Proximate composition and spatio-temporal heterogeneity of phytochemicals in Agave sisalana Perrine (sisal) adapted in different agro-ecological zones of Punjab, Pakistan

Exploring extractable phytochemicals from locally adapted sisal plant vegetation vary seasonally at different locations. This study elaborated proximate composition and phytochemical heterogeneity in sisal due to varying environmental conditions analyzed from five districts, i.e., Chakwal, Khushab, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Layyah in Punjab, Pakistan. Extensive surveying and plant sampling across 2 years 2017-2018 and 2018-2019, during mid-spring, summer, autumn, and winter seasons were carried out for understanding the seasonal impact on sisal. The present study was designed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and analyzed considering seasonal, yearly, and locational impact. The spatial differences in phytochemicals concentration were strongly associated with environmental conditions prevailing in different seasons. Autumn season reflected saponins, tannins, and flavonoids in higher concentrations during 2018-2019 while steroids and terpenoids were higher during spring 2018-2019. Spatio-temporal variations in the proximate analysis were more apparent in different samples collected from different districts. Data recorded for the Khushab district and autumn season reflected the higher composition of a proximate analysis and phytochemical contents as compared to other seasons. Overall, the spatial differences in phytochemicals concentration were strongly associated with soils and environmental conditions prevailing in different seasons in selected districts.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the proximate composition and phytochemical heterogeneity of locally adapted sisal plants in different seasons and locations in Punjab, Pakistan. The results showed that the seasonal and locational differences significantly influenced the phytochemical contents of sisal.