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The yield and insect resistance of 12 sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) clones grown in two different production systems (organic black plastic mulch and conventional bare ground) were evaluated in 2016 and 2017 in coastal South Carolina. Significant differences in total storage root yield, marketable storage root yield, U.S. No. 1 storage root yield, and percent of U.S. No. 1 storage roots in all trials were found, except for percent of U.S. No. 1 storage roots in 2017 for the organic black plastic mulch trial. In the organic black plastic mulch trials, ‘Bonita’ and USDA-04-136 consistently produced high marketable yields, whereas ‘Ruddy’ and USDA-W388 consistently produced the lowest marketable yields. ‘Averre’, ‘Beauregard’, ‘Covington’, and USDA-09-130 exhibited variable performance, with marketable yields among the highest in a single year. For the conventional trials, USDA-04-136 consistently produced high marketable yields, whereas ‘Ruddy’ and USDA-W-388 consistently produced the lowest marketable yields. ‘Averre’, ‘Bonita’, ‘Covington’, and USDA-09-130 exhibited variable performance, with marketable yields among the highest in a single year. For the organic black plastic mulch, significant differences were detected in the percent of uninjured roots and percent white grub (primarily Plectris aliena) damage in 2016 and in wireworm (Elateridae)-cucumber beetle (Diabrotica)-flea beetle (Systena) severity index (WDS severity index) in 2016 and 2017. USDA-04-136 and USDA-W-388 consistently had the lowest WDS severity index, whereas ‘Covington’ consistently had the highest WDS severity index. For the conventional trials, significant differences were found among clones in both years for all insect rating variables, except for percent sweetpotato weevil (Cylas formicarius elegantulus) damage. ‘Ruddy’, USDA-04-136, and USDA-W-388 consistently yielded the highest percent of uninjured roots, whereas ‘Averre’, ‘Bonita’, SC-1149-19, and USDA-09-130 consistently had the lowest percent of uninjured roots. The research reported here for yield and insect resistance under conventional and organic production systems will be useful for producers in the selection of cultivars suitable for growth in South Carolina.

Bedellia somnulentella Zeller, 1847 (Lepidoptera: Bedelliidae), a global pest of the sweet potato Ipomoea batatas, was recorded in Brazil, but morphological information on the sexual dimorphism of this insect is scarce. The objective was to evaluate morphological characters of sexual dimorphism of B. somnulentella pupae and adults. External structures with sexual dimorphism were not detected in the last abdominal segments of B. somnulentella pupae. The females of this insect are heavier, which could be a distinctive sex characteristic. A pair of frenulum on the hind wings of females and only one on those of males, in addition to elongated cerci and bipartite genitalia in the latter and smaller cerci involving the last abdominal segment and an ovipositor in females, differentiate sexes of B. somnulentella., (© 2024. Sociedade Entomológica do Brasil.)

Nanoencapsulation with proteoliposomes from natural membranes has been proposed as a carrier for the highly efficient delivery of mineral nutrients into plant tissues. Since Boron deficiency occurred frequently in crops, and is an element with low movement in tissues, in this work, nanoencapsulated B vs free B was applied to in vitro sweet potato plants to investigate the regulation of B transporters (aquaporins and specific transporters). Additionally, an metabolomic analysis was performed, and mineral nutrient and pigment concentrations were determined. The results showed high increases in B concentration in leaves when B was applied as encapsulated, but also Fe and Mn concentration increased. Likewise, the metabolomics study showed that single carbohydrates of these plants could be related to the energy need for increasing the expression of most NIP aquaporins (NIP1;2, NIP1;3; NIP4;1, NIP4;2, NIP5;1, NIP6;1, and NIP7) and boron transporters (BOR2, BOR4 and BOR7;1). Therefore, the results were associated with the higher mobility of encapsulated B into leaves and the stimulation of transport into cells, since after applying encapsulated B, the aforementioned NIPs and BORs increased in expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cooking negatively affected the protocatechuic acid and vanillic acid content. • Cooking increased the antioxidant power (FRAP activity) in all six cultivars. • Solar drying (blanched) increased the β-carotene content in C5-1 and Bophelo. • Novel information provided on the changes in phytonutritional components. Sweet potatoes are key to food security, nutrition and income generation in sub-Saharan Africa, and orange-fleshed sweet potato contributes towards pro-vitamin A intake. This study investigated the changes in phytonutritional components and antioxidant activity in six sweet potato cultivars with varying flesh colour in fresh form and during different postharvest thermal treatments; conventional cooking (boiled), drying in hot-air convection oven dryer (14 h at 60°C) as well as blanched and unblanched indirect solar drying (at 20-60°C for 48 h). Overall thermal processing enhanced the retention of total protein content, Zn, total phenols, epicatechin, protocatechuic acid, and 2-caffeoyl-L-tartaric acid in all six cultivars compared to the fresh form. However, vanillic acid was not detected in most of the cultivars after cooking except in 'C5-1. Hot-air convection oven drying significantly increased the total phenolic content in all six cultivars compared to the fresh form and other drying methods, while hot-air oven dried 'Monate' contained the highest total phenols and protocatechuic acid. Similarly, hot-air oven dried 'C5-1' showed the highest epicatechin and vanillic acid content compared to the fresh form and other drying methods. Cooking increased the 2-caffeoyl-L-tartaric acid in all six cultivars, compared to the fresh form and the highest content was detected in cooked 'Bophelo'. Blanching and solar drying improved the β-carotene content in orange cultivars 'Beauregard', 'Bophelo' and 'C5-1', of which 'C5-1' showed the highest β-carotene content. Cooking increased the antioxidant power (FRAP activity) in all six cultivars and increased the protein content and Zn content in 'Ndou' and '199062.1' respectively. The study provided novel information on the changes in phytonutritional components of different sweet potato cultivars including the cream cultivars 'Monate' and 'Ndou' and orange cultivars 'Bophelo' and 'C5-1' bred locally in South Africa, using different processing methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the germination of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) seeds to occur, it is necessary to overcome dormancy, which makes it difficult to assess their physiological potential. The aim of this research was to define a methodology to overcome the dormancy of sweet potato seeds and use image analysis to determine their physical and physiological quality. Four genotypes of sweet potato seeds were used, namely UFVJM-5, UFVJM-22, UFVJM-38 and UFVJM-65. To overcome dormancy, chemical scarification with 98% H2SO4 for 10 and 20 minutes, hot water at 95 °C for 10 and 20 minutes, and mechanical scarification with electric grinder were tested. To evaluate the physical quality, the seeds were analyzed with X-rays and classified as intact, empty and malformed seeds. Using the GroundEye® system, the characteristics of color dominance, seed geometry and seedling length were quantified. Treatments with mechanical scarification with grinder and 98% sulfuric acid, for an immersion period of 20 minutes, are efficient to break dormancy in sweet potato seeds. There are genetic divergences between sweet potato genotypes, promoting the formation of different groups. The characteristics of color and geometry of the seeds are the ones that most contribute to genetic diversity of genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many plant tissues, low-temperature conditioning (LTC) has been used to induce postharvest adaptive responses to overcome chilling injury (CI) consequences. This study aimed to investigate whether LTC is effective in reducing the incidence of chilling injury (CI) in sweet potato cultivars. Sweet potato roots BRS Cuia and BRS Rubissol were submitted to cold storage (6 °C or 13 °C) and LTC (10 °C for 7 d, followed by second storage at 6 °C). LTC increased the tolerance of sweet potato roots to CI via antioxidant system activation, mainly in cv. BRS Rubissol, which was markedly associated with higher content of both total soluble phenolics and proline, as well as increased activity of phenylalanine ammonium lyase. Moreover, no either external or internal injuries were observed in the LTC roots, maintaining the quality for processing, which indicates that the LTC is effective in mitigating chilling injury in Brazilian sweet potato cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an important tuber vegetable for human health worldwide owing to its nutritional value and productivity. Consumption of orange-fleshed sweetpotato is beneficial to combat vitamin A deficiency in the world, including Brazil, as these tubers are rich in β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. The genotype × environment interaction is one of the greatest challenges in plant breeding, specifically in the selection and approval of cultivars. In this context, adaptability and stability analyses are warranted to evaluate the performance of various genotypes in terms of general or specific adaptations to certain environments and to identify genotypes responsive to environmental variations. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genotype × environment interaction as well as to estimate the adaptability and stability of sweetpotato genotypes for identifying and selecting promising candidates for breeding. The experiments were performed in four environments: Vera Cruz in São Paulo, Selvíria in Mato Grosso do Sul, and one organic and another intercropped production system in Sete Barras in São Paulo. A randomized block design with two replicates was adopted. A total of 265 genotypes were tested, and the orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivar 'Beauregard' was used as the control. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model was used to study environmental stratification, adaptability, and stability. The genotype × environment interaction was evident in all environments. The genotypes CERAT21-13 (marketable root yield, 22.30 t ha-1 in the four environments), CERAT29-26 (27.74 t ha-1), and CERAT52-22 (20.24 t ha-1) were the most adapted in general to the four environments. CERAT25-23, CERAT29-23, and CERAT29-26 were the most adapted to the environment in Vera Cruz; CERAT29-26, CERAT34-14, and CERAT56-32 to the environment in Selvíria; and CERAT31-10, CERAT35-19, and CERAT52-22 to the two environments in Sete Barras. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foot rot, also known as stem rot or tuber-root rot syndrome, on sweet potato occurs in sweet potato fields in Okinawa, Japan. Isolates of one fungal species that was consistently isolated from affected sweet potato produced pycnidia having alpha and gamma conidia. The same symptoms as those in the field were produced in vitro after inoculation of test plants with a representative isolate. Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence, we identified the fungus as Diaporthe destruens. This is the first report of the occurrence of foot rot on sweet potato caused by D. destruens in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new generation sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam.)] varieties are valued as dual-purpose types for food and fodder in the crop-livestock mixed-farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity present among dual-purpose sweetpotato genotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and phenotypic traits to identify complementary genotypes for direct production and breeding. Twenty-four sweetpotato genotypes were genotyped using nine selected and highly polymorphic SSR markers and dual-purpose phenotypic traits. The genotypes were field-evaluated using a randomized complete block design with three replications in two representative locations in Rwanda. Genotypes differed significantly (p < 0.05) for dual-purpose traits and other assessed phenotypic traits. Genotype "Ukerewe" had the highest fresh root yield (18.24 t ha−1), followed by genotype '8–1038ʹ (17.63 t ha−1). The top-performing genotypes for fresh vine yield were "Wagabolige" (23 t ha−1) and 'NASPOT13ʹ (21.64 t ha−1). The mean expected heterozygosity value was 0.69, indicating adequate genetic variation in the tested germplasm. Cluster analysis grouped the genotypes into three distinct groups, which aided in the identification of genotypes with high fodder and storage root yields, which were SPK004 and K5132/61 from Group I; 4–160, Ukerewe and RW11-2910 from Group II; and RW11-1860, Wagabolige and 2005–179 from Group III. The identified genotypes should be useful genetic resources for production and development of high-performing dual-purpose sweetpotato cultivars in Rwanda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A rapid and reliable micropropagation protocol was developed for two sweet potato varieties, Mangawy and Mabrokat Al-Shimal, by testing various growth regulators and different carbon sources. Healthy cultures were taken from nodal segment explants taken from potted plants. Adding BA was more effective than Kinetin when used at the same concentration. The highest number of leaves per explant (5.22 leaves/ explant) and the longest shoots (2.88 cm) were achieved when 2 mg L-1 BA was added to the culture medium. For Mabrokat Al-Shimal, the highest mean length of shoots (3.77 cm) was obtained when 1 mg.l-1 kinetin was used, and the highest leaves number (10.33 leaves/ explant) was obtained when 0.5 mg.l-1 kinetin was used. Sucrose was the best carbon source for the multiplication of this Mangawy variety, followed by fructose then glucose. On the other hand, fructose and sucrose showed the best results for the Mabrokat AlShimal variety. A 100% rooting was achieved for all tested treatments. IBA was better than NAA Mangawy root formation by giving the best rooting parameters. The highest number of roots per explant (22.33 roots/ explant) was achieved when 1.5 mg.l -1 IBA was used. While the highest mean length of roots (12.87 cm) was achieved when added 0.5 mg.l-1 NAA. A hundred percent success was achieved at the acclimatization stage for both tested varieties. Both varieties were excellent and tasty, especially from Mabrokat Al-Shimal at open-field cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biochemical changes during storage targeted the total dry matter, total soluble solids content, the total and reducing sugar content, the glucose content as well as the starch content, from the roots of six sweet potato genotype (Ipomoea batatas L.). Determinations were performed at harvest and then during storage after 30 days and 90 days. The results showed that the investigated biochemical indices vary during storage depending on genotype and period. Thus, after 30 days of storage, the DM content varied from 21.56% to 29.85% and then increased from 23.75% to 32.42% at 90 days of storage. For the TSS content, values between 9.20% (cultivar 2) and 12.80% (cultivar 3) were initially recorded, so that after 90 days of storage, the values increased from 11.3% (cultivar 6) to 16.26% (cultivar 3). The content of glucose and reducing sugars increased during the storage period of the sweet potato. Storage had little influence on the starch content. There was considerable genotypic variation of this constituent with a reduction of up to 11.30% after 90 days of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is the world's most important non-cereal food crop, one of the major sources for humankind food. Conventional propagation asexual by tubers, can disseminate pathogens to new cultivation areas which can threatens the maintenance of genotypes of these specie. Ipomoea batatas as well, is a hard climate conditions plant, with a major role in food worldwide battle and have similar response to viruses or diseases In this work we analyzed varieties of Ipomoea batatas, 'Ro-Ch-M', 'KSH' and 'KSP1', two varieties of Solanum tuberosum L. with purple flesh, 'Violet Queen' and 'Purple Majesty'. The stydy compare the influences of gibberellic acid GA3, along with another two hormones, cytokinins (6-benzylaminopurine BAP), and a-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), the culture duration and response to tuberization of those varieties. Optimal proliferation was observed when shoots were cultured on MS medium that was supplemented with 1.5 mg/L GA3 and a variation of another two hormones. In this medium, the greatest number of shoots (4.1) and total number of nodes (12.2) per explant were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this work was to generate species-specific information about root architectural responses to variations in inorganic phosphate (Pi) availability at the onset of storage root formation among six sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars. Three Pi levels were used: 0 (low Pi); 0.17 (medium Pi); and 0.34 (high Pi) g/pot triple super phosphate (0N–46P–0K). The check cultivar ‘Bayou Belle’ (BB) consistently showed evidence of storage root formation at 15 days in adventitious roots (ARs) grown across three Pi levels and two planting dates (PDs). Storage root formation was also detected in ‘Orleans’ (OR) and ‘Beauregard’ (BX), but it was less consistent relative to BB. In general, BB had the lowest adventitious root (AR) number relative to the other cultivars, but the magnitudes of difference varied with Pi availability and PD. With the first PD, BX had a 45% higher AR number compared with BB in low Pi conditions; however, there were no differences in the second PD. Within cultivars, BX and Okinawa grown in low Pi showed combined 17% and 24% reductions in primary root length (PRL) relative to roots grown in high Pi. BB had a higher lateral root number (LRN) and lateral root density (LRD) across Pi levels, corroborating prior data regarding the association of these root architectural attributes with the onset of storage root formation. The experimental data support the hypothesis regarding the existence of genetic variation for Pi efficiency in sweetpotato and that some well-documented Pi-efficient root traits like high LRN and LRD are indirectly selected for in-breeding programs that focus on early storage root formation and stable yields across environments.

Introdução: A batata-doce (Ipomoea batatas) é uma hortaliça que pertence à família Convolvulaceae, fonte de carboidratos, minerais e vitaminas, considerada uma excelente opção de alimento para praticantes de exercício físico. Objetivo: Avaliar o consumo de batata-doce por praticantes de musculação. Materiais e métodos: Trata-se de uma pesquisa transversal, descritiva com abordagem quantitativa, realizada em academias de Caxias-MA. A avaliação consumo foi realizada por meio de questionário com perguntas de múltipla escolha. A amostra foi composta de 98 entrevistados, frequentadores de academia, em que todos aceitaram participar do estudo de forma voluntária. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa-CEP do Centro Universitário de Ciências e Tecnologia do Maranhão-UNIFACEMA com parecer n° 2.492.652. Resultados e discussão: Quanto ao perfil dos avaliados, pode-se verificar que 68% dos praticantes de musculação eram mulheres, entre a faixa etária de 18 a 35 anos, 54% cursaram ensino superior, e apresentam de um a três anos de musculação. Em relação ao consumo de batata-doce, 89% afirmaram que consumiam, e que a forma de preparo mais comum foi cozida, no qual a batata foi usada principalmente em lanches, e 95% dos entrevistados observavam as condições deste alimento antes de comprar. Entre os fatores que influencia na compra da batata, 76% relataram o valor nutricional e 22% o hábito de consumo. Conclusão: Os praticantes de musculação avaliados apresentam o hábito de consumo de batata-doce, principalmente cozida e em lanches, e durante a compra consideravam o valor nutricional, como um componente determinante para aquisição.

Internal necrosis (IN) is a physiological disorder that affects Covington, the most commonly grown sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivar in North Carolina. Because IN affects the quality of sweetpotato storage roots, studies have been conducted since the first report of IN in 2006. Field studies (three in 2016 and two in 2017) were conducted to evaluate preharvest and postharvest treatments on the occurrence of IN in ‘Covington’ storage roots. Four preharvest treatments consisted of combinations of high chlorine or minimal chlorine potash fertilizer and mowing vs. not mowing before harvest. For postharvest treatments, 30 storage roots were obtained at harvest from each preharvest treatment plot and immediately cured in 75 and 85 °F rooms for a duration of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 5 weeks in 2016, and 0.5, 1, and 2 weeks in 2017. Shorter curing durations (0.5 and 1 week) coincided with industry recommendations while longer durations mimicked the challenges that some commercial facilities face when cooling down temperatures of rooms after curing is supposed to be concluded. Once curing temperature and curing duration treatments were completed, roots were placed in a 58 °F storage room at 85% relative humidity until cut. A control comparison was included in which harvested roots were placed in a 58 °F storage room (no curing) immediately after harvest. The storage roots from all temperature treatments were then cut 49 to 80 days after harvest, and incidence and severity of IN visually rated. Preharvest potash fertilizer treatments had minimal or no effect on occurrence of IN. However, mowing vines before harvest in several studies reduced IN incidence when roots were cured for more than 0.5 week at temperatures of at least 75 °F. Lower temperature (75 vs. 85 °F) and shorter curing duration (0.5 vs. 1, 2, 3, or 5 weeks) resulted in reduced IN occurrence in ‘Covington’ sweetpotato.

Weed competition is a main factor limiting sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] production. Yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) is a problematic weed to control due to its ability to quickly infest a field and generate high numbers of tubes and shoots. Compounding this is the lack of a registered herbicide for selective postemergence control of yellow nutsedge. Research was conducted to evaluate the bentazon dose response of two sweetpotato cultivars and one advanced clone and to evaluate the plant hormone melatonin to determine its ability to safen bentazon post emergence. Bioassays using Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with melatonin (0.232 g a.i./L and 0.023 g a.i./L) and bentazon (0.24 g a.i./L) were conducted to evaluate the effect of bentazon on sweetpotato and to determine the interactive response of the Beauregard cultivar to bentazon and exogenous applications of melatonin. Beauregard swas the most tolerant cultivar and required dosages of bentazon that were two-times higher to cause the same injury compared with other cultivars. MS media containing melatonin and bentazon showed fewer injuries and higher plant mass than plants treated with bentazon alone. These results indicate that sweetpotato injury caused by bentazon may be reduced by melatonin.

The growing demand for sweetpotato French fry and other processed products has increased the need for producing storage roots of desired shape profile (i.e., blocky and less tapered). Length-width ratio (LW) is the current de facto standard for characterizing sweetpotato shape. Although LW is sensitive and descriptive of some types of shape variability, this index may be inadequate to measure taper and other subtle shape variations. Prior work has shown that surface area (SA) and volume (VOL) are important shape descriptors but current direct measurement methods are tedious, inconsistent, and often destructive. A low-cost three-dimensional (3D) scanner was used to acquire digital 3D models of 210 U.S. No. 1 grade sweetpotato storage roots. The 3D models were imported into Meshmixer, a free software for cleaning and processing 3D files. Processing steps included gap filling and rendering the models water-tight to facilitate VOL measurements. The software includes a tool that enables automatic measurements of length (L), width (W), SA, and VOL. LW and SA-VOL ratio (SAVOL) were subsequently calculated. Separately, a digital caliper was used for manual measurements of L and W. The shrink-wrap method was used to measure SA, and water displacement was used to measure VOL. 3D scanner-based and manual L measurements showed high correlation, whereas VOL was lowest. Principal component analysis (PCA) of 3D scanner-based measurements showed that the first two principal components (PCs) accounted for 96.2% of the total shape variation in the data set, named Ib3D. The first PC accounted for 62.15% of the total variance, and captured variation in storage root shape through changes in VOL, SA, SAVOL, and W. The second PC accounted for 34.4% of the variance, and the main factors were LW and L. Most storage root samples that were classified as processing types were located in the fourth quadrant. The methods described in this work to nondestructively acquire 3D models of sweetpotato also can be adopted for analyzing shape in other horticultural produce like fruits, vegetables, tubers, and other storage roots that meet the specifications for 3D scanning. The data support the hypothesis that knowledge of variables that determine storage root L and W can lead to the development of methods and approaches for enhanced processing product recovery and size assortment for fresh market.

Commercialization of crops tolerant to application of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and dicamba is a cause of major concern for sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) producers regarding potential negative impacts due to herbicide drift or sprayer contamination events. A field study was initiated in 2016 and repeated in 2017 to assess impacts of reduced rates of combinations of glyphosate with 2,4-D or dicamba on sweetpotato growth and production. Reduced rates of 1/10x, 1/33x, 1/66x, and 1/100x of a 1x rate of glyphosate at 1 lb/acre plus 2,4-D choline at 0.94 lb/acre and glyphosate at 1 lb/acre plus diglycolamine salt of dicamba at 0.5 lb/acre were applied to ‘Beauregard’ sweetpotato at 10 or 30 days after transplanting. With respect to visual injury, in general glyphosate plus dicamba proved to be more injurious than glyphosate plus 2,4-D, especially within the lower rate range. In most cases injury was greater at the later application timing. In either case, typical hormonal herbicide symptomology was quite evident 35 days after application. With respect to U.S. No. 1 and total (U.S. No. 1, canner, and jumbo grade) sweetpotato yield, greatest negative impact was observed with herbicide application at the upper rate range, particularly the 1/10 and 1/33x rates, and at the later application timing regardless of herbicide applied.

Ground-level UV-B will stay at a high level in the next several decades and influence sweet potato growth and yield because of the remaining chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. The study explored three UV-B (none, ambient, and elevated/projected) levels on three contrasting sweet potato cultivars (Beauregard, Hatteras, and Louisiana 1188) using sunlit plant growth chambers at Mississippi State University. The results showed that UV-B influenced three cultivars differently. Growth, photosynthetic rate, epidermal and leaf structure of Beauregard were negatively influenced under ambient and elevated UV-B. On the contrary, Hatteras was positively influenced, and Louisiana 1188 was influenced by elevated UV-B positively on leaf thickness and waxes content, but negatively on the vine length, dry mass, and leaf area. In summary, Beauregard, Louisiana 1188, and Hatteras were UV-B sensitive, moderately sensitive, and tolerant, respectively. Developing UV-B tolerant cultivars will benefit under both current and projected UV-B exposures.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) has cultural, social and economic importance due to its rusticity and wide climate adaptation, being cultivated in Brazil for human and animal food. However, cultivation is carried out mainly without fertilization and with Creole cultivars. The objective was to evaluate the yield and quality of roots of sweet potato cultivars with and without fertilization of chicken manure in an Oxisol. The experiment was carried out under field conditions in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 seasons in a randomized block design with three replications in 6 m2 plots. Four sweet potato cultivars, BRS Rubissol, BRS Amélia, BRS Cuia and Crioula, were used. Root productivity, number, length and diameter of roots, and cracked roots were evaluated. In both cultivation conditions, the virus-free cultivars Rubissol, Amélia and Cuia showed higher average root yields, 43,941, 45,498 and 52,095 kg ha-1, respectively, compared to the Crioula cultivar with 3,389 kg ha-1. Fertilization with chicken manure does not increase the productivity, number, length and diameter of roots, but it does increase the number of cracked roots. The cultivation of virus-free sweet potato without fertilizer reduces cracked roots by an average of 51.4%.

To develop a way to mass-produce sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) as an energy crop to replace fossil fuels, the effects of using a sewage supply as a fertilizer and heat source were investigated. When 25 pots planted with sweet potato vine seedlings were arranged in three layers and cultivated for 160 days from June to November by supplying treated sewage to the root zone, the yield of tuberous roots reached 19.5 kg m−2 due to the massive growth of leaves. In addition, when sweet potato seedlings were replanted in December and treated sewage was supplied to maintain the irrigation water temperature above 15 °C even in winter, overwintering cultivation was successful and 8.4 kg m−2 of tuberous roots were harvested in July. As a result, the annual production rate for 12 months increased to 25.3 kg m−2, about 10 times the national average of 2.4 kg m−2 for open-field cultivation. The results far exceed previously reported maximum production of resource crops, such as sugarcane and eucalyptus, suggesting that the mass production of sweet potatoes by supplying treated sewage could provide an alternative to fossil fuels on a large scale.

Meloidogyne enterolobii is an emerging global threat and is damaging to sweetpotato ( Ipomoea batatas ) production in the southeast United States. Nematicide application is one of the few management strategies currently available against this nematode, and field testing is urgently needed. The objective of this study was to assess common nematicides for management of M. enterolobii and nontarget effects on free-living nematodes in sweetpotato field production. Treatments were (i) untreated control, (ii) fumigation using 1,3-dichloropropene, or at-transplant drench of fluorinated nematicides (iii) fluazaindolizine, (iv) fluopyram, or (v, vi) fluensulfone at 2 or 4 kg a.i./ha. In 2022, a field trial was conducted under severe M. enterolobii pressure and was repeated in 2023 in the same location without treatment rerandomization. Fumigation using 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D) was the only consistently effective nematicide at improving marketable yield relative to control and also consistently reduced most storage root galling measurements and midseason Meloidogyne soil abundances. Fluensulfone at 4 kg a.i./ha consistently improved total yield but not marketable yield, whereas fluensulfone at 2 kg a.i./ha, fluazaindolizine, and fluopyram did not improve yield. Each fluorinated nematicide treatment reduced at least one nematode symptom or nematode soil abundances relative to control, but none provided consistent benefits across years. Even with 1,3-D fumigation, yield was poor, and none of the nematicide treatments provided a significant return on investment relative to forgoing nematicide application. There were minimal effects on free-living nematodes. In summary, 1,3-D is an effective nematicide for M. enterolobii management, but additional management will be needed under severe M. enterolobii pressure., Competing Interests: The author(s) declare no conflict of interest.

Background: Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. (I. batatas) is a root native from South America that is characterized by its antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties contribute to the wound healing process. Objective: To evaluate the healing activity of a gel based on I. batatas on dermal wound healing in mice. Material and methods: An acid ethanolic extract (1.5 N hydrochloric acid: Ethanol 96 ° 15:85, v / v) was prepared with the peels of the roots of I. batatas "purple sweet potato", which was incorporated into the formulations 0.5% and 1% gel. Mus musculus Balb / c with induced injury were distributed in four experimental groups: Group I (Control), which did not receive any treatment. Group II (Gel base), Group III (Gel I. batatas 0.5%) and Group IV (Gel I. batatas 1%) received the daily administration of topical treatments for 14 days. Wound closure was determined during the experimentation time, then they were euthanized with sodium pentobarbital 60 mg / kg / pc v.ip. to obtain skin samples for histopathological analysis. Results: Group IV shows a higher percentage of wound closure, which is also evidenced in histopathological changes. Conclusions: The 1% gel based on the ethanolic extract of the peels of the roots of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. they show healing activity in wounds induced in mice, being the most effective treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterlogging caused by rainfall or improper irrigation is a serious threat that limits the growth and yield of crop plants by hypoxia stress. In the current study, the seedlings of vegetable sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) variety 'NC1' (hypoxia-tolerant) and 'C211' (hypoxia-sensitive) were treated with oxygen content of 2 mg/L. It was found that the growth rate, net photosynthetic rate (PN), transpiration rate (E), stomatal limitation (Ls), maximum net photosynthetic rate (Amax), diurnal respiratory rate (Rd), maximum Rubisco carboxylation rate (Vcmax), maximum electron transport rate (Jmax), ABA (abscisic acid) and IAA (indole-3-acetic acid) content were significantly higher in 'NC1' than those of 'C211'. It is concluded that under hypoxia stress, tolerant genotype could maintain higher photosynthetic efficiency by maintaining higher stomatal conductance and Rubisco efficiency, to maintain the growth of the root system and the canopy. This study provides the basis for further dissection of the mechanism of low-oxygen stress in sweet potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: The initiation and development of storage roots (SRs) are intricately regulated by a transcriptional regulatory network. One key challenge is to accurately pinpoint the tipping point during the transition from pre‐swelling to SRs and to identify the core regulators governing such a critical transition. To solve this problem, we performed a dynamic network biomarker (DNB) analysis of transcriptomic dynamics during root development in Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato). First, our analysis identified stage‐specific expression patterns for a significant proportion (>9%) of the sweet potato genes and unraveled the chronology of events that happen at the early and later stages of root development. Then, the results showed that different root developmental stages can be depicted by co‐expressed modules of sweet potato genes. Moreover, we identified the key components and transcriptional regulatory network that determine root development. Furthermore, through DNB analysis an early stage, with a root diameter of 3.5 mm, was identified as the critical period of SR swelling initiation, which is consistent with morphological and metabolic changes. In particular, we identified a NAM/ATAF/CUC (NAC) domain transcription factor, IbNAC083, as a core regulator of this initiation in the DNB‐associated network. Further analyses and experiments showed that IbNAC083, along with its associated differentially expressed genes, induced dysfunction of metabolism processes, including the biosynthesis of lignin, flavonol and starch, thus leading to the transition to swelling roots. Significance Statement: The initiation and development of storage roots (SRs) are intricately regulated by a complex regulatory network, and most studies just focus on static molecular biomarkers. In this study, based on our gene expression profiles of sweet potato roots at different developmental stages, we studied the molecular mechanisms of SR development from the perspectives of dynamics and network, and identified the tipping point and key regulators of the SR swelling process by the dynamic network biomarker method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antihyperglycemic activity of Ipomoea batatas (L.) leaves has been studied for years. As many naturally found varieties of such plant species have been used as herbal medicines, there is a need to establish a fingerprint biomarker standardization method. Our research combined TLC fingerprints and chemometric analysis to determine biomarkers in leaf ethanol extract of Ipomoea batatas (L.) (EIBL). We predicted the main constituents of anthocyanin glycosides and their acylated derivates in the leaf ethanol extract of such plants using ESI-MS. The EIBL that contained identified biomarkers has succeeded in providing an antihyperglycemic effect in experimental using STZ-induced rats. This study also found a linear correlation between doses of flavonoid derivates as antioxidant agents with their antihyperglycemic activities. Therefore, this biomarker information can be used as a model to predict the dose-re- sponses of the antihyperglycemic activities produced by other leaf ethanol extracts of I. batatas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L), the herbaceous plant cultivated for its starchy storage roots, has a complex genome (2n = 6x = 90) with the estimated genome size of about 4.5 GB. Albinism, a phenomenon that occurs in plants, is defined as the total pigment loss accompanying with insufficient chloroplast membrane differentiation. For this study, an identified natural albino mutant of Xuzi-8 cultivar was subject to RNA sequencing relative to the green plants of identical cultivar. The results showed that total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids were significantly lower in albino plants than in normal green plants. In addition, the CO2 assimilation rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, conductance level, and transpiration rate were significantly higher in normal green plants than in albino mutants. High-quality reads in the total number of 27,520,273-39,862,794 were obtained following the removal of the potentially contaminated or low-quality reads from the albino-mutant and normal green sweetpotato libraries. Later, sequences were matched with the available online data of Ipomoea batatas, and a very low matching degree (2.22%) was obtained, which indicated the very few available data of Ipomoea batatas genome compared with other plants. Additionally, the obtained unigenes were conducted functional annotations and classification, including GO, KOG, and KEGG analyses. The significance level and DEGs differences between albino-mutant and normal green plants were determined according to the thresholds of FDR ≤ 0.001 and log2 FC ≥ 1. A total of 3000 unigenes were upregulated in albino mutants but normally expressed in normal green plants. These genes were involved in facilitating plant nutrition sources depending on the stored carbohydrates and fats. Furthermore, these unigenes were aligned to the DDP family zinc finger protein, glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase, beta-galactosidase, GDE-like, and SELMODRAFT PDDEXK. On the other hand, altogether, 2418 unigenes were downregulated in albino-mutant plants compared with normal green plants, which were responsible for chloroplast differentiation and development, chlorophyll degradation, and synthesis of other pigments. Therefore, they might be related to the defect that caused this mutant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In tropical tuber crop production the crop initial slow growth can be outpaced by weeds. Weed control consumes about 30% of total labor input (approximately Rs. 102,000 million). Draught animals used for cultural operations are being phased out. Pre- and post-emergence herbicides, plastic ground cover mulching, and power weeders are alternatives for weed management. Farmers need to understand the on labels, which may require them being taught how to understand labels, when to use pesticides, proper equipment and protective gear to wear, and what to do in the case of contamination of the applicator. There are weed management approaches available in tropical areas where root and tuber crops are grown. Farmers can select either one, or a combination of, weed management practices in an integrated way, based on the ecosystem and socio-economic conditions. The review discusses weed management and their benefits and detriments on controlling weeds and their effects on tropical tuber crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) have become a trending research topic in recent years due to their special nutritional and functional properties. The bioactive carbohydrates, proteins, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids and minerals are diverse nutrients present in the leaves and roots of sweet potato. This review offers an update based on the latest literature on the nutritional value, phytochemical composition and health beneficial properties of sweet potato. In addition to the beneficial nutritional composition of sweet potatoes, a number of constituents capable of promoting health well-being and preventing lifestyle-related diseases are present in the sweet potatoes (roots and leaves). The findings of in vitro and in vivo research on the health benefits of sweet potato bioactives reported in the last decade have been collected and updated. A number of different health benefits, such as antioxidant, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial, anti-obesity and prevention of vitamin A malnutrition have been reported due to the ingestion of different parts of sweet potato. Compositional analysis revealed the orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties are superior source of β-carotene while the purple-fleshed sweet potato varieties have the excellent levels of anthocyanins. Whereas, the white-fleshed sweet potato varieties nearly contain no β-carotene. The dietary intakes of sweat potatoes are strongly recommended for their undeniable health-promoting properties. They also offer potential application in food industries for novel value-added food products and products prepared with or from sweet potato are compiled. [Display omitted] • Health benefits, in vitro and in vivo , of sweet potato roots and leaves were presented. • Orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties are superior source of β-carotene (pro-vitamin A). • Purple-fleshed sweet potato varieties have the excellent levels of anthocyanins. • Sweet potatoes could be utilized as potential material for novel products formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of South China Agricultural University is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: New raw materials are still being sought that could nurture the skin and protect it against various harmful factors, including free radicals responsible for ageing processes, cell mutagenesis and formation of cancerous lesions. Although the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) is not widely known as a medicinal plant, the available study findings suggest its multidirectional, health relevant properties, including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimutagenic, and antimicrobial activities, as well as anticancer potential. However, the data on its antitirosinase and protective effects on skin cells are rather limited. Methods: Our study evaluated the phenolic content, antioxidant, and antityrosinase activities, as well as cytotoxic effects of the extracts obtained from three sweet potato cultivars ('Beauregard', 'Purple' and 'Carmen Rubin') on two human cell lines - keratinocytes (HaCaT) and fibroblasts (BJ). Results: The results evidenced that the cultivar characterized by the strongest antioxidant properties as well as the positive effect on the vitality of skin cells is the ‘Beauregard’ cultivar. Our findings showed that all three types of sweet potato extracts were tyrosinase inhibitors, yet their inhibitory capacities differed significantly. Conclusions: Sweet potatoes can be considered a reservoir of biologically active substances with beneficial health properties.

Symptomatic sweet potato cv Arapey INIA samples were collected from a commercial production field in Colonia Molina, Guaymallén department, Mendoza province, Argentina. They showed dark rounded lesions, sometimes coalescing with white granular mycelium. Fungus was obtained from symptomatic sweet potatoes, which represented the generalized infection that affected the crop. They were seeded in PDA with streptomycin sulfate and incubated for seven days at 21°C, alternating white/black (UV400nm) light. Observations with an optical microscope revealed the presence of hyaline, not septated, cylindrical endoconidia with rounded ends. They were 8-16 μm length and 4–6 μm width. Phialides were 43-46 μm length, rounded bases (7-9 μm width) and tapering to the neck´s tip (4-6 μm width). Brown chlamydospores (aleuriospores), 9-13 μm length and 8-12 μm width, in chains of 2-8 spores were observed. For molecular identification, total genomic DNA was extracted. ITS fragment of 565 pb was amplified using ITS5/ITS4 primers and sequenced. The sequence indicated 99% identity with Berkeleyomyces basicola (synonymous: Thielaviopsis basicola). This was deposited in GenBank as (KX580957) (CBS: C430.74, Gen Bank accession number AF275482.1). This is the first report of B. basicola in sweet potato in Argentina, a potential threat to storage root yields. Highlights: Sweet potato black root rot, new disease in Argentina. First report of Berkeleyomyces basicola causing black root rot on sweet potato in Mendoza, Argentina.

Copyright of Journal of South China Agricultural University is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Movement & Sport Sciences / Science & Motricité is the property of EDP Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ipomoea batatas is an ornamental foliage plant and important for landscaping and interior due to its attractive foliage, easiness to grow and tolerance to low relative humidity and low light conditions. It is a member of the Convulvulaceae family. The goal of this research is to establish a method for initiation of I. batatas plants using single nodal cuttings taken from soft cuttings maintained on full strength MS medium, 30g/l sucrose, 3g/l gelrite, and various doses of plant growth regulators such as NAA, BA, and their combinations. In general, the present study found that when MS medium was fortified with NAA and BA at 1.00 and 0.00 mg/l, respectively, best results for the initiation stage were obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences is the property of Editorial Board of Journal of Henan Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a root that allows healthy eating and combats malnutrition. There is a need for more productive sweet potato genotypes displaying good resistance and a favorable appearance and shape. New genotypes that are more productive, resistant to the main soil pests and with good physical characteristics would contribute to meet the needs of producers and the demands of consumers. The aim of this study was to develop and select sweet potato genotypes regarding agronomic and physical root parameters. The new genotypes were obtained through the cross-linking of 22 parents with commercial characteristics. Subsequently, 386 experimental genotypes were conducted in the field in an experimental design consisting of augmented blocks with intercalated controls. Aspects related to agronomic, physical root characteristics and resistance to Euscepes postfasciatus were explored. Genotypes with higher performance than the controls were identified for all assessed parameters. The genotypes UZBD-K-09, UZBD-K-56 and UZBD-K-78, with purple flesh roots, UZBD-F-15 and UZBD-F-34, with orange flesh, and UZBD-K-70, with a white flesh were selected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of anthocyanin extracts from black goji berry (Lycium ruthenicum Murray) in yoghurt and fermented milk at 1 and 2 g/100 mL concentrations was investigated and compared to a commercial colorant, purple sweet potato. The total anthocyanin content, antioxidant activity, pH, titratable acidity, syneresis, color, and viable cell count were measured during storage at 4 °C. The total anthocyanin content of yoghurt with black goji berry anthocyanin extract demonstrated high stability during storage. The yoghurt and fermented milk with black goji berry anthocyanin extract demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than the negative control and samples containing purple sweet potato colorant. The total color change of the yoghurt and fermented milk with black goji berry anthocyanin extract was less than samples containing purple sweet potato colorant during storage. All samples retained a viable cell count of more than 7 log CFU/g at the end of storage. The average color acceptability of yoghurt and fermented milk containing black goji berry anthocyanin extract did not significantly differ from those containing purple sweet potato colorant. Therefore, an anthocyanin extract from black goji berry at 2 g/100 mL concentration was a better natural purple colorant than purple sweet potato in yoghurt and fermented milk systems. • Black goji berry is a natural purple colour source. • Black goji berry anthocyanins are highly stable in yoghurt. • Black goji berry anthocyanins raised the bioactivity of fermented dairy products. • Black goji berry anthocyanins possess high colour stability in yoghurt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gitishree Das,1 Jayanta Kumar Patra,1 Nagaraj Basavegowda,2 Chethala N Vishnuprasad,3 Han-Seung Shin41Research Institute of Biotechnology & Medical Converged Science, Dongguk University, Seoul, Gyeonggi-do 10326, Republic of Korea; 2Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea; 3Centre for Ayurveda Biology and Holistic Nutrition, The University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology (TDU), Bengaluru 560064, India; 4Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Dongguk University, Seoul, Gyeonggi‐do 10326, Republic of KoreaBackground: Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.(Ib) has high content of various beneficial nutrients which helps in improving and maintaining human health. It is well known as a functional food and also a valuable source of unique natural products. It contains various phenolic and flavonoid bioactive compounds.Methods: In this study, using the outer peel of two varieties of Ib : Korean red skin sweet potato and Korean pumpkin sweet potato, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized (termed Ib1-AgNps and Ib2-AgNps), respectively. Characterization of Ib1-AgNPs and Ib2-AgNPs was carried out through scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Further, the bio-potential of the synthesized AgNPs was investigated by antidiabetic (α-glucosidase assay), antioxidant (free radical scavenging assays), antibacterial (disc diffusion method) and cytotoxicity assays (cell viability against HepG2 cells).Results: FT-IR spectroscopy revealed the contribution of bioactive compounds existing in Ib1 and Ib2 extracts, in the biosynthesis and equilibrium of the AgNPs. Although the Ib2-AgNPs had a higher atomic percentage of Ag in comparison with Ib1-AgNPs, in the antidiabetic assay, the inhibition percentage of α-glucosidase was higher for AgNPs of Ib1 than Ib2, at all three concentrations examined. From the cytotoxicity results, HepG2 cancer cells were more sensitive to the Ib1-AgNPs in comparison to the Ib2-AgNPs-treated HepG2 cells. The antioxidant prospective was higher in Ib2-AgNPs than Ib1-AgNPs. Moreover, the Ib2-AgNPs showed inhibitory action against all five tested pathogenic bacteria, producing an inhibition zone of 8.74–11.52 mm while Ib1-AgNPs had an inhibitory effect on four of them, with an 8.67–11.23 (mm) inhibition zone.Conclusions: Overall, the results concluded that the Ib2-AgNPs exhibited relatively higher functional activity than Ib1-AgNPs, which might be credited to the greater abundance of bioactive compounds existing in Ib2 extract that acted as reducing as well as capping agents in the synthesis of Ib2-AgNPs. Overall, the current study highlights a novel cost-effective and eco-friendly AgNPs synthesis using food waste peels with biocompatibility and could be potentially utilized in biomedical and pharmaceutical industries.Keywords: antidiabetic, antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, silver nanoparticles, Ipomoea batatas

Skinning of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) storage roots is one of the greatest concerns of sweetpotato producers. Although skinning injury is very common, the severity of the injury can vary widely. At an undefined threshold, sweetpotatoes with skinning injury are no longer sold for fresh consumption. The objectives of this study were to examine how skinning injury influences consumers’ willingness-to-pay (WTP) for sweetpotatoes and to identify differences in valuations when the extent of skinning injury is labeled. Image analysis was used to quantify skinning injury and then an incentive-compatible, nonhypothetical laboratory experimental auction was conducted to collect data on consumers’ WTP for five categories of sweetpotatoes: 0% to

The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical, physical and nutritional composition and sensory acceptability of different sweet potato cultivars to classify the best genotypes for human consumption. We evaluated ten genotypes extracted from the Germplasm bank of Midwest State University, Brazil. The cultivars were evaluated regarding their sensory acceptability and chemical (reducing sugar; nonreducing sugar; total sugar; pH; total soluble solids; titratable acidity; total soluble solids/titratable acidity ratio; and instrumental colour) and nutritional composition (moisture; ash; protein; lipid; carbohydrate; energy value; total carotenoid; and ascorbic acid). Greater scores (p < 0.05) for overall acceptance were obtained for the white pulp genotypes Amorano, Júlia, UGA 45, and UGA 49. There was a statistical difference (p < 0.05) in the chemical and nutritional composition of sweet potatoes, except for the pH values. Generally, tuber have a light colour (values of L* greater than 50) with a yellow shade (b*) and green subshade (negative a* values). The exception was noticed in the UGA 34 genotype, which presented a higher red shade (positive a* value) and a yellow subshade. The cultivars more indicated for human consumption were the UGA 34 (favorable nutritional profile), UGA 45 (better acceptability and favorable chemical and nutritional composition), and Amorano (better acceptability and favorable chemical composition). On the other hand, the UGA 29 genotype may be characterized as the less appropriated for consumption. That, due to its less acceptance from the consumers and an inferior chemical and nutritional characterization. We conclude that the Brazilian sweet potato cultivars more indicated for human consumption are the UGA 34, UGA 45 and Amorano, considering that present more favorable chemical, nutritional and sensory acceptability characteristics. The UGA 29 genotype may be characterized as less recommended for consumption.

El objetivo del trabajo fue mostrar cómo el Sistema de Innovación Agrícola Local (SIAL) en el municipio Perico, provincia Matanzas, Cuba, pudo resolver desafíos productivos a partir de que se detectaron en la Plataforma Multiactoral de Gestión (PMG), lo cual se inició con la problemática de bajo rendimiento en la producción de Ipomoea batatas (boniato) en el polo productivo de La Angelina. Para ello se utilizaron diferentes métodos científicos y técnicas de investigación como: diagnósticos del contexto, encuestas, muestreos de suelo, entre otros. Además, se sistematizaron los resultados que se alcanzaron en el territorio con la implementación de este tipo de enfoque en las diferentes dimensiones; lo que permitió realizar varios ciclos de aprendizaje y, a su vez, contar con un plan de medidas para incrementar los rendimientos del boniato y mejorar el suelo como recurso fundamental e irremplazable, capaz de sustentar los cultivos y la vida en general.

Sweetpotatoes (Ipomoea batatas) are nutritious, easily stored, and well adapted to a variety of organic farming operations. This widely consumed root crop is propagated through the use of cuttings, known as slips. Slips are commercially grown primarily in the southeastern United States, and growers in the central United States still have limited access to sweetpotato planting material. Production of organic slips in high tunnels (HTs) could be a profitable enterprise for growers in the central United States given the season extension afforded by controlled-environment agriculture, which could allow growers to diversify their operations and facilitate crop rotation. In trials conducted in 2016 and 2017 at two research stations in northeast and south central Kansas, a systems comparison was used to evaluate the yield and performance of organic sweetpotato slips grown in HT as compared with the open field (OF), with four to six replications at each location. Propagation beds planted with ‘Beauregard’ seed roots in 2016 and ‘Orleans’ in 2017 were established in HT and OF under similar cultural methods and planting schedules. Slips were harvested from both treatment groups and transplanted to field plots to investigate the impact of production system on transplant establishment and storage root production. Slip yield from HT was greater than OF at both locations in 2016 (P ≤ 0.001), but this trend was inconsistent in 2017. Slips grown in HT were on average 12% less compact (slip dry weight per centimeter length) with fewer nodes than their OF counterparts in 2016. Nonetheless, mean comparisons for vine length, stem diameter, and total marketable storage root yield were not significant between HT and OF treatments (1.7 and 2.1 lb/plant, respectively). Similarly, the number of marketable storage roots for HT and OF groups was comparable (3.4 and 3.8 storage roots/plant, respectively). Although more research is needed to evaluate the feasibility of slips grown in HT and to determine recommendations for seed root planting densities, results from this study suggest that HT organic sweetpotato slip production could be a viable alternative to OF production as it relates to slip performance. According to this study, HT production could be a useful mechanism for growing sweetpotato slips, which could provide regional growers more control over planting material. Furthermore, HT slip production could promote the adoption of an underused vegetable crop that can be grown throughout many parts of the United States.

Pendahuluan: Kearifan lokal, pengobatan tradisonal, dan pengetahuan etnobotani perlu dipelajari dan dikembangkan. Salah satu masalah yang masih sering terjadi pada masyarakat adalah munculnya penyakit demam berdarah yang disebabkan nyamuk Aedes Aegypti. Demam Berdarah Dengue merupakan penyakit yang ditakuti karena menurunkan konsentrasi trombosit ke tingkat rendah (trombositopenia) dan dapat menyebabkan perdarahan. Jumlah sel trombosit yang rendah, harus segera ditingkatkan untuk menghindari terjadinya syok. Secara empiris, masyarakat menggunakan air rebusan daun ubi jalar pada kasus-kasus DBD (Demam Berdarah Dengue) dan menunjukkan perbaikan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui potensi etnomedicine daun ubi jalar ungu (ipomoea batatas l. poir) sebagai obat demam berdarah di wilayah Sleman, DIY. Selain itu juga untuk mengetahui persentase peningkatan jumlah trombosit pada Tikus Putih (Rattus norvegicus) dengan pemberian infusa Daun Ubi Jalar Ungu dan ubi jalar putih (Ipomoea batatas .L) Jenis penelitian: True experimental dengan rancangan penelitian pretest dan post test with control group design. Penelitian ini menggunakan 35 tikus putih jantan yang dibagi dalam 7 kelompok perlakuan infusa daun ubi jalar ungu yaitu kelompok kontrol, kelompok dosis ringan, kelompok dosis sedang dan kelompok dosis berat untuk masing-masing infusa daun ubi jalar. Tikus diturunkan jumlah trombositnya melalui mekanisme kerusakan limpa dengan induksi anilin secara intravena. Setelah 24 jam penginduksian, hewan coba diberi perlakuan sesuai kelompok. Semua kelompok dihitung jumlah trombositnya sebelum dan sesudah perlakuan. Data yang diperoleh dari hasil penelitian dianalisis secara deskriptif yang disajikan dalam bentuk tabel dan narasi. Hasil penelitian: Terjadi peningkatan jumlah trombosit pada kelompok kontrol sebanyak 43%. Pada kelompok infusa daun ubi jalar ungu dosis ringan tidak ada peningkatan, kelompok dosis sedang meningkat sebesar 94%, dan kelompok dosis tinggi diperoleh peningkatan sebesar 224%. Pada kelompok infusa dun ubi jalar putih terdapat peningkatan pada dosis tinggi yaitu 7,2 ml/200gr BB atau 26,46 %. Hasil uji statistik menunjukkan bahwa pemberian infusa daun ubi jalar putih pada pre test dan post test memiliki perbedaan yang bermakna dengan nilai p value 0,023. Sedangkan pemberian infusa daun ubi jalar ungu sebelum dan sesudah perlakuan tidak memiliki perbedaan secara bermakna yang ditunjukkan dengan nilai p value 0,550. Kesimpulan: Infusa daun ubi jalar ungu mampu meningkatkan jumlah trombosit yang lebih banyak dibandingkan dengan infusa daun ubi jalar putih. Infusa daun ubi jalar ungu dan ubi jalar putih memiliki potensi etnomedicine sebagai obat demam berdarah di Sleman, DIY.

Micro-nutrients especially zinc can not only increase the yield of sweet potato but can also improve the quality of tubers. Hence, experiments were carried out in 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons to determine the impact of various levels of ZnSO4 fertilizer on soil chemical properties, foliage and storage root yields and proximate qualities of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.). The experiments consisted of 5 levels (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1) of ZnSO4 fertilizer. These were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. ZnSO4 increased (with the exception of P) soil chemical properties compared with the control. N, K, Ca, Mg and Zn were increased up to the 20 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 level in both years. ZnSO4 reduced P concentrations in soil as the level increased. For sweet potato performance, 5 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 fertilizer had the highest values of foliage yield (vine length and vine weight) and storage root yield. Using the mean of the two years and compared with the control, ZnSO4 fertilizer at 5 kg ha-1 increased storage root yield of sweet potato by 17.4%. On fitting the mean storage root yield data of the two years with a cubic equation, the optimum rate of Zn for sweet potato was found to be 3.9 kg ha-1 to achieve the maximum sweet potato yield. In this study, relative to the control, ZnSO4 fertilizer increased moisture and decreased the fibre contents of sweet potato. There were no consistent patterns of variation between the 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg ha-1 ZnSO4 treatments for proximate qualities except that the highest values of fat, protein, carbohydrate and ash was at 5 kg ha-1 ZnSO4.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the application of calcium oxide (CaO) particle film on the physiological performance, bromatological quality, and productivity of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with three treatments (5, 10, and 15% CaO particle film concentrations) and a control (water), with three replicates, applied 30 days after planting. The following parameters were evaluated: physiological, including net photosynthetic rate and Falker chlorophyll index (FCI); bromatological, i.e., crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), total digestible nutrients (TDN), dry matter digestibility (DMD), and total carbohydrates; and productivity. The use of the 10 and 15% CaO particle film increased sweet potato photosynthesis, FCI, crude protein content, and tuber and aerial part productivity. At those concentrations, the lowest NDF and ADF contents and the highest TDN and DMD contents were also observed. The use of the CaO particle film at the concentration of 10 and 15% improves the physiological, productivity, and bromatological parameters of the sweet potato crop.