Analysis of Agromorphological Characteristics, Nutritional Values and Phytochemical Constituents of Two Fonio Species in Gombe State, Nigeria towards the Enhancement of Afghanistan National Food Security

Abstract

Fonio is a traditional African cereal grain that is poorly studied, as revealed in the literature. It has the potential to contribute significantly to whole grain diets, wellness, economic status improvement, and play an important role in food security in developing economies. A comprehensive study compared the agromorphological characteristics and nutritional values of Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua (black and white fonio, respectively), both of West African origin. The parameters measured for morphological and physiological screening included the number of leaves, leaf area, number of tillers, number of spikes, spike length, number of seeds per spikelet, days to flowering, and thousand-seed weight. Nutritional values were determined, such as crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, carbohydrate, moisture, and ash content. Minerals, including sodium and potassium, were measured using flame photometry, while zinc, iron, and calcium were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were carried out to assess the presence and quantities of bioactive compounds in the grains using methanol as the solvent for extraction. The results revealed that black fonio had the highest number of leaves (19), a shorter lifecycle (56 days to flowering), and a higher number of seeds with greater weight (0.84g). They were found to be more nutritious than white fonio in terms of proximate composition: moisture (3.81%), ash (1.69%), crude protein (12.3%), ether extract (2.81%), crude fiber (1.37%), carbohydrate (77.97%), and mineral composition. Additionally, black fonio contains many bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and glycosides in all plant parts. At the same time, alkaloids and anthraquinones were present only in its roots. Black fonio (Digitaria iburua) is, therefore, suggested as a viable candidate for breeding programs aimed at crop and yield improvement and.