Comparative Analysis of Agromorphological Characteristics, Nutritional Values, and Phytochemical Profiles of Two Digitaria Species (Acha) in Dass LGA, Nigeria

Abstract

Digitaria spp. (fonio), commonly known as acha, is an indigenous cereal crop widely cultivated 
in West Africa. Despite its long history of cultivation and consumption, fonio remains 
underutilized compared to major cereals, notwithstanding its remarkable adaptability to 
adverse environmental conditions and valuable nutritional attributes. This study evaluated the 
agromorphological characteristics, proximate composition, mineral content, and 
phytochemical constituents of two fonio species, Digitaria exilis (white fonio) and Digitaria 
iburua (black fonio), cultivated in Dass Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria. Field 
experiments were conducted using standard agronomic practices, while laboratory analyses 
were performed using established analytical procedures. Growth and yield parameters 
assessed included plant height, number of leaves, leaf area per plant, number of tillers per 
plant, spike length, and seed characteristics. Proximate and mineral analyses were carried out 
using standard AOAC methods, whereas phytochemical constituents were determined 
through qualitative screening techniques. The results revealed significant differences (p < 
0.05) between the two species across several agronomic and nutritional parameters. D. iburua 
exhibited superior performance in vegetative growth traits, flowering characteristics, tiller 
production, number of seeds per spikelet, and thousand-seed weight (TSW) compared to D. 
exilis. Nutritional analysis showed that black fonio contained higher levels of crude protein 
(12.37%), crude fiber (1.37%), and ether extract (2.81%), whereas white fonio recorded a 
higher carbohydrate content (82.16%). Both species contained appreciable concentrations of 
calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, and zinc, with generally higher mineral levels observed in 
black fonio. Phytochemical screening detected the presence of flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, 
steroids, glycosides, and phenolic compounds in the fonio plant parts. These findings highlight 
the considerable potential of fonio as a nutrient-rich, climate-resilient cereal capable of 
contributing significantly to food security, improved nutrition, and sustainable agricultural 
development.