ISHS Acta Horticulturae 218: XII African Symposium on Horticultural Crops
CONTENTS OF NITRATE-N AND THIOCYANATE IONS IN KALE (BRASSICA OLERACEA VAR. ACEPHALA. DC) LEAVES FROM KALE-GROWING AREAS IN KENYA |
| Author: | J.A. Chweya |
| Abstract:
Kale leaves were sampled in November 1984 and March 1985 from the Kisii, Kericho, Nakuru, Nyahururu, Naivasha, Limuru, Karatina and Kibwezi areas and their nitrate-N contents and thiocyanate ions determined. The results indicated significant differences in nitrate-N contents and thiocyanate ions in the leaves from the various areas. Whole leaf nitrate-N contents ranged from 0.03% (Naivasha) to 0.13% DM (Nakuru) for November 1984 samples and from 0.04% (Naivasha) to 0.08% DM (Kisii) for March 1985 samples. Thiocyanate ions ranged from 159 (Nakuru) to 490 (Kericho) and from 502 (Karatina) to 2 804 μg KSCN g-1 DM (Limuru) for November 1984 and March 1985 samples, respectively. The results also showed significant differences between petioles and laminae for both substances. Nitrate-N contents were significantly higher in petioles than in laminae. Lamina nitrate-N values were 19.5 and 13% of those of the petioles in November 1984 and March 1985, respectively. Differences between petioles and lamina thiocyanate ions were significant for the March 1985 samples only. Thiocyanate ions in the petioles were 40% less than those of the laminae. | |
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