Oligosaccharide distribution in Brazilian soya bean cultivars

The composition of digestible sugars (ds) and non-digestible sugars (nds) was determined in 20 soya bean cultivars grown in Brazil. In addition, a comparison of three different extraction procedures for sugar analysis by HPLC is presented. Total α-galactosides in the samples were in the range 3.9–5.3 g% while fructose + sucrose varied from 4.0 to 6.1 g% dry basis. Based on the analysis of protein and oil data together with total galactosides, stachyose and dsnds ratios, one variety (IAS-4) appears to be more appropriate for selection.