Effects of infestation on the nutrient content and physiocochemical properties of two cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) varieties.

Two cowpea varieties (Ife-brown and Kano-white varieties) were used for the study. The effects of insect infestation on the chemical composition and physicochemical properties of these cowpea seeds were studied. The proximate composition, mineral content, total starch, total soluble sugars, bulk density, fat and water absorption capacities, viscosity, gelation capacity and emulsion properties of infested cowpea varieties were compared with those of uninfested cowpeas. Effects of infestation on nitrogen solubility and on the protein fractions were also determined. Infestation depleted the protein, starch and soluble sugar contents of cowpeas. Oil and water absorption capacities were increased while emulsification, foam and viscosity properties were reduced. The nitrogen solubility pattern was altered. Uninfested Kano-white cowpeas (UKW) possessed better foam properties than uninfested Ife-brown cowpeas (UFB). On the other hand, UFB had better emulsification properties than UKW.