Analysis and assessment of yield and nutritional quality of two new seed lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) cultivars ‘WBG_S1’ and ‘WBG_S2’

To evaluate the application potential of two new seed lotus(Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) cultivars (‘WBG_S1’ and ‘WBG_S2’), their seed yield and nutritional traits were compared with those of 12 main cultivated varieties. The nutritional trait indexes of different cultivars were subsequently evaluated by membership-function analysis. Results showed significant differences in seed yield and nutritional quality. There were significant differences in soluble sugar and starch content at different developmental stages in a single cultivar. Compared with the mature seeds, fresh seeds had significantly higher soluble sugar content but significantly lower protein and starch content (P<0.05). Generally, compared to the 12 main cultivated varieties, ‘WBG_S1’ and ‘WBG_S2’ had better yield and nutritional qualities. ‘WBG_S1’ exhibited high yield and high starch content in the mature seeds, reaching up to 52.15%. Thus, it is a good cultivar for producing natural starch products. ‘WBG_S2’ had low amylose and amylopectin content, but high soluble sugar content of up to 23.43% in fresh seeds. Thus, its seeds are suitable for fresh eating. In this study, membership-function analysis was used for the first time to evaluate the nutritional traits of lotus seeds and provides a scientific basis for the validation of lotus seed quality. This study also provides theoretical evidence for the application of the two new cultivars ‘WBG_S1’ and ‘WBG_S2’.