A study on the effect of different organic supplements on the ascorbic acid and riboflavin content of French bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris)

Vegetables are a rich source of nutrients. Fresh vegetables like French beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are known for their high protein content, fibre, water and mineral composition. They are also good source of vitamins like Ascorbic acid and Riboflavin and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. In view of the growing awareness regarding health the French beans are recommended for regular diet as vegetable proteins. However the demand for these vegetables is high when they are produced organically. An experiment to study the role of organic supplements like kitchen waste vermicompost, jeevamrutha, panchagavya and mulching on the ascorbic acid and riboflavin content of French beans was conducted at Kothavaripalli village, Madanapalle mandal of Chittoor district. Household kitchen waste was converted to vermicompost by employing Eisenia foetida variety of earthworms. Jeevamrutha was prepared by the procedure laid by Subash Palekar (2007) and Panchagavya by Natarajan (2007). Cotton mill waste along with paddy straw was used as mulch. Various growth and yield parameters both qualitative and quantitative were studied by using different combinations of the organics. Highest percentage of ascorbic acid (10.57%) was observed in the fresh pods with treatment T-11 (10.27) using straw mulch, vermicompost and panchagavya together followed by T-12 using straw mulch, jeevamrutha and panchagavya. For riboflavin content highest values were recorded with T-11 (0.41) and T-10 (0.40) using straw mulch, NPK (recommended dose of fertilizers) and panchagavya. The results confirm the positive role of panchagavya in increasing the vitamin content of the fresh pods.