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Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is an important food crop that plays a pivotal role in preserving worldwide food security. Due to its polyploid genome, high heterogeneity, and phenotypic plasticity, sweet potato genetic characterization and breeding is challenging. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) can provide important resources for breeders to improve breeding efficiency and effectiveness. GWASpoly was used to identify 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), comprising 21 unique genetic loci, associated with sweet potato storage root traits including dry matter (4 loci), subjective flesh color (5 loci), flesh hue angle (3 loci), and subjective skin color and skin hue angle (9 loci), in 384 accessions from the USDA sweet potato germplasm collection. The I. batatas 'Beauregard' and I. trifida reference genomes were utilized to identify candidate genes located within 100 kb from the SNPs that may affect the storage traits of dry matter, flesh color, and skin color. These candidate genes include transcription factors (especially Myb, bHLH, and WRKY family members), metabolite transporters, and metabolic enzymes and associated proteins involved in starch, carotenoid, and anthocyanin synthesis. A greater understanding of the genetic loci underlying sweet potato storage root traits will enable marker-assisted breeding of new varieties with desired traits. This study not only reinforces previous research findings on genes associated with dry matter and β-carotene content but also introduces novel genetic loci linked to these traits as well as other root characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The sweet potato is an important food crop grown and traded in many regions of the world, especially in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. Several insect pests feed on sweet potatoes in open fields and storage. As a result, the yield and quality are generally impacted. In addition, some of the insect pests are of regulatory importance. Indeed, the United States and Brazil are subject to stringent pest and quarantine regulations concerning sweet potatoes, encompassing the plant's roots and aerial parts. This review describes the current status of sweet potato regulations and management options in the United States and Brazil. We also describe research on sweet potato production, monitoring, biological control, and regulatory pest management information that may relieve these problems. This can help small and large farmers produce sweet potatoes in the United States and Brazil. The sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] is considered one of the most important crops in the world as food, fodder, and raw material for starch and alcohol production. Sweet potato consumption and demand for its value-added products have increased significantly over the past two decades, leading to new cultivars, expansion in acreage, and increased demand in the United States and its export markets. Due to its health benefits, sweet potato production has multiplied over the past decade in Brazil, promoting food security and economic development in rural areas. Their adaptability and nutritional value make them a food of great importance for Brazil. As pest attacks and disease infection are the main limiting aspects that often cause yield loss and quality degradation in sweet potatoes, there is a great demand to develop effective defense strategies to maintain productivity. There is a critical need for research into non-pesticide control approaches that can provide safe, cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly pest and disease management techniques. Pests which feed on roots have trade implications worldwide. For example, sweet potato tuber shipments infested with the sweet potato weevil are generally not allowed for trade in North and South America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Food & Fermentation Industries is the property of Food & Fermentation Industries 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.)

The use of quality seeds is an important factor for increasing the crop productivity of sweet potatoes. Giving treatment of planting material and foliar fertilizer using Rapid Multiplication Techniques is an effort to increase the production of sweet potato vegetatif seeds in the form of vine cuttings. The study aimed to determine the best treatment factor between the origin of cuttings and the concentration of foliar fertilizer in increasing the productivity of vegetatif seeds of the sweet potato variety Beta-2. The research was designed with a factorial randomized block design consisting of two factors. The first factor was the type of planting material consisting of Q1=shoot cuttings and Q2=stem cuttings. The second factor was the concentration of foliar fertilizer consisting of 4 levels (P1 = 2 g/l, P2 = 4 g/l, P3 = 6 g/l, and P4 = 8 g/l). The results showed that foliar fertilizer concentration had no effect on all parameters observed. There was no interaction between cutting type treatment and foliar fertilizer concentration on sweet potato vegetative seed production. Shoot cuttings show a better growth response and vegetative seed production compared to stem cuttings, because the higher auxin content in the shoot affects the growth of the meristem and other plant parts. Planting material in the form of shoot cuttings for seed propagation using the Rapid Multiplication Technique produces better production compared to stem cuttings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weeds and nematodes are particularly problematic in organic sweetpotato production due to a lack of effective pesticides. Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) has the potential to fit into current pest management practices as an alternative to pesticide application. Greenhouse studies were conducted at the Clemson Coastal Research and Education Center (CREC) in Charleston, SC, to investigate the impact of carbon source amendment and a no carbon source treatment, and soil type on cumulative anaerobicity, weed control, nematode population, and sweetpotato vigor. Microcosms were filled with one of three different soil types (Charleston—loamy/native; Blackville—high coarse sand content; and Clemson—high clay content) and were mixed with cottonseed meal (CSM) or no carbon amendment. The pots were then sealed with plastic totally impenetrable film (Tif) for 6 weeks, followed by the transplanting of sweetpotato (cv Bayou Belle) slips. The results suggested that the CSM-treated microcosms spent more time under anaerobic conditions than those treated with the no carbon amendment. The microcosms that experienced a longer duration of anaerobicity had a lower percent weed cover (49%), fewer nematode egg masses, and a lower gall index when compared to microcosms which experienced a shorter duration of anaerobicity. Significantly higher instances of leaf necrosis were observed in the sweetpotato slips sown in the CSM-treated microcosms. The addition of CSM as a carbon source to facilitate ASD resulted in similar above-ground biomasses of the sweetpotato plants compared to the treatments containing no carbon amendment. However, a significantly lower below-ground biomass of the sweetpotato plants was observed in the CSM-treated microcosms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent surge in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivation in Europe prompted an investigation into associated entomofauna within Portugal's southwestern region, known for its longstanding sweet potato production. This study aimed to assess entomofauna associated with this culture. Insect sampling was conducted by leaf and sweep net across three regional sites during 2018 and 2019 revealing the presence of Empoasca fabalis. Histological examination of sweet potato leaves affected by E. fabalis feeding unveiled significant damage, including the emergence of whitish spots (termed “stipples”) and subsequent necrotic spots. Comparative analysis between infested and undamaged control leaves revealed significant damage, involving mesophyll cell content deprivation and cellular disruption. This study describes, for the first time, the histological nature of the necrotic damage and suggests that E. fabalis primarily acts as a stippler on sweet potatoes, mainly targeting mesophyll cells with limited consumption of vascular tissue. The invasive behaviour and wide host range of E. fabalis pose a threat to sweet potato cultivation. These findings emphasize the need for monitoring to address the potential impact of E. fabalis on Europe’s agricultural ecosystem and native vegetation. In addition, six other Auchenorrhyncha species were identified during this study, including four crucial vectors of plant diseases: Laodelphax striatellus, Psammotettix alienus, Anaceratagallia glabra, Austroagallia sinuata, together with Empoasca solani and E. alsiosa. These results emphasise the importance of managing these insects in sweet potato cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the effect of pure castor meal and a mixture of castor meal with ground hydrothermalized phonolite rock (CM+HP mixture) in providing nutrients, particularly N and K, and optimizing yield and quality of sweet potato, a field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design. Treatments were the absence and presence of synthetic N and K fertilizers (ammonium nitrate and KCl) combined with rates of organic fertilizers (1.2 and 2.4 Mg ha−1 of castor meal, 2.25 and 4.5 Mg ha−1 of CM+HP mixture, plus a treatment without organic fertilizers). The CM+HP mixture maintained adequate N and K status in plant leaves. Organic fertilizers increased the number of storage roots per plant and the sweetness of the storage roots, while synthetic fertilizers increased the storage root mean weight. Castor meal combined with synthetic fertilizers improved soil health (increased organic matter and enzyme activity in the soil). The combined application of synthetic fertilizers with 2.4 Mg ha−1 of castor meal or 4.5 Mg ha−1 of CM+HP mixture had the greatest benefit on storage root yield, with an average increase of 128% (10.9 Mg ha−1) on marketable storage root yield, and the nutrient removal compared with the sole application of organic fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been documented that sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivars vary in morphological and physiological adaptations to low phosphorus (P) availability but knowledge of the underlying molecular mechanisms is largely unknown. The objective of this research was to generate cultivar-specific information about phosphate starvation response (PSR) genes to variations in inorganic phosphate (Pi) availability at the onset of storage root formation among sweetpotato cultivars. Cultivars Bayou Belle (BB), Evangeline (EV), and Orleans (OR) were grown under varying Pi levels: 0 mg·L−1 (low Pi), 15 mg·L−1 (Pi-sufficient), and 31 mg·L−1 (high Pi). Reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis of PSR genes IbPHR1, IbSPX1, IbSPX3, IbPHT1;4, IbPHT1;5, and IbNLA was performed at 5 and 10 days after planting (DAP), corresponding to adventitious root system establishment and the onset of storage root formation, respectively. The cultivar BB grown under low Pi showed significantly higher expression of all genes except IbPHR1. The cultivar OR grown in both low and high Pi exhibited upregulation of IbPHR1. On the other hand, EV grown under low Pi revealed no response for all genes investigated. Exposure of BB to high Pi resulted in a decrease in expression for all genes except IbNLA. The cultivar EV grown in high Pi conditions showed increase in expression for IbSPX1, IbPHT1;5, and IbNLA. Expression pattern difference among cultivars relative to Pi levels corroborates field observations showing that BB, EV, and OR have different Pi requirements. The increased activity of BB PSR genes grown under low Pi supports the hypothesis that BB requires low P fertilizer input relative to OR and EV. Results from this study corroborate findings from well-characterized crop species and model systems and pave the way for the development of tools and practices to increase phosphorus use efficiency in sweetpotato.

Sweetpotatoes are a major crop in California, ranking sixth in value among organic commodities in the state. In recent years, there has been growing consumer interest in diverse specialty varieties, particularly purple types and those associated with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities, some of which are currently imported into the state. In this study, we screened 45 diverse sweetpotato varieties and breeding lines under California organic conditions in a preliminary characterization of their agronomic performance. We then conducted culinary evaluations with a tasting panel of students primarily identifying as Asian/Asian American to determine the preference for each type in terms of flavor and culinary appeal. Our results indicated that major tradeoffs exist among existing germplasm, with no variety or line excelling across all agronomic and culinary traits. These results suggest that sweetpotato breeding could be an effective mechanism to combine superior agronomic traits of major commercial classes with the high culinary quality of diverse materials that are not adapted to California organic production. These results provide a strong justification for the value of sweetpotato breeding to ultimately promote a more profitable, sustainable, and just food system in the region.

The sweet potato is of great socioeconomic importance in Brazil and throughout the world. Among the fungal pathogens associated with root diseases of this crop, Fusarium is of particular importance due to the diversity of species, the pathogenic potential in their various hosts and their ability to survive inside plants as endophytes without apparently causing damage. The objective of this work was to identify fusarioid genera from stems and roots of symptomatic and asymptomatic plants. The identification of fungal species was based on multilocus phylogenetic analysis and morphology. A total of 51 isolates, distributed in the Fusarium incarnatum‐equiseti species complex (FIESC), Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC)—with a taxonomic novelty—and Neocosmospora were identified. The pathogenicity test on roots showed that 13 of the 14 tested isolates obtained from symptomatic roots and stems and from asymptomatic stems were capable of reproducing the rot symptoms observed in the field. The confirmation of the pathogenicity of isolates from asymptomatic stems corroborates the hypothesis that these fungi can live endophytically in asymptomatic tissue and are capable of causing damage to their hosts in stress situations. This is the first report of Fusarium agrestense, Fusarium annulatum, Fusarium caatingaense, Fusarium elaeidis, Fusarium pernambucanum, Fusarium pseudocircinatum, Neocosmospora falciformis and Neocosmospora suttoniana associated with root and stem rot of sweet potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) is a whitefly-transmitted begomovirus infecting sweetpotato and other morning glory (Convolvulaceae) species worldwide. The virus is widespread at the USDA, ARS, U.S. Vegetable Laboratory (USVL), and testing of germplasm maintained in the breeding program indicates nearly 100% infection in storage roots of materials propagated for at least four years. Prior to the public release of new germplasm, viruses must be eliminated via laborious and time-consuming meristem-tip culture. The identification of virus-free seedlings early in the selection process can offer an alternative to meristem-tip culture. In this study, we investigated the transmission of SPLCV over two years of consecutive field plantings (early and late) of sweetpotato. While SPLCV is endemic at the USVL, virus transmission pressure over the typical cultivation season is unknown, and avoidance of virus transmission paired with the selection and maintenance of clean material may be a viable alternative to virus elimination. In 2022, the storage roots of 39 first-year seedling (FYS) selections were tested for SPLCV after early-season cultivation, revealing a single selection (2.6%) with a positive test. Similar testing was conducted in 2023 with no SPLCV-positive FYS selections detected. To further assess SPLCV acquisition in the field, replicated late-season plantings of each selected FYS (n = 37) were monitored from planting to harvest. Testing was conducted at 60 and 120 days after planting (DAP). Approximately 35% of the bulk samples were infected at 60 DAP, and infection increased to 52.3% by 120 DAP. Testing of individuals within selected positive bulked samples did not support 100% infection at harvest. Altogether, these results demonstrate that SPLCV transmission during early planting is sufficiently low to facilitate the maintenance of virus-free selections, offering an alternative to virus cleaning and a cultivation strategy that may be leveraged for production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High starch sweetpotatoes (HSSPs) are renewable feedstocks with the potential to support industrially relevant chemical production. Here, three HSSP genotypes (NC-413, NCPUR06-020, and NCDM02-180) and a table-stock variety (Covington) were tested for butanol production by Clostridium beijerinckii NCIMB 8052 in two process configurations, separate hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF) and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). Results indicated that sweetpotato genotype, preparation (fresh vs flour), and system configuration significantly affected acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation efficiency. Particularly, conversion using the Covington variety showed the highest product yields and robust results with both preparations (0.137 and 0.094 g butanol/g initial starch for fresh and flour preparations, respectively) without requiring pre-processing for phenolic removal with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). On the other hand, cultures with purple varieties NC-413 and NCPUR06-020, with the exception of NCPUR06-020 fresh preparations, required anthocyanin removal to achieve 0.103 g butanol/g initial starch, which represented more than a 1.6-fold increase in butanol concentration compared to purple sweetpotato hydrolysates without PVP phenolic pretreatment. Conversions with the white genotype (NCDM02-180) showed the lowest performance and largest variability under a SHF configuration (0.012 to 0.034 g butanol/g initial starch for fresh and flour, respectively), while butanol yields under SSF conditions (0.069 g butanol/g initial starch) were similar to the other genotypes examined. This study establishes the feasibility of using regionally relevant sweetpotato feedstocks (e.g., non-food-intended varieties as well as table-stock residues or culls) as a source of crude sugars for butanol fermentation and some of the key processing conditions that influence C. beijerinckii culture performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traits of shoot growth habit differ between sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) and its wild ancestor (Ipomoea trifida). In general, sweetpotatoes have thick stems without twining, while I. trifida have slender twining stems. Anatomical observation in this study showed that this difference is caused by the difference in the size and number of cells between the stems of sweetpotato and those of I. trifida. To reveal the genetic basis of the difference in shoot phenotype, F1 progeny were produced by crossing sweetpotato (Konaishin) and I. trifida (K123-11), and the G-statistic method of bulked-segregant analysis was used to investigate stem-twining ability as a representative trait of shoot growth habit. As a result, a major quantitative trait locus (qSgh) related to shoot growth was successfully detected at 12.37–14.12 Mb in Chr13 of the reference genome. Genotyping F1 individuals using a PCR-based SNP marker designed for qSgh supported the results of bulked-segregant analysis and further suggested that qSgh had a dosage effect on stem diameter. Based on these results, we propose that the G-statistic method is an effective approach for bulked-segregant analysis in polyploid species, including sweetpotato. Additionally, some candidate genes in qSgh were found by comparative analysis of the genome and transcriptome between sweetpotato and I. trifida. At least two of these, Iba_chr13aCG7290 and Iba_chr13cCG9960, are likely involved in radial growth of the stem in sweetpotato. The results of this study provide new insight into the transition of shoot phenotype from I. trifida to sweetpotato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study purple sweet potato is known to contain flavonoids, a class of natural polyphenols with the capability to mitigate skin pigmentation. The research aims to assess the antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities of purple sweet potato extracts obtained through hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and water solvents. The results of phytochemical identification show that the extract contains various secondary metabolites which have the potential to act as antioxidants. The DPPH method IC50 values of 6948.12ppm for n-hexane, 3015.19ppm for ethyl acetate, 128.05ppm for ethanol, and 791.77ppm for water extract. The MDA inhibitor test IC50 values of 2067.02ppm for n-hexane, 1968.13ppm for ethyl acetate, 116.14ppm for ethanol, and 921.14ppm for water extract. In the tyrosinase inhibitor assay, IC50 values were 1328.29ppm for n-hexane, 1245.13ppm for ethyl acetate, 217.35ppm for ethanol, and 391.21ppm for water extract. Tuckey test statistics, ethanol extract was not significantly different from the positive control in the DPPH test, MDA inhibitor and tyrosinase test. These findings suggest that purple sweet potato extracts, particularly the ethanol extract, hold promise as natural ingredients with antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory properties, making them potential candidates for safe and effective skin brightening formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Le but du présent travail a été d’identifier les plantes médicinales utilisées par les parents des sujets drépanocytaires pour la prise en charge de la maladie et d’évaluer l'activité anti-drépanocytaire et anti-inflammatoire des plantes les plus citées (Ipomoea batatas et Persea americana). Une enquête par la technique d’échantillonnage en boule de neige a été réalisée auprès 30 parents (25 à 89 ans d’âge). L’enquête ethno-botanique a permis de répertorier 30 espèces distribuées dans 30 genres et 25 familles botaniques. Les familles les plus représentées étaient les Fabaceae, les Acanthaceae et les Buseraceae. La florule recensée est constitué de cinq formes de vie principales notamment les arbres, les arbustes, les sous-arbustes les lianes et les herbes vivaces. Les arbres (10 espèces) et les arbustes (9 espèces) étaient dominants suivis respectivement des herbes vivaces (7 espèces); des lianes (3 espèces) et les sous-arbustes (1 espèce). Les analyses phyto-chimiques ont révélé que les feuilles de Ipomoea batatas contiennent de saponines, de polyphénols, de anthocyanes, de flavonoïdes, de quinones liées, de leucoanthocyanes, de tanins, de alcaloïdes et de stéroïdes. Par contre, les feuilles de Persea americana contiennent de saponines, des anthocyanes, de flavonoïdes, de quinones liées, de leucoanthocyanes, de tanins et de stéroïdes. Les extraits bruts hydro-alcooliques de deux plantes ont montré une activité anti-falcémiante in vitro. A la dose de 89,3 µg/mL, ces extraits sont plus actifs que le Diclofénac sodique (39,7 %). En outre, l’extrait aqueux est plus actif que l’extrait organique. Persea americana (84,3% vs 78,0 %) est plus actif en milieu aqueux tandis que Ipomoea batatas (58,3 % vs 52,0 %) est plus actif en milieu organique. Les feuilles de I. batatas sont douées des propriétés anti-drépanocytaires in vitro. La concentration minimale de normalisation (CMN), c’est-à-dire la plus faible concentration pour laquelle le taux de normalisation est maximal, a été évaluée à 30 µg/mL. Mots clés: Drépanocytose, Inflammation, Médecine Traditionnelle, Ipomoea batatas, Persea americana

The sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] is considered one of the most important crops in the world as food, fodder, and raw material for starch and alcohol production. Sweet potato consumption and demand for its value-added products have increased significantly over the past two decades, leading to new cultivars, expansion in acreage, and increased demand in the United States and its export markets. Due to its health benefits, sweet potato production has multiplied over the past decade in Brazil, promoting food security and economic development in rural areas. Their adaptability and nutritional value make them a food of great importance for Brazil. As pest attacks and disease infection are the main limiting aspects that often cause yield loss and quality degradation in sweet potatoes, there is a great demand to develop effective defense strategies to maintain productivity. There is a critical need for research into non-pesticide control approaches that can provide safe, cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly pest and disease management techniques. Pests which feed on roots have trade implications worldwide. For example, sweet potato tuber shipments infested with the sweet potato weevil are generally not allowed for trade in North and South America.

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental 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.)

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] is one of North Carolina's (USA) most important organic commodity crops; however, yields tend to be less when compared with conventionally produced sweetpotato. Standard field establishment uses unrooted stem cuttings that are transplanted vertically in the soil. Producers in other countries typically use other planting orientations, including cuttings transplanted horizontally. Empirical evidence from North Carolina, USA, sweetpotato producers suggests that a horizontal orientation may improve yields. An organically managed field study using 'Monaco' sweetpotato was conducted in 2020 and 2021 in Bailey, NC, USA. The study evaluated stem cutting planting orientations (vertical, sleeve, horizontal), stem cutting length (25 cm and 38 cm), and harvest time (early or late) in a full-factorial randomized complete block design. In 2020, marketable yields were 16% greater for the horizontal orientation compared with the vertical orientation, with intermediate yields using the sleeve attachment. However, in 2021, there were no differences in marketable yield among planting orientations. In both years, US No. 1-grade yields were significantly greater when cuttings were planted horizontally compared with vertically, with an average increase of 18%. Delaying harvest until ~126 days is recommended to increase yields for 'Monaco', regardless of planting orientation. This study provides evidence that a horizontal planting orientation could increase premium root yields and improve land-use efficiency for organically produced sweetpotatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of home cooking methods (e.g., boiling, steaming, oven, and microwave) on the contents phenolic compounds, biogenic amines, and precursor amino acids in colored-fleshed sweet potatoes were investigated in this study. Sixteen genotypes of colored sweet potatoes (cream/white, yellow, orange, and purple pulp) were analyzed using spectrophotometry for their total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, antioxidant capacity (DPPH and MDA) and pigments. Of these, five genotypes with orange and purple pulps were investigated using HPLC-DAD for their polyphenols, biogenic amines and precursor amino acids. The results revealed that orange-fleshed sweet potatoes contain higher amounts of phenolic compounds, carotenoids, amino acids, and beneficial amines, especially when cooked in a microwave or in an oven, wrapped in aluminum foil. For the purple sweet potatoes, superior quantities of bioactive were found after cooking with steam, microwave, and in the oven with aluminum foil protection. In general, the colored genotypes showed a superior phytochemical profile than the traditionally commercialized ones before and after heat treatments, characterizing them as richer sources of the bioactive compounds of interest for producers, consumers, and industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alopecia presented a global challenge, spurring the search for new treatments. This study evaluated Ipomoea batatas leaf extracts for their ability to stimulate hair growth and inhibit Malassezia furfur. Secondary metabolites were identified and assessed for their potential to inhibit androgen receptors (AR) via LC-MS/MS and in silico analysis. The hair tonic formulation was optimized using a D-optimal mixture design to improve physicochemical properties. The plant's extracts and fractions exhibited strong antifungal activity against M. furfur and significant hair growth stimulation compared to minoxidil. In silico analysis identified pyropheophorbide A, methyl-Pyropheophorbide A, hyperoside, and quercetin with superior affinity and stability in interacting with AR. The optimized formulation included 96% ethanol, propylene glycol, and Tween 80 to enhance hair tonic properties. I. batatas leaves showed promising potential in treating alopecia through hair growth stimulation, antifungal activity, and potential inhibition of AR. These findings opened avenues for further research and development in alopecia therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Andean roots, such as zanahoria blanca, achira, papa China, camote, oca, and mashua, contain high amounts of dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and fructo-oligosaccharides. This study aimed to demonstrate the possibility of obtaining healthy second-generation (2G) snacks (products obtained from the immediate expansion of the mixture at the exit of the extruder die) using these roots as raw materials. Corn grits were mixed with Andean root flour in a proportion of 80:20, and a Brabender laboratory extruder was used to obtain the 2G snacks. The addition of root flour increased the water content, water activity, sectional expansion index, hygroscopicity, bulk density, and water absorption index but decreased the porosity. However, all 2G snacks manufactured with Andean root flour showed better characteristics than did the control (made with corn grits) in texture (softer in the first bite and pleasant crispness) and optical properties (more intense and saturated colors). The developed snacks could be considered functional foods due to the high amount of carotenoids and phenolic compounds they exhibit after the addition of Andean root flours. The composition of raw roots, specifically the starch, fiber, and protein content, had the most impact on snack properties due to their gelatinization or denaturalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work studied the influence of plant growth regulators as well as the effect of monochromatic radiation of different spectral composition on the growth and accumulation of secondary metabolites in the callus culture of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.). It was found that auxin analogues in low concentrations (0.5 mg/L) significantly stimulated the growth of cell biomass, while the effect of 4-chlorophenoxyacetic acid (4-CPA) was more pronounced (stimulation 16 times) than that of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (13.5 times stimulation). Both the increase in the concentration of 2,4-D and 4-CPA in the medium and the addition of cytokinin, 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), led to a significant inhibition of culture growth (up to three times). In contrast to 2,4-D, the addition of 4-CPA led to an eightfold increase in the total content of polyphenolic compounds in cultured cells. Activating effect of 4-CPA on the biosynthetic characteristics of I. batatas cell culture persisted even with the addition of BAP, while an increase in the concentration of 4‑CPA led to the leveling of the activating effect. Monochromatic radiation—white, red (660 and 630 nm), yellow, green, and blue (440 and 460 nm) light—inhibited growth (up to 1.5 times) and the total accumulation of secondary metabolites in I. batatas cells (up to 1.8 times). At the same time, the white, bright blue, and red spectra differentially activated the formation of individual compounds 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 3-feruloyl-5-caffeoylquinic acid. Thus, the authors have established that both auxin analogues and spectral radiation exhibit different effects on the growth and biosynthetic characteristics of the I. batatas calli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microclones of in vitro vegetable sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) were received and the formation of colors on their leaves was studied. The studies were carried out on three varieties of sweet potato that differ in the color of their pulp and the peel of the tubers as well as in different ripening periods: Purple, Jewel, and Muskatny. The effect of ½ norm of mineral salts MS medium, 1 norm MS and 1½ norm MS on the morphometric parameters of sweet potato microclones was studied. It was established that the use of ½ norm of mineral salts according to MS medium led to the production of rapidly growing axillary and adventitious shoots and the formation of a powerful root system in the basal part of microcuttings. The formation of secretory outgrowths was found for the first time on the leaves of sweet potato microclones when cultured under in vitro conditions. Neoplasms were referred to colleters and their characteristics were given. The dependence of the colleter formation on the microclone leaves on the cycles of culture is shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the pandemic, people turned to cultivating ornamental plants in their gardens. One of the trending plants is Mayana (Coleus blumei) for its leaves are pleasing to the eyes. Katuray (Sesbania grandiflora) and Sweet Potato Tops (Ipomoeas batatas), on the other hand, can be found everywhere in the different localities in the Philippines. This study aimed to trace the presence of different phytochemical constituents of Mayana, Katuray, and sweet potato tops. The presence of phytochemical constituents in Ipomoea batatas gave its property of anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and many more. In addition, results showed the presence of pigments in three plants such as carotenoid and chlorophyll content in the three plant samples. Further, the antioxidant properties were also identified. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) results showed that there is a significant difference among the three plants at a 5% level of significance in terms of total carotenoid content. Furthermore, statistical analysis showed that there is a significant difference in the chlorophyll a and b in Ipomoea batatas, however, the post hoc test revealed that Coleus blumei and Sesbania grandiflora have no significant difference in their chlorophyll content. Meanwhile, thinlayer chromatographic analysis revealed that Ipomoea batatas has the greatest number of spots of all plant samples. Analysis of the total phenolics and antioxidant activity exhibited that Ipomoea batatas has the least quantitative result which means that it is the most potent among the three plant samples. This study therefore concluded that Ipomoea batatas can be formulated as a drug or supplement due to its antioxidant properties. The remarkable presence of different phytochemical constituents can give rise to new pharmaceutical products in the market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar Will Eventually be Exported Transporter (SWEET) genes play an important regulatory role in plants' growth and development, stress response, and sugar metabolism, but there are few reports on the role of SWEET proteins in sweet potato. In this study, nine IbSWEET genes were obtained via PCR amplification from the cDNA of sweet potato. Phylogenetic analysis showed that nine IbSWEETs separately belong to four clades (Clade I~IV) and contain two MtN3/saliva domains or PQ-loop superfamily and six~seven transmembrane domains. Protein interaction prediction showed that seven SWEETs interact with other proteins, and SWEETs interact with each other (SWEET1 and SWEET12; SWEET2 and SWEET17) to form heterodimers. qRT-PCR analysis showed that IbSWEETs were tissue-specific, and IbSWEET1b was highly expressed during root growth and development. In addition to high expression in leaves, IbSWEET15 was also highly expressed during root expansion, and IbSWEET7, 10a, 10b, and 12 showed higher expression in the leaves. The expression of SWEETs showed a significant positive/negative correlation with the content of soluble sugar and starch in storage roots. Under abiotic stress treatment, IbSWEET7 showed a strong response to PEG treatment, while IbSWEET10a, 10b, and 12 responded significantly to 4 °C treatment and, also, at 1 h after ABA, to NaCl treatment. A yeast mutant complementation assay showed that IbSWEET7 had fructose, mannose, and glucose transport activity; IbSWEET15 had glucose transport activity and weaker sucrose transport activity; and all nine IbSWEETs could transport 2-deoxyglucose. These results provide a basis for further elucidating the functions of SWEET genes and promoting molecular breeding in sweet potato. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet potato greens are an underused but highly nutritious vegetable that grows well in urban environments and could help alleviate food insecurity and related health problems. Therefore, trials were conducted in field rows and a green roof with seven varieties of sweet potatoes to determine whether 1) they differed in their production of greens and 2) harvesting greens influenced yield or nutrients of storage roots. There was no difference in the mass of sweet potatoes greens harvested among the varieties in either production system. Harvesting greens severely reduced the harvested mass of storage roots, although it increased the content of eight minerals in storage roots, including boron, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, and zinc. Urban farmers may have to decide whether harvesting greens or storage roots are their primary objective if harvesting the former limits the latter. Future research should explore the timing of harvesting greens and the amount taken to see if different methods allow for a high yield of storage roots that are high in nutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat treatment is a widely applied technique in the preservation of fruits and vegetables, effectively addressing issues such as disease management, rot prevention, and browning. In this study, we investigated the impact of heat treatment at 35 °C for 24 h on the quality characteristics and disease resistance of two sweet potato varieties, P32/P (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. cv 'Pushu13') and Xinxiang (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. cv 'Xinxiang'). The growth in vitro and reproduction of Rhizopus stolonifer were significantly inhibited at 35 °C. However, it resumed when returned to suitable growth conditions. The heat treatment (at 35 °C for 24 h) was found to mitigate nutrient loss during storage while enhancing the structural characteristics and free radical scavenging capacity of sweet potato. Additionally, it led to increased enzyme activities for APX, PPO, and POD, alongside decreased activities for Cx and PG, thereby enhancing the disease resistance of sweet potato against soft rot. As a result, the heat treatment provided a theoretical basis for the prevention of sweet potato soft rot and had guiding significance for improving the resistance against sweet potato soft rot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Estudos sobre a divergência genética da população base, bem como a caracterização dos genótipos são essenciais na seleção de genitores dentro de um programa de melhoramento genético. Portanto, esta pesquisa objetivou a caracterização morfológica de 33 genótipos de batata doce, a estimativa da divergência genética e a indicação de genitores para cruzamento biparentais. Foram avaliadas 14 características da parte aérea e 11 das raízes por meio de descritores morfológicos. A divergência genética foi estimada pelo teste de agrupamento Tocher, utilizando-se o algoritmo de Gower para o cálculo das medidas de dissimilaridade. Observou-se ampla variabilidade morfológica entre os genótipos, tanto na parte aérea, quanto nas raízes (comprimento, diâmetro, formato, pigmentação, coloração). A cor da epiderme da raiz variou do creme, rosado ao roxo avermelhado; já a cor da polpa variou de creme ao roxo escuro. Os descritores morfológicos da parte aérea e das raízes evidenciaram a existência de divergência genética, com a formação de seis grupos de similaridade entre os genótipos avaliados, possibilitando a indicação dos cruzamentos biparentais ‘CL 28 x Beterraba 1’, ‘CL 28 x Pão’, ‘CL 15 x Beterraba 1’, ‘CL 15 x Pão’, ‘CL 28 x F-16’, ‘CL 15 x F-16’, ‘CL 28 x F-15’, ‘CL 15 x F-15’, ‘F-15 x Beterraba 1’, ‘F-16 x Beterraba 1’, ‘F-15 x Pão’, ‘F-16 x Pão’, possibilitando ganhos com maior heterose e progênies superiores.

Sweetpotato varieties vary greatly in perceived textures and sweetness. This study identified physicochemical factors that influence these attributes in cooked sweetpotatoes. Fifteen genotypes grown on three plots were baked and evaluated by a trained descriptive sensory analysis panel for sweetness and 13 texture attributes. Mechanical parameters were measured by texture profile analysis (TPA); and composition (starch, cell wall material, sugar contents), starch properties (thermal, granule type ratios, granule sizes), and amylase activities were characterized. TPA predicted fracturability and firmness well, whereas starch and sugar contents, B-type starch granule ratio, and amylase activities influenced prediction of mouthfeel textures. Sweetness perception was influenced by perceived particle size and sugar contents; and maltose generation during baking was highly correlated with raw sweetpotato starch content. These relationships between physicochemical sweetpotato properties and baked textures and sweetness could benefit breeders and processors in selecting biochemical traits that result in consumer preferred products.

Weeds and nematodes are particularly problematic in organic sweetpotato production due to a lack of effective pesticides. Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) has the potential to fit into current pest management practices as an alternative to pesticide application. Greenhouse studies were conducted at the Clemson Coastal Research and Education Center (CREC) in Charleston, SC, to investigate the impact of carbon source amendment and a no carbon source treatment, and soil type on cumulative anaerobicity, weed control, nematode population, and sweetpotato vigor. Microcosms were filled with one of three different soil types (Charleston—loamy/native; Blackville—high coarse sand content; and Clemson—high clay content) and were mixed with cottonseed meal (CSM) or no carbon amendment. The pots were then sealed with plastic totally impenetrable film (Tif) for 6 weeks, followed by the transplanting of sweetpotato (cv Bayou Belle) slips. The results suggested that the CSM-treated microcosms spent more time under anaerobic conditions than those treated with the no carbon amendment. The microcosms that experienced a longer duration of anaerobicity had a lower percent weed cover (49%), fewer nematode egg masses, and a lower gall index when compared to microcosms which experienced a shorter duration of anaerobicity. Significantly higher instances of leaf necrosis were observed in the sweetpotato slips sown in the CSM-treated microcosms. The addition of CSM as a carbon source to facilitate ASD resulted in similar above-ground biomasses of the sweetpotato plants compared to the treatments containing no carbon amendment. However, a significantly lower below-ground biomass of the sweetpotato plants was observed in the CSM-treated microcosms.

To assess the effect of pure castor meal and a mixture of castor meal with ground hydrothermalized phonolite rock (CM+HP mixture) in providing nutrients, particularly N and K, and optimizing yield and quality of sweet potato, a field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design. Treatments were the absence and presence of synthetic N and K fertilizers (ammonium nitrate and KCl) combined with rates of organic fertilizers (1.2 and 2.4 Mg ha−1 of castor meal, 2.25 and 4.5 Mg ha−1 of CM+HP mixture, plus a treatment without organic fertilizers). The CM+HP mixture maintained adequate N and K status in plant leaves. Organic fertilizers increased the number of storage roots per plant and the sweetness of the storage roots, while synthetic fertilizers increased the storage root mean weight. Castor meal combined with synthetic fertilizers improved soil health (increased organic matter and enzyme activity in the soil). The combined application of synthetic fertilizers with 2.4 Mg ha−1 of castor meal or 4.5 Mg ha−1 of CM+HP mixture had the greatest benefit on storage root yield, with an average increase of 128% (10.9 Mg ha−1) on marketable storage root yield, and the nutrient removal compared with the sole application of organic fertilizers.

Andean roots can be used as an alternative to gluten-free food. The objective of this study was to enhance the technological and nutritional properties of Andean root flours to promote their industrial applicability. The water content and activity of the flour were lower than those required to prevent mold growth. The bulk density of the flour was comparable to that of wheat flour. The flour of Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. exhibited the lowest water absorption capacity of the tested samples. However, both this flour and Tropaeolum tuberosum Ruiz & Pavón showed a higher fat absorption capacity. The samples exhibited type-II isotherms, indicating that the flours were highly hygroscopic. The Guggenheim, Anderson, and de Boer GAB model showed a higher coefficient of determination in mathematical modeling. The chroma of T. tuberosum Ruiz & Pavón flour was higher than the other samples, which was related to total carotenoids and lycopene. Furthermore, I. batatas (L.) Lam. exhibited the highest phenol value.

Breeders have made important efforts to develop genotypes able to resist virus attacks in sweetpotato, a major crop providing food security and poverty alleviation to smallholder farmers in many regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and Latin America. However, a lack of accurate objective quantitative methods for this selection target in sweetpotato prevents a consistent and extensive assessment of large breeding populations. In this study, an approach to characterize and classify resistance in sweetpotato was established by assessing total yield loss and virus load after the infection of the three most common viruses (SPFMV, SPCSV, SPLCV). Twelve sweetpotato genotypes with contrasting reactions to virus infection were grown in the field under three different treatments: pre-infected by the three viruses, un-infected and protected from re-infection, and un-infected but exposed to natural infection. Virus loads were assessed using ELISA, (RT-)qPCR, and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) methods, and also through multispectral reflectance and canopy temperature collected using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Total yield reduction compared to control and the arithmetic sum of (RT-)qPCR relative expression ratios were used to classify genotypes into four categories: resistant, tolerant, susceptible, and sensitives. Using 14 remote sensing predictors, machine learning algorithms were trained to classify all plots under the said categories. The study found that remotely sensed predictors were effective in discriminating the different virus response categories. The results suggest that using machine learning and remotely sensed data, further complemented by fast and sensitive LAMP assays to confirm results of predicted classifications could be used as a high throughput approach to support virus resistance phenotyping in sweetpotato breeding.

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] is one of North Carolina’s (USA) most important organic commodity crops; however, yields tend to be less when compared with conventionally produced sweetpotato. Standard field establishment uses unrooted stem cuttings that are transplanted vertically in the soil. Producers in other countries typically use other planting orientations, including cuttings transplanted horizontally. Empirical evidence from North Carolina, USA, sweetpotato producers suggests that a horizontal orientation may improve yields. An organically managed field study using ‘Monaco’ sweetpotato was conducted in 2020 and 2021 in Bailey, NC, USA. The study evaluated stem cutting planting orientations (vertical, sleeve, horizontal), stem cutting length (25 cm and 38 cm), and harvest time (early or late) in a full-factorial randomized complete block design. In 2020, marketable yields were 16% greater for the horizontal orientation compared with the vertical orientation, with intermediate yields using the sleeve attachment. However, in 2021, there were no differences in marketable yield among planting orientations. In both years, US No. 1–grade yields were significantly greater when cuttings were planted horizontally compared with vertically, with an average increase of 18%. Delaying harvest until ∼126 days is recommended to increase yields for ‘Monaco’, regardless of planting orientation. This study provides evidence that a horizontal planting orientation could increase premium root yields and improve land-use efficiency for organically produced sweetpotatoes.

Cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis, are the leading cause of human mortality in Indonesia. Ipomoea batatas (L.) is a food plant used in Indonesian traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases and related conditions. We assessed the anti-atherosclerotic activity of the aqueous extract of I. batatas leaves in a rat model of high-fat diet-induced atherosclerosis and its mechanism. The presence of amino acid content in the I. batatas L. purple variant was determined by liquid chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=6/group), i.e., standard diet group (SD), high-fat diet group (HF), and HF plus I. batatas L. extracts orally (625; 1,250; or 2,500 mg/kg) groups. The numbers of macrophages and aortic wall thickness were analyzed histologically. Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to assess foam cells-oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in the aorta. LC-HRMS analysis showed nine amino acid content were identified from I. batatas L. In vivo study revealed that oral administration of I. batatas L. leaf extract alleviated foam cells-oxLDL formation and aortic wall thickness caused by high-fat diet atherosclerosis rats. Further, I. batatas L. leaf extract promoted the number of macrophages and modulated VEGF and eNOS expression in the aorta. I. batatas L. leaf extract shows a positive anti-atherosclerosis effect. Furthermore, the mechanism may promote the macrophages, eNOS, VEGF expressions, and inhibition of foam cells-oxLDL formation and aortic wall thickness with the best dosage at 2,500 mg/kg. This could represent a novel approach to prevent cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, scientific research has focused on studying Andean roots and tubers due to their attractive agricultural and nutritional qualities; however, as they contain a high level of moisture, it is imperative to dry them to extend their useful life. Likewise, analysing food-drying kinetics and food stability (regarding water activity) is essential to control moisture removal and the marketing progress. The drying process carried out in this study (65 °C for 8 h) showed three clear stages: adaptation, the drying period at a constant velocity, and a third stage with a gradual drop in the drying rate. The experimental data were satisfactorily adjusted to seven mathematical models, with the Page model highlighted since it presented higher coefficient-of-determination values. Likewise, this model estimated that the mean-error and percentage-of-relative-mean-deviation values were less than 1. The isotherms showed a type-II sigmoidal shape, showing that the samples were hygroscopic due to the structural changes undergone by the matrix during the process. Finally, the GAB model showed a higher coefficient of determination. All the Andean tubers and tuberous root flours must be dried until reaching a humidity below 10 gwater/gdry mass and stored in environments with a relative humidity lower than 60% to remain stable for longer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high productivity potential of sweet potato is restricted by myriads of insect pests that reduce the quantity and quality of its yield. This study investigated the insect pests of Ipomoea batatas and evaluated extracts from four botanicals namely: Carica papaya, Azadirachta indica, Chromolaena odorata and Moringa oleifera for the control of insect pests of the crop. The vines of two varieties of I. batatas (Shaba and SPK004) were used for the experiment. Aqueous extracts of the botanicals were prepared at 10% w/v and applied as from 4 weeks after planting (WAP) and subsequently at weekly intervals till 10 WAP. Five insect pests infested sweet potato crop in both planting seasons. In the early planting season, the number of insect pests in the plots of Shaba variety of I. batatas treated with plant extracts of C. odorata, C. papaya, M. oleifera and A. indica was 0.7, 0.25, 1.67 and 0.7 respectively and they were significantly (p <.05) lower than the number of insect pests (3.08) in untreated plots. Similarly result was obtained for the effects of other botanicals on the number of insect pests in both early and late planting seasons. The yield of sweet potato (16.14 kg) was highest in the plots of sweet potato treated with extract of C. papaya and it was significantly higher than the yield (2.60 kg) from the untreated plots. The yield from other plots treated with the other extracts were also significantly (p <.05) higher than the yield from the plots not treated with botanicals. The study concluded that the plant extracts can be applied on sweet potato to reduce insect infestation and enhance yield of storage roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) has a potential to become a new field crop for higher latitudes. Sweet potato was cultivated for the first time in the fields of Estonia. During the study, the photosynthetic characteristics and yields of sweet potato cultivars 'Evangeline' and 'Covington' were investigated under fertilisation with two nitrogen (N) rates (0 and 100 kg ha-1 N) and various fertilisers in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Variation in fertiliser rate and composition had no effect on CO2 assimilation rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs). The negative relationship between photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (PNUE) and intrinsic water-use efficiency (iWUE) among cultivars and treatments indicated that water availability could limit nutrient availability and ultimately reduce the potential yield in northern growing regions. The highest sweet potato tuber yield (t ha-1) was obtained from 'Evangeline' and 'Covington' at N0 in 2021. A comparison of yields of 2018 and 2021 experiments suggests that sweet potatoes can be grown in high latitudes. It can be concluded that depending on weather conditions, cultivars and soil properties, fertilisers can promote high plant productivity. Further studies should focus on sweet potato plants traits that enable the efficient use of nutrients and water during a short and potentially dry growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article provides an overview of Ipomoea batatas L., the Ipomoea genus. The review covers traditional uses, nutritional value, phytochemical compounds, pharmacological activities, and toxicity studies. Data were collected from scientific databases and search engines. Sweet potatoes are used in various countries for traditional uses such as dietary fiber sources, treating allergies, and providing energy in diabetes mellitus treatment. The primary phytochemical compounds in Ipomoea batatas are phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. Sweet potato contains several nutritional constituents: vitamin C, protein, fiber, carbohydrates, β-carotene, and minerals. Sweet potato exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. The types of phytochemical compounds in each part of the plant are different. Each pharmacological activity and mechanism of action depends on the phytochemical compounds, part and variety of the plant, and extraction solvent. However, further study is required to investigate the chronic toxicity of Ipomoea batatas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Starch nanoparticle derivatives are gaining popularity as drug delivery vehicles because of their biocompatibility, better mechanical characteristics, heat stability properties, impediment qualities, permeability capabilities, and flexibility to be changed for specific predetermined functions. The effect of techniques and processing time on the physiochemical and drug release characteristics of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) starch nanoparticles and their ciprofloxacin-loaded nanoformulations was studied. Results Scanning electron microscopy confirmed that the treated starch formed nanoparticles and also revealed significant changes in the morphology of the treated starches. The water absorption capacity of chemically treated starch nanoparticles (CTSN)-3 days was the highest, whereas CTSN-6 days had the maximum solubility. The functional groups present in the starch nanoparticles were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman. The thermal characteristics of starch nanoparticles were established using hot-stage microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The percentage drug content and loading efficiency of the model drug were extensively boosted by the chemical and mechanical treatment of Ipomoea batatas starch. In comparison with the untreated potato starch (UPS), release times for loaded drug were significantly longer for the chemically treated starch nanoparticles and mechanically treated starch nanoparticles (MTSN) starches in the rank order of T 80%, CTSN-3 days > MTSN-3 days > CTSN-6 days > MTSN-6 days > UPS. The main kinetics of drug release were Fickian diffusion. Conclusion After 3 days of acid hydrolysis, sweet potato starch yielded nanoparticulate carriers that can be employed for controlled or extended release of medicines that are poorly water soluble.

Abstract Background Plant carotenoids are essential for human health, having wide uses in dietary supplements, food colorants, animal feed additives, and cosmetics. With the increasing demand for natural carotenoids, plant carotenoids have gained great interest in both academic and industry research worldwide. Orange-fleshed sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) enriched with carotenoids is an ideal feedstock for producing natural carotenoids. However, limited information is available regarding the molecular mechanism responsible for carotenoid metabolism in sweetpotato tuberous roots. Results In this study, metabolic profiling of carotenoids and gene expression analysis were conducted at six tuberous root developmental stages of three sweetpotato varieties with different flesh colors. The correlations between the expression of carotenoid metabolic genes and carotenoid levels suggested that the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 4 (IbCCD4) and 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid cleavage dioxygenases 3 (IbNCED3) play important roles in the regulation of carotenoid contents in sweetpotato. Transgenic experiments confirmed that the total carotenoid content decreased in the tuberous roots of IbCCD4-overexpressing sweetpotato. In addition, IbCCD4 may be regulated by two stress-related transcription factors, IbWRKY20 and IbCBF2, implying that the carotenoid accumulation in sweeetpotato is possibly fine-tuned in responses to stress signals. Conclusions A set of key genes were revealed to be responsible for carotenoid accumulation in sweetpotato, with IbCCD4 acts as a crucial player. Our findings provided new insights into carotenoid metabolism in sweetpotato tuberous roots and insinuated IbCCD4 to be a target gene in the development of new sweetpotato varieties with high carotenoid production.

Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV) is a whitefly-transmitted begomovirus infecting sweetpotato and other morning glory (Convolvulaceae) species worldwide. The virus is widespread at the USDA, ARS, U.S. Vegetable Laboratory (USVL), and testing of germplasm maintained in the breeding program indicates nearly 100% infection in storage roots of materials propagated for at least four years. Prior to the public release of new germplasm, viruses must be eliminated via laborious and time-consuming meristem-tip culture. The identification of virus-free seedlings early in the selection process can offer an alternative to meristem-tip culture. In this study, we investigated the transmission of SPLCV over two years of consecutive field plantings (early and late) of sweetpotato. While SPLCV is endemic at the USVL, virus transmission pressure over the typical cultivation season is unknown, and avoidance of virus transmission paired with the selection and maintenance of clean material may be a viable alternative to virus elimination. In 2022, the storage roots of 39 first-year seedling (FYS) selections were tested for SPLCV after early-season cultivation, revealing a single selection (2.6%) with a positive test. Similar testing was conducted in 2023 with no SPLCV-positive FYS selections detected. To further assess SPLCV acquisition in the field, replicated late-season plantings of each selected FYS (n = 37) were monitored from planting to harvest. Testing was conducted at 60 and 120 days after planting (DAP). Approximately 35% of the bulk samples were infected at 60 DAP, and infection increased to 52.3% by 120 DAP. Testing of individuals within selected positive bulked samples did not support 100% infection at harvest. Altogether, these results demonstrate that SPLCV transmission during early planting is sufficiently low to facilitate the maintenance of virus-free selections, offering an alternative to virus cleaning and a cultivation strategy that may be leveraged for production.

Abstract Sweet potatoes (SP) have gained attention in the media as foods recommended for healthy diets. When preparing the roots for consumption, however, cooking methods do alter their chemical, physical and nutritional properties. In order to assess the changes in carbohydrates of four SP accessions, after common cooking treatments (pressure cooker, convection oven and microwave oven), the contents of sugars and total starch, as well as the starch digestibility were evaluated. The pressure-cooked and convection oven-cooked samples showed high levels of both total reducing sugars (TRS) and soluble reducing sugars (SRS). Among the samples, white pulp sweet potatoes showed the highest starch contents. When cooked by microwave oven without adding water the roots had higher contents of resistant starch (RS). The results demonstrate deep transformations in the carbohydrate profile after cooking, with increase in maltose levels and consequent reduction in starch levels.