Abstract

VARIATION IN PHYTOCHEMICALS WITH RIPENING STAGES OF RUSSIAN OLIVE (ELAEAGNUS ANGUSTIFOLIA) VARIETIES GROWN IN CENTRAL HUNZA, GILGIT BALTISTAN

*Muhammad Shahnawaz, Ehsan ul Haq, Mir Nasir and Sadat

Abstract

Three varieties of Russian olive berries grown in central Hunza Valley were evaluated for phytochemicals analysis at different ripening stages (un-ripened, semi-ripened and fully ripened). Flavonoid, carotenoid and total phenolic contents were determined at each ripening stage. A uniform trend did not appear with ripening stages rather variable results were found. In Xharey variety, total phenolic contents were increasing whereas totalphenolic contents were slightly decreased However, carotenoids were remain constant. Likewise, total phenolic contents were decreased with the ripening conditions in Bulbulkiyanz variety. Whereas total flavonoid were highly increased with ripening which was estimated the highest among three varieties showed 0.409mg/g. Carotenoid contents also showed slight decreasing trend with ripening in Bulbulkiyanz variety. In Hook variety, total phenolic contents were increased ripening stage at highest concentration of 0.438mg/g. Total flavonoids showed decreasing trend with ripening while carotenoid contents were highest amongst the three varieties at un-ripened stage.

Keywords: Russian olive varieties and phytochemicals.