Nutritional evaluation of rice bean (Vigna umbellata) strains

Twelve strains of rice bean grown for three consecutive years using similar agronomic practices were analysed for proximate principles, minerals and amino acids. Crude protein ranged from 17.4 to 20.0 and crude fat from 1.2 to 2.2%. Differences in protein and fat contents of different strains were significant (p < 0.01) but year wise differences in some nutrient contents were not significant. Cystine and methionine contents of the strains ranged from 30.1 to 63.8 and 64.6 to 130.1 mg/g N, respectively. Rice bean strains differed significantly in sulphur, calcium, copper and zinc contents but year wise differences for these minerals were non-significant. Based upon protein, sulphur amino acids and tryptophan contents, 'RBL-35' was found superior strain.