TOTAL AND SOLUBLE DIETARY FIBER VARIATION IN <i>CYAMOPSIS TETRAGONOLOBA</i> (L.) TAUB. (GUAR) GENOTYPES

Abstract

ABSTRACT The endosperm of guar seed is the source of a soluble hydrophilic polysaccharide gum that is used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabilizer in a wide range of foods and is part of the seed total dietary fiber (TDF). This study examined the content and variation in TDF and soluble dietary fiber (SDF) in seeds of guar, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub., accessions with diverse morphological traits. TDF and SDF, respectively, made up 52–58% ( n = 9 accessions) and 26–32% ( n = 8 accessions) of seed dry weight. Both TDF and SDF displayed significant genotypic variability. The magnitude of the variability indicates the possibility of improving these traits through plant breeding. Variability of protein, lipid, ash and dry matter content of seed was also observed.