FLOW RATE AND QUALITY OF SHEA LATEX (Vitellaria paradoxa) AS INFLUENCED BY AN ETHYLENE GENERATOR; IN COMPARISONiTO NATURAL RUBBER LATEXi(Hevea brasiliensis)

Abstract

Hevea brasiliensis, a spurge, is known to be the most exploited latex producing tree species. Few decades ago, Vitellaria paradoxa known as the shea butter tree, a member of Sapotaceae was found to produce latex with beneficial properties although the rate of flow was minimal. Enhancing the flow rate, an ethylene stimulant used for stimulating the flow of latex in Hevea brasiliensis was applied. In this study, the quality of shea latex in comparison to natural rubber latex obtained from Hevea brasiliensis was investigated. Three samples were used; Hevea brasiliensis latex, shea latex (unstimulated) and shea latex (stimulated). Resultsishowed that the stimulant positively influenced the flow irate of shea latex and consequently, influenced the latex quality biochemically in terms of proximate composition, ionic composition (metallic and nonmetallic) and phytochemical constitution. Comparatively, the stimulated shea latex exhibited both physical and chemical properties which makes it suitable for confectionery purposes over natural rubber latex. These properties such as good smell, appearance (colour) and chewiness, as well as testing negative for flavonoids and saponins for phytochemical composition, similar to an already exploited gum base (Manilkara zapota L.) suggest a comparative advantage of shea latex over natural rubber latex when considered for gum making in the confectionery industry. Also, the relatively high stickiness and high adhesiveness of shea latex makes it a better option for bio-adhesive over natural rubber latex.