Comparative Analysis of Iron content of Momordica charantia L. and Cucumis sativus L. collected from the various Agro Climatic Zones of Maharashtra.

Momordica charantia L. and Cucumis sativus L. are excellent fruit vegetables in nature having iron content, as an essential constituent required for good health of humans. The iron content of the vegetables may vary from place to place depending on the soil, rainfall and other climatic conditions prevailing in that place. It was thought necessary to find out whether the environmental conditions in the nine agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra have any impact on the iron content of these fruit vegetables. The fruit vegetables were collected from various places from nine agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra classified based on rainfall, soil type and the vegetation. It was found that fruits of Momordica charantia L. showed comparatively more nutraceutical content than the fruits of Cucumis sativus L. collected in same season. It was also observed that in the nine agro-climatic zones of Maharashtra studied, the fruits of Momordica charantia L collected from Karjat of North Konkan Coastal Zone showed maximum Iron content, while fruits collected from Igatpuri of Western Ghat Zone and Nashik of Western Maharashtra Plain (Transaction 2) zone showed minimum iron content. In case of Cucumis sativus L., fruits collected from Wardha of Central Vidarbha (Moderate rainfall) zone region showed maximum iron content, while fruits collected from Surgana of Sub-montane (Transition 1) Zone showed minimum iron content. Keywords: Nutraceuticals, Momordica charantia L., Cucumis sativus L. Environmental factors, Iron content, Agroclimatic zones of Maharashtra.