ARS | Publication request: Protein and Oil Contents and Fatty Acid Composition of Cuphea Psr-23 Seeds

Submitted to: Great Lakes Regional American Chemical Society Symposium
Publication Acceptance Date: September 13, 2004
Publication Date: October 20, 2004
Citation: Evangelista, R.L., Manthey, L.K. 2004. Protein And Oil Contents And Fatty Acid Composition Of Cuphea Psr-23 Seeds. Great Lakes Regional American Chemical Society Symposium.

Technical Abstract: Oils in seeds of several species of Cuphea (Lythraceae) have been found to contain medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) like caprylic, capric and lauric acids. MCFAs used in the manufacture of lubricants, soaps and detergents are currently obtained from coconut and palm oils. The two major problems hindering the successful domestication of Cuphea are its indeterminate growth habit and seed shattering from mature pods. Cuphea PSR-23, a hybrid from a cross between C. viscosisima and C. lanceolata, has shown partial seed retention characteristics and has lately been the subject of seed increases. As a result of its indeterminate growth pattern, Cuphea seeds obtained at harvest have varying degrees of maturity. This study was conducted to examine variations in protein content, oil content and fatty acid composition among seeds with different maturities. Seeds were screened and aspirated to remove large and fine trash and foreign material. Cleaned seeds were then run through the gravity table to fractionate the seeds by density. Bulk density, 1,000-seed weight, and moisture, protein and oil contents were determined. Fatty acid compositions were also analyzed. Mature seeds weighed 538 g/L (3.3 g/1,000 seeds) and had 21.3% protein and 35.1% oil. The oil contained 69.6% capric, 9.4% oleic, 5.9% palmitic, 4.8% linoleic, 4.4% myristic and 2.9% lauric acids. Protein and oil contents decreased with lower seed weights typical of immature seeds. Seeds with lower oil contents had less capric acid and more palmitic and linoleic acids.