Nutritional Variations Among Amaranth Accessions Under Diverse Environmental Conditions in Malawi

Abel Sefasi (), Kingsley Masamba, Mvuyeni Nyasulu, Maurice Monjerezi, Dickson Edwin Sithole, Rowland Maganizo Kamanga, Samson Katengeza and Charles Malidadi
Additional contact information
Abel Sefasi: Horticultural Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Kingsley Masamba: Food Science Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Mvuyeni Nyasulu: Horticultural Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Maurice Monjerezi: Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Malawi (UNIMA), Zomba P.O. Box 280, Malawi
Dickson Edwin Sithole: Crop and Soil Sciences Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Rowland Maganizo Kamanga: Horticultural Department, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe P.O. Box 219, Malawi
Samson Katengeza: Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Lilongwe P.O Box 219, Malawi
Charles Malidadi: Bvumbwe Agricultural Research Station, Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS), Bvumbwe, Thyolo P.O. Box 5748, Malawi

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 9, 1-13

Abstract: This study assessed the chemical composition of amaranth leaves from six different accessions (MN-BH-01, PE-UP-BH-01, PE-LO-BH-01, CK-BH-01, NU-BH-01, and LL-BH-04) grown in various locations in Malawi. Key nutritional traits, including crude protein, calcium, zinc, iron, and potassium content, were analyzed, revealing significant variability influenced by genotype–environment interactions. MN-BH-01 exhibited the highest protein, calcium, zinc, and potassium levels, making it a promising candidate for nutritional enhancement. PE-UP-BH-01 had elevated iron content, while LL-BH-04 showed superior crude protein in certain locations. Nutrient composition varied significantly across different environmental conditions, emphasizing the impact of these interactions on nutrient accumulation. Cluster analysis and AMMI analysis identified consistent accessions (MN-BH-01 and NU-BH-01) valuable for breeding nutrient-rich varieties. Farmers preferred NU-BH-01 for its flavor, yield, and marketability, while MN-BH-01 was less favored due to its bitterness. These findings offer valuable insights for developing climate-resilient and biofortified amaranth varieties, contributing to food security and nutrition in Malawi and similar regions.

Keywords: amaranth accessions; nutrient composition; genotype-by-environment interactions; protein content; cluster analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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