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Case Report
Exploration of Some Wild Food Plants Used by Local Inhabitants of Saharanpur District of the Uttar Pradesh State - A Report
Shivani*
,
Sonam Singh
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-15
Received:
30 September 2025
Accepted:
15 October 2025
Published:
21 February 2026
Abstract: The rich biodiversity of Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh harbors a wide array of wild food plants (WFPs), which play a significant role in the sustenance and cultural traditions of rural and tribal communities. This study documents and analyzes the traditional knowledge associated with the collection and use of wild food plants by local inhabitants of the region. Using ethno botanical surveys conducted in various villages and forest fringe communities, a total of 25 wild food plant species were identified and classified based on their local names, plant parts used, mode of consumption, availability and cultural importance. Drawing upon recent academic literature, it synthesizes data on floristic diversity, traditional uses, preparation methods and nutritional composition of key species. The study highlights the critical role of WFPs in local food security, dietary diversity and traditional healthcare systems, particularly in regions facing environmental and socio-economic challenges. The findings highlight the importance of WFPs in Sincere dietary diversification, food security and conservation of indigenous knowledge. Urgent efforts are required to document and preserve this knowledge in the face of socio-economic changes and biodiversity loss. This research reveals that the district, have predominantly herbaceous plants, with leaves and fruits being the most frequently consumed parts. A notable characteristic of many identified plants is their dual food-medicinal properties, which underscores the integrated nature of traditional knowledge systems in the region. Nutritional analysis further demonstrates that several identified WFPs are rich in essential macronutrients, vitamins and minerals, offering substantial health benefits. The continued reliance on WFPs by local populations emphasizes their importance for nutritional supplementation and resilience against food scarcity. However, prevailing threats such as habitat degradation and the erosion of traditional knowledge necessitate urgent conservation efforts and further scientific validation of their nutritional and pharmacological potential. This report advocates for integrated approaches to promote the sustainable utilization and conservation of these invaluable bio-resources.
Abstract: The rich biodiversity of Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh harbors a wide array of wild food plants (WFPs), which play a significant role in the sustenance and cultural traditions of rural and tribal communities. This study documents and analyzes the traditional knowledge associated with the collection and use of wild food plants by local inhabi...
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Research Article
Effect of Postharvest Changes on the Quality Attributes of Cucumber from Maturity to Senescence
Esther Oluyinka Pele*,
Mohammed Chindo Ibrahim,
George Ifeoluwa Pele
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
16-24
Received:
19 December 2025
Accepted:
12 January 2026
Published:
17 March 2026
Abstract: The possible shelf-life of plant tissues after harvest has been demonstrated to be highly correlated with its rate of respiration This study investigated the postharvest changes on the physicochemical, proximate, and vitamin compositions in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) at ambient temperature from maturity to senescence. The results showed that pH increased gradually from 3.6 on day 0 to 6.6 by day 83, while Total Soluble Solids (TSS) rose from 0.901% to 3.36%, indicating the process of metabolic activity and carbohydrate breakdown. The weight of the fruit initially increased from 306.71 g to 693.64 g before a slight decline, with corresponding rise in volume (154,858 mm³ to 504,858 mm³) and specific gravity (0.999–1.131), which is an indication of structural expansion and water accumulation. Glucose levels rose from 0.194 mg/ml to 0.376 mg/ml, while titratable acidity declined from 0.348% to 0.244%, suggesting a shift toward decreased acidity and enhanced sweetness. Proximate analysis indicated rising moisture (74.49–86.91%), ash (0.72–1.71%), crude fibre (0.93–1.87%), lipids (0.166–0.283%), and protein (1.55–2.86%), concurrent with a decrease in carbohydrate content from 22.14% to 6.37%, expressing metabolic breakdown of stored sugars. Vitamins A, C, and E showed a significant increase (0.151–0.291 mg/100 g, 4.57–6.03 mg/100 g, and 15.45–16.69 mg/100 g, respectively), exhibiting retention and enhancement of antioxidant potential during storage.
Abstract: The possible shelf-life of plant tissues after harvest has been demonstrated to be highly correlated with its rate of respiration This study investigated the postharvest changes on the physicochemical, proximate, and vitamin compositions in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) at ambient temperature from maturity to senescence. The results showed that pH inc...
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Research Article
Effect of Spacing and Maturity on Phenolic Phytochemical Composition of Umuspo1 and Ex-Onyunga Varieties of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato at 12 and 16 Weeks
Issue:
Volume 1, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
25-31
Received:
19 February 2026
Accepted:
4 March 2026
Published:
2 April 2026
Abstract: This study examined phenolic phytochemical composition of two (2) Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP) (Ipomoea batatas) varieties. The OFSP (Ex-Onyunga and Umuspo1) varieties were planted at different spacing 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm, respectively and harvested at 12 and 16 weeks. Flavonoid, Total polyphenol, Beta-carotene peels and Beta-carotene flesh contents were evaluated for Phenolic Phytochemical contents. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS version 17. The flavonoid content of the Ex-Onyunga OFSP varieties planted at 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm at 12 weeks recorded the concentrations of 283.54 μg/g, 288.33 μg/g and 291.88 μg/g, respectively, and the Umuspo1 OFSP varieties planted at 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm at 12 weeks also recorded the concentrations of 263.13 μg/g, 268.33 μg/g and 275.21 μg/g, respectively. The flavonoid content of Umuspo1 OFSP varieties with the distance spacing of 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm had concentrations 268.54 μg/g, 270.00 μg/g and 276.25 μg/g, respectively, while Ex-Onyunga of OFSP varieties with the distance spacing of 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm had the concentrations of 260.63 μg/g, 226.25 μg/g and 248.54 μg/g, respectively. The total polyphenol content of Umuspo1 OFSP variety with the distance spacing of 40 cm had the highest value [41.99 μg/g], and significantly [P<0.05] different from the total polyphenol content of all other samples. There were significant (P<0.05) differences in the Beta-Carotene contents of flesh and peels. The Beta- carotene of flesh sample recorded values ranged from 184.31 μg/g + 0.93 μg/g to 335.47 μg/g + 1.69 μg/g at 12 weeks, and also recorded another values ranged from 189.11 μg/g + 2.17 μg/g to 216.97 μg/g + 0.28 μg/g at 16 weeks, while the Beta-carotene peels sample recorded values ranged from 323.67 μg/g + 9.17 μg/g to 386.39 μg/g + 3.85 μg/g at 12 weeks, and also recorded another values ranged from 336.11 μg/g + 7.90 μg/g to 347.16 μg/g + 2.00 μg/g at 16 weeks, respectively. The calculated retinol equivalent of two OFSP varieties [Umuspo1 and Ex-Onyunga] at different spacing distances enhanced results as trans-β-carotene of Umuspo1 and Ex-Onyunga OFSP recorded values ranged from 11.79 μg/g to 146.20 μg/g. Among the samples analyzed, the Umuspo1 (US2) variety of OFSP planted at 30 cm exhibited the lowest concentrations of both carotenoids. Specifically, its 13-cis carotene content was 0.72 µg/g, while the 9-cis carotene content was 0.34 µg/g, both values being lower than those recorded for all other varieties and planting distances.
Abstract: This study examined phenolic phytochemical composition of two (2) Orange Fleshed Sweet Potatoes (OFSP) (Ipomoea batatas) varieties. The OFSP (Ex-Onyunga and Umuspo1) varieties were planted at different spacing 20 cm, 30 cm and 40 cm, respectively and harvested at 12 and 16 weeks. Flavonoid, Total polyphenol, Beta-carotene peels and Beta-carotene fl...
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