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Fenugreek, an Alternative Crop for Semiarid Regions of North America
Author(s) -
Acharya S. N.,
Thomas J. E.,
Basu S. K.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci2007.09.0519
Subject(s) - trigonella , nutraceutical , crop , biology , legume , agronomy , agriculture , mediterranean climate , fodder , ceratonia siliqua , forage , agroforestry , microbiology and biotechnology , botany , ecology , food science
Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum‐graecum L.) is extensively used as a spice in India and the Mediterranean region and is known to possess a number of medicinal properties. Steroidal sapogenins and mucilaginous fibers present in the seed and leaves of this legume plant contribute to anti‐diabetic and hypocholesterolaemic properties attributed to the plant. In recent years selected genotypes of this species have formed a niche crop that produces high yields of bloat‐free forage that can increase both beef and milk production in semiarid regions of western Canada. Fenugreek genotypes tested in western Canada have demonstrated genetic variability for biomass production and nutraceutical properties indicating that there is much potential for enhancing the properties desired by agricultural and nutraceutical industries in this region. This paper reviews the history, culture and documented medicinal, agronomic and environmental value of fenugreek as well as discusses future potential of this crop for use in semiarid regions of North America.