Carotenoid contents during ripening of banana hybrids and cultivars grown in Cameroon

Introduction. Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are staple foods in Cameroon and surrounding countries. Strategies based on the utilization of cultural and locally consumed foods are essential for the identification of solutions for the reduction of micronutrient malnutrition. Materials and methods. To assess the nutritional content of some varieties in order to assist the selection of new Musa hybrids, the carotenoid contents of 19 Musa cultivars and hybrids from the CARBAP (Douala, Cameroon) germplasm were determined at three ripening stages. Frozen pulps were analyzed for their beta-carotene, alpha-carotene and lutein contents using the HPLC method. The retinol activity equivalents (RAE).100 g(-1) fresh weight were calculated for four representative Musa types. Results and discussion. Significant differences were observed between Musa cultivars according to their genotype. Plantain type (Mbouroukou n degrees 1) and Musa hybrid (CRBP 755) exhibited the highest levels of RAE [(148 and 70) RAE.100 g(-1)] compared with dessert bananas (16 RAE.100 g(-1)). During ripening, the concentrations of these carotenoids increased or decreased significantly (alpha = 0.05%) according to the Musa type analyzed. The high beta- and alpha-carotene as well as lutein contents of these Musa sp. could contribute to the nutritional status of people consuming these banana varieties in West and Central Africa and enhance their use in Musa breeding programs.