Comparative Studies on Proximate, Mineral and Mycological Analysis of Coated and Decoated Seeds of Citrullus colocynthis (Melon)

Abstract

Comparative studies on proximate, mineral and mycological analysis of coated and decoated seeds of Citrullus colocynthis were investigated. The results revealed that the seed was predominantly composed of lipids and carbohydrates. The lipid contents were 37.2 and 41.6% for coated and decoated seeds respectively. The protein contents for coated and decoated seeds were 30.45 and 25.4% respectively. The concentration of moisture, Ash, Fibre and Carbohydrates were (10.5 and 13.4%), (4.5 and 5.7%), (8.75 and 2.5%), (8.56 and 11.25%) respectively. The concentration of Magnesium, Phosphorus and Calcium were relatively high when compared to Potassium, Iron and Sodium. All the mineral contents analyzed were relatively higher in coated samples except iron. Five genera of fungi (Rhizopus, Aspergillus, Penicillium, Sclerotium and Alternaria) were isolated from melon seeds Rhizopus stolonifer 60%, Aspergillus niger 42%, Aspergillus flavus 25% were isolated from coated seeds. While from decoated seeds R. stolonifer 50%, A. niger 60%, and A. flavus 40% were isolated. Decoated seeds harboured more fungi species.