Proximate and Nutrient Composition of Some Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Accessions of Jos- Plateau, Nigeria

The compositional analysis of some common bean and cowpea landraces of Jos plateau were carried out to determine their proximate and mineral constituents. The results revealed a wide variability and significant differences (P< 0.05) in proximate compositions with the exception of crude fibre. The percentage moisture content ranged from 9.10% - 10.27%, Protein content 21.23% -23.83%, ether extract 1.60% -2.03%, Ash 3.10% - 3.87%, Carbohydrate 57.10% - 69.23%, Crude fibre 3.60% – 4.30%. The macro and trace mineral compositions varied and were statistically significant (P < 0.05), Ca 208.33-653.33 mg/100 g, K 25.0-54.0 mg/100 g, Mg 30.0-56.0 mg/100 g, P 266.67-850.00 mg/100 g, Fe ranged between 7.07-9.80 µg/100 g , Mn 0.02 -0.03 µg/100 g, Zn 0.20-0.70 µg/100 g and B from 0.00-0.01 µg/100 g. The presences of appreciable quantities of proximate and mineral constituents in the accessions has contributed in physical, mental growth and development of the local population were they provide cheap access to nutrients sources. This high variability in mineral compositions indicates that the accessions could serve as source germplasm for developing improved varieties.