Nutritional Composition and Functional Potential of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Landraces Indigenous to the Gamo Zone of Ethiopia

Abstract

Groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are an important oilseed crop grown in more than 100 countries worldwide. In this study, various groundnut landraces in the Gamo Zone of Southern Ethiopia were examined for their seed characterization, proximate composition, antioxidant activity, phenol content, and elemental content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and biochemical diversity among these landraces to identify those with superior nutritional and functional properties. The mean ± standard deviation was used to report mean values. Key characteristics such as the number of seeds per pod, 100-pod weight, 100-seed weight, individual seed weight, and shelling percentage showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between landraces. Interestingly, Kucha Alpha's Wonde and Sete landraces continuously displayed higher values than their Boreda and Kucha. Proximate analysis showed that the landraces differed significantly in terms of moisture, ash, carbohydrate, protein, fat, and amino acid content. In addition to ash and carbohydrate contents varying among groups, Wonde Kucha Alpha's moisture content was substantially different from that of Wonde and Sete of Kucha. Significant variations in carbohydrates were observed in the Sete Boreda landrace, but not in the Harar landrace. Different nutritional profiles were indicated by the significant differences in the protein and amino acid contents of Kucha Alpha landraces compared to Harar of Boreda. Analysis of fat content revealed notable differences between Kucha Alpha and Wonde Boreda landraces. Significant antioxidant activity was found in methanolic extracts, with Kucha Alpha Wonde having the highest total phenolic content (153.38 ± 0.05). Furthermore, elemental analysis with XRF spectroscopy showed that the landraces' mineral composition has different elemental composition. These results provide important information for breeding and nutritional enhancement by highlighting the genetic and biochemical diversity among Ethiopian groundnut landraces.