Abstract

                                A research was designed to estimate the nutritive composition of Chekkurmanis (Katuk) leaves on two different growth stages viz., 60 and 120 days after planting and two different positions viz., terminal and basal whorls in plants. Utilization of green leafy vegetables differs from leaves of annuals, shrubs and trees. Katuk leaves rich in vitamins and minerals and hence known as protective food. The study showed that Vitamin C, Protein, Calcium, and Carbohydrate contents increased with the growth stages from 60 to 120 days after planting. In contrast, Vitamin A content decreased as the plant approached 120 days. There is a significant difference in nutritive value from 60 to 120 days after planting. Vitamin A was observed to be significantly high (4.11 mg/100g) in the terminal whorl at 60 days after planting compared to in the terminal whorl at 120 days (3.01 mg/100g). Higher Vitamin A (5.12 mg/100g) was observed in basal whorl leaves at 60 days after planting, while Vitamin C (220.41 mg/100g), Protein (4.99 g/100g), Calcium (4.16%), Carbohydrate (9.83 g/100g) were observed in basal whorls at 120 days after planting. In conclusion, the basal whorls had more embedded nutritional value than the terminal whorl leaves. This research reveals that the nutritive composition of Sauropus androgynus mainly depends on their growth stages and leaf position in the plant.

Key words : Chekkurmanis leaves, Nutritive analysis, Growth Stages, Position (terminal or basal whorl) of leaves