of human

beings but also for the animals. Hippophae rhamnoides, the versatile and multipurpose

wild edible plant is the unique source of various nutritional compounds along with

diverse and essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Despite having valuable

polyvitaminous and multifarious attributes, the plant species has still not been properly

utilized for the socio-economic and rural upliftment in the Central Himalaya.

Supporting the study through identifying potential pockets of Hippophae growing

areas or habitats in Uttarakhand through reconnaissance surveys, various interesting facts

highlighted that this species has huge potential for economic development. While,

analyzing the morphological characters viz., shape, size, colour of fruit berries and seeds,

the fruit population of Mana valley was found superior than the other valleys. It is well

established fact that fruit with more fleshy pulp yield more juice content from the berries.

It was also estimated that if 1000 gm of fruits are used for the extraction of juice

subsequently it provides 760 ml to 840 ml juice. So, over all parameters resulted in the

Sodium (%)

Potassium (%)

Phosphorous (%)

Nitrogen (%)

Protein (%)

Valley

Pulp

Seed

Pulp

Seed

Pulp

Seed

Pulp

Seed

Pulp

Seed

Gangotri

0.53 ±

0.07

0.05 ±

0.01

14.84 ±

0.2

13.42 ±

1.47

0.63 ±

0.007

0.69 ±

0.00

1.14 ±

0.10

4.53 ±

0.07

7.13 ±

0.64

28.33 ±

0.41

Yamunotri

0.63 ±

0.07

0.39 ±

0.11

11.62 ±

0.7

10.38 ±

0.34

0.67 ±

0.01

0.61 ±

0.003

1.02 ±

0.01

3.65 ±

0.03

6.38 ±

0.07

22.79 ±

0.17

Bhyundar

0.47 ±

0.07

0.41 ±

0.03

10.12 ±

0.9

10.90 ±

0.17

0.63 ±

0.01

0.65 ±

0.03

0.89 ±

0.01

3.74 ±

0.01

5.42 ±

0.11

23.38 ±

0.07

Mana

0.51 ±

0.07

0.49 ±

0.11

12.07 ± 0.2

10.12 ±

0.32

0.66 ±

0.05

0.66 ±

0.003

0.93 ±

0.04

3.73 ±

0.08

5.83 ±

0.22

23.33 ±

0.52

Niti

0.59 ±

0.11

0.31 ±

0.03

13.21 ±

0.3

9.33 ±

0.28

0.60 ±

0.02

0.63 ±

0.02

0.95 ±

0.03

4.09 ±

0.05

5.96 ±

0.18

25.54 ±

0.33

126

fact that berries collected from Mana valley followed by Bhyundar and Yamunotri

yielded more fruit juice and establishing small scale cottage as well as large industry in

Uttarakhand. Although, the population of Gangotri and Niti valleys can also be used in

their respective valleys for income generation through value addition of fruit juice in to

other products.

The present results of potential fruit yield estimation revealed that the plant

Hippophae rhamnoides can potentially produce/yield a minimum of 2.27±0.25 Kg/plant

to maximum 17.35±2.12 Kg/plant. More or less the similar results were also observed by

Maikhuri et al. (1994). Their study revealed a minimum fruit yield of 2.6±0.016 Kg/plant

and maximum of 15.3±1.21 Kg/Plant respectively for small and large sized plant. The

potential fruit yield per hectare was dependent on the density of female plant at the

studied valleys. The fruit yield was also found to be dependent on different girth classes,

and generally the yield increased with the increase in tree girth size for the species. The

similar factor was also attested by the work of Bhatt et al. (2000) and Sundriyal et.al

(2004).

While, undertaking biochemical analysis (proximate and ultimate nutrient

analysis) of the fruits and seeds of the plant provide encouraging results with regard to

income and nutritional food security to local people through value addition and

bioprospecting of this plant species. The proximate and ultimate biochemical analysis of

the fruit and seed samples, collected from the different populations revealed that fruit

berries of Gangotri valley are good source of nutrients viz. fat, protein, carbohydrate,

reducing sugar and lignin, whereas, starch and acidity content of fruit were found higher

in the fruit of Mana population. The fruit collected from Gangotri valley is also rich in

macro and micronutrient composition viz., iron, potassium, nitrogen, phosphorous and

arsenic in both fruit pulp and seeds. It can be concluded that the fruit berries and seeds of

Seabuckthorn population of Uttarakhand region contains high nutritive value and mineral

contents with a little difference among the different populations. In general almost all the

valleys has some credential with respect to biochemicals in their fruits.

Population of Gangotri, Mana and Yamunotri valley can be considered as elite genotypes

in terms of proximate and ultimate nutrient contents. Undergoing ultimate nutrient

analysis, nitrogen content in fruit pulp and seeds of Niti valley, phosphorous in fruit

127

berries of Yamunotri, for seeds in Gangotri, potassium content for Gangotri, was found to

be maximum and these populations were considered to be best for large scale

multiplication. As far as sustainable harvesting of fruits are concerned, it is suggested

that only 60 % of the fruits to be harvested from the plants and remaining 40 % fruits to

be left intact for maintaining natural regeneration. Thus, the plant was thought to be

having well integration with the local geography and sociology by helping the economic

upliftment of rural economy through its multi fact beneficial attributes for hill people.

8.5. CONCLUSION The increasing unemployment in the mountainous rural sectors is likely to have serious

ramifications on socio-economic and environment balance. With the growing concern

and commitment to hill area development and poverty alleviation has received increasing

interest in low untapped and underutilized wild bioresources that contributes to the

household’s food and livelihood security. Bioprospecting through value addition of these

locally growing wild edibles is less talked and less worked out issue, and thus emphasis is

to be given as it is one of the economy generating area required least monetary inputs for

uplifting the living standards of hill people. The wild bioresources are recognized and can

be valued not only for their short-term economic benefits but also for their cultural

richness and the sustenance that they offer to large number of rural households. Nursery

raising and cultivation practices in mountain slopes will not only improve the economy of

the local people in short and long form basis but will certainly reduce the extensive

pressure on its natural habitat. This plant is an efficient soil binder and is very effective in

checking soil erosion for having a complete break on regular landslides during rainy

seasons. There is an urgent and timely requirement to identify more and more areas and

traditional communities to explore potential pockets of wild edible plants, which may

bring in more economic benefits to local communities if there potential is harnessed

properly.