Evaluation of antinutritional factors of selected varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris

The antinutrient composition of 19 varieties of Phaseolus vulgaris (L) grow n in different localities of Spain was determined. Moreover, eight of the 1 9 varieties were grown in two different environmental areas with the aim of studying the influence of variety and environment on antinutrients and the existence of relationships between some antinutritional factors. The conte nt of sucrose and raffinose oligosaccharides was determined by HPLC. Stachy ose was the predominant a-galactoside in all the samples. Raffinose and ver bascose were also present in significant quantities. Capillary-gas chromato graphy of the bean samples revealed only one peak corresponding to soyasapo genol B, which is common to both saponins I and V. The content of lectins ( PNA) determined by ELISA methodology showed a high variation. Statistical a nalyses of data established that the compounds analysed were influenced by both variety and environment. The possibility of selecting some varieties t o be used for large-scale cultivation in Spain is discussed. (C) 1999 Socie ty of Chemical Industry.