Elephant Foot Yam Research Articles

Optimizing Soil Moisture, Mulching, and Spacing for Yield and Water Productivity in Irrigated Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)

Aims: To standardize crop spacing and irrigation requirements under different mulching situation for better yield and water productivity. Study Design: The experiment was designed in RBD with two replications. Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Station, Kerala Agriculture University (KAU), Chalakudy for three consecutive years from 2016 -17, 2017 – 18 and 2018 – 2019. Methodology: Study conducted with 18 treatments, includes three levels of irrigation, three types of mulching and with two different crop spacing. Observations on weed count and weed dry matter production were also taken to study the effect of different mulches on weed growth. Biometric observations of crop growth and yield were recorded. Results: Observations on biometric characters revealed that both the height and diameter of the crop canopy were significantly influenced by mulching and found to be highest in the plot where leaf was used as the mulching material and the yield of Amorphophallus during 2016 - 2017 showed that corm weight was greatly influenced by irrigation levels, mulching and spacing. Corm yield was lowest in the plot where irrigation frequency was once in three days (21.02 t/ha). Yield in leaf mulched plot was 38.11 t/ha while in plastic mulched and no mulched plots were 23.50 and 19.50 t/ha. Effect of treatments on water productivity and BC ratio showed that leaf mulching of the crop has significant effect. In leaf mulched plot, water productivity in 2016-17 was 2.03 while it was only 1.854 and 0.886 in 2017-18 and 2018-19. Similarly, BC ratio was highest for leaf mulched plot followed by no mulch and plastic mulch plot. Conclusion: The experimental results from 2016 -17, 2017 – 18 and 2018 – 2019, showed that Amorphophallus planted at a spacing of 90 cm x 90 cm, irrigated at a frequency of once in three days along with leaf mulching can increase the yield and water productivity along with effective control of weed population.

Pyro-dextrinization, acid hydrolysis, and cross-linking impacts on functional, pasting and structural properties of elephant foot yam starch

Underutilized plants represent valuable reservoirs of starch, urging the need for prominent exploration of these botanical resources. The effects of pyrodextrinization, acid hydrolysis and cross linking modification on the physico-chemical, functional, structural and pasting properties of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) starches were studied. Yam starch was cross-linked using boric acid, which is for the preparation of cross-linked yam starch. The results suggested that cross linking modification significantly decreased moisture content (10.46–1.91 %), swelling power (3.71–1.69 %) and solubility (3.58–1.51 %) of yam starch. At the same time it significantly (P < 0.05) improved amylose content (13.89–18.04 %) of starch. Increase in degree of crystallinity of all modified starches was depicted from X-ray diffractogram. Decrease in viscosity profile of modified starches was observed using Rapid Visco Analyzer. The morphology of the starch granules presented surface fissures in case of acid, whereas smooth surface of native, pyrodextrinized and cross-linked starches were observed. This research has demonstrated that chemical alterations induce notable transformations in the inherently flexible starch polymer, thereby influencing its functional characteristics and structural features. The treatment which resulted in the most thermostable starch obtained in this study was cross-linked yam starch. The ultimate goal is to offer yam starch suitable for a wide range of applications across various industries, including both food and non-food sectors positively revealing its utmost applicability for food packaging industry to be utilized as a film or coating material (cross-linked starch), fat replacers/mimickers in low-fat starch based healthy foods (acid-hydrolyzed starch).

Comparative in vitro evaluation of fungicides against collar rot pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii in elephant foot yam

Amorphophallus or elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) popularly known as the ‘King of tubers’ is one of the major tuber crops grown in India and other parts of the world. Collar rot disease, caused by Sclerotium rolfsii is one of the primary obstacles to tuber cultivation which can significantly reduce yield up to 100%. Saprophytic nature, broad host range, and ability to produce resting structures make it difficult to manage. In this experiment, 10 isolates of S. rolfsii were isolated by the surveying Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha districts of Kerala, proved the pathogenicity by inoculating the pathogen cultured in sand- maize meal media (9:1). The isolate I3 obtained from Thiruvananthapuram district was found to be the most virulent based on the days taken for symptom development (4 days). Six fungicides (copper oxy chloride (50% WP), mancozeb (75% WP), propiconazole (25% EC), carbendazim (50% WP), trifloxystrobin (25%) + tebuconazole (50%) 75 WG, and carbendazim (12%) + mancozeb (63%) WP @ 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 ppm were evaluated in vitro for their efficacy in inhibiting the fungal mycelial growth and sclerotia formation in isolate I3. All fungicides except carbendazim 50% WP and copper oxy chloride 50% WP, considerably reduced the mycelial development of S. rolfsii. Mancozeb 75%WP and trifloxystrobin (25%) + tebuconazole (50%) 75WG, showed complete inhibition of mycelial growth even at a lower concentration of 50 ppm.

Identification of heptonic acid γ-lactone by its unusual peracetylated derivative from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius

The methanolic extract of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius was peracetylated to obtain an unusual peracetylated γ-lactone backbone. Structure elucidation revealed that this compound is an outcome of the chemical transformation of heptonic acid γ-lactone.

A Comparison Between Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Tuber in Amelioration of Experimentally Induced Anxiety in Swiss Albino Mice

A Comparison Between Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Tuber in Amelioration of Experimentally Induced Anxiety in Swiss Albino Mice

Complete chloroplast genome and phylogenetic analysis of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Araceae)

Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson, 1885, often known as elephant foot yam, is a tropical tuber crop that originates from south-east Asia and belongs to the Araceae family. It is known for its high production potential and popularity as a medicinal plant. However, the phylogeny and genes for this species are still unavailable. In this study, the first complete chloroplast genome of A. paeoniifolius was reported and phylogenetic analysis was conducted with Araceae species. The chloroplast genome was 176,258 bp in length with 34.80% overall GC content and includes a large single-copy (LSC) region (93,951 bp), a small single-copy (SSC) region (15,013 bp), and a pair of inverted repeat (IRs) regions (33,647 bp). The chloroplast genome has 130 genes, which include 85 protein-coding genes, 37 tRNA genes, and eight rRNA genes. A maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis indicated that all Amorphophallus species formed a single monophyletic clade with a high bootstrap value and A. paeoniifolius was closely related to A. konjac, A. albus, A. krausei, and A. titanum. The chloroplast genome reported in this study will be useful for further taxonomic and evolutionary studies of Amorphophallus.

Effect of novel blanching methods on Infra-red drying characteristics and quality attributes of elephant foot yam

The present study evaluated the effect of various pre-treatments (Potassium metabisulphite (KMS), KMS+Ultrasonication (KMSUS), KMS+Microwave (KMSMW), KMS+Hot water (KMSHWB) followed by infrared drying on the quality of Elephant Foot Yam (EFY). KMSMW-treated samples showed the fastest drying rate and highest moisture diffusivity, whereas the KMS-treated sample had the highest weight gain (171.57 %) in rehydration (80 °C). KMSMW and KMSHWB-treated samples exhibited softer textures in rehydration compared to control. Pre-treated samples had higher water absorption capacity and lower oil absorption capacity compared to the control. Pre-treatments also influenced the amylose content and the highest amylose content was observed for KMSUS (21.25 %). Pre-treatments positively influenced the retention of bioactive compounds and reduced the calcium oxalate (117.37 mg/g to 64.09 mg/g). Among all the pre-treatments, KMSHWB showed higher retention of bioactive compounds viz., TPC (297.67 mg GAE/100 g), TFC (922.22 mg QE/100 g), DPPH scavenging activity (57.91 %), ABTS (1.42 mmol TE/100 g) and lowest calcium oxalate (64.09 mg/100 g).

Starch-based biodegradable films amended with nano-starch and tannic acid-coated nano-starch exhibit enhanced mechanical and functional attributes with antimicrobial activity

Starch-based biofilms are biodegradable, but their application is limited by lower mechanical strength and absence of antimicrobial properties. In this context, the present study attempted to unleash the potential of nanotechnology for synthesizing nano-starch (NS) and tannic acid-coated nano-starch (T-NS) for augmenting the tensile strength and antimicrobial properties of starch-based biofilms. Moreover, this study reports one of the first such attempts to improve the commercial viability of starch extracted from the corms of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius. In this study, NS and T-NS samples were first synthesized by the physical and chemical modification of the native starch (S) molecules. The NS and T-NS samples showed significantly smaller granule size, lower moisture content, and swelling power. Further, amendments with NS and T-NS samples (25 % and 50 %) to the native starch molecules were performed to obtain biofilm samples. The NSB (NS amended) and T-NSB (T-NS amended) biofilms showed comparatively higher tensile strength than SB films (100 % starch-based). The T-NSB showed greater antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. All the biofilms showed almost complete biodegradation in soil (in 10 days). Therefore, it can be concluded that additives like NS and T-NS can improve starch-based biofilms' mechanical strength and antimicrobial properties with considerable biodegradability.

HSA, free Radicals, and antibacterial interaction with ferrous oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius

This work provides a sustainable method for producing iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) using an extract from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (AP) tubers. The nanoparticles were then thoroughly characterized by TGA/DSC, UV, FTIR, and SEM examination. They demonstrated their strong antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbes. The sizes of the ZOI were found to be 19, 25, 16 and 14 at 100 mg/mL as compared to cefoxitin as 18, 23, 8 and 12 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtils) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) respectively. Their interaction with 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) revealed their free radical scavenging up to 70 %. NPs at 260 nm (λmax) have shown a hypo-chromic effect in the spectrophotometric approach, suggesting that FeONPs are intercalating in nature. The fluorescence quenching tests indicated the development of a non-fluorescent complex, implying FeONPs interaction with human serum albumin (HSA). As per Scatchard parameters, five binding sites observed in HSA during the interaction with FeONPs, where the Kb value indicated the NPs strong binding strength. The HSA and DPPH interaction nature of FeONPs suggests that they might be helpful in medical applications.

Performance of Philippine Native Pig Fed with Ensiled Pongapong

Native animals are regarded as an essential component of most agricultural production systems in rural settings. Amorphophallus campanulatus can be used as food and animal feed, however its application is limited due to its high oxalate concentration and low crude protein level. Fermentation with oxalolytic bacteria, such as Bacillus subtilis, which produces the oxalate decarboxylase enzyme, has been utilized to boost the nutritional value of pongapong. This study aims to determine the growth performance of native pig fed with fermented pongapong as feed supplement. Specifically, to determine the effect of fermented/ensiled pongapong on the body weight-gain in weight, growth increment, feed conversion efficiency and feed conversion ratio on Philippine native pigs; determine the best level of silage pongapong to growth of Philippine Native pigs; determine the nutrient composition of fermented Amorphophalus campanulatus; and determine the economics of fermented pongapong as feed supplement for native pigs in one production cycle. The Complete Randomized Design (CRD) was utilized in the study. The treatments were follows:T1=Formulated feeds ,T2=75% Formulated feeds + 25% silage AC ,T3=50% Formulated feeds 50% silage AC, T4=25% Formulated feeds + 75% silage AC, T5= Pure ensiled AC. Based on the analysis of variance shows insignificant among the treatments as to the initial weight, feed conversion efficiency and growth rate. Also, there are significant differences in the body weight, gain weight and feed conversion ration while it shows highly significant feed consumption throughout the duration of the study. Thus, 75% formulated feeds and 25% fermented pongapong and 50% Formulated feeds + 50% fermented pongapong results to best growth. It demonstrates that feeding native pigs with formulated feed including fermented pongapong was employed as an alternative diet that is potentially cost effective and useful in native pig production in the province. This information could help growers reduce feed costs.

Intercrop and drip irrigation effects on growth, yield, water-use efficiency and economics of elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)

A field experiment was conducted during 2012–13 and 2013–14 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha to study the effects of intercrop and drip irrigation on growth, corm yield, water-use efficiency as well as economics of production of elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson]. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 5 replications, keeping elephant foot yam + green gram and elephant foot yam sole crop in the main plots and surface irrigation, drip irrigation at 100% cumulative pan evaporation (CPE), drip irrigation at 80% CPE and drip irrigation at 60% CPE in the sub-plots. The results revealed that, drip irrigation at 60–80% CPE resulted in higher green gram seed yield (630 kg/ha). Elephant foot yam + green gram intercropping system recorded better growth, yield attributes and yield than sole elephant foot yam. Drip irrigation at 100% and 80% CPE realized better growth, yield attributes and yield compared to other treatments. Surface irrigation resulted in higher consumptive use of water (204 cm) than drip irrigation (50, 41 and 30 cm at 100, 80 and 60 CPE respectively). The highest water-use efficiency was noticed in elephant foot yam + green gram intercropping with drip irrigation at 60% CPE (1080 kg/ha-cm). The highest net returns was recorded with elephant foot yam + green gram intercropping with drip irrigation at 100% CPE (309 × 103 /ha), which was statistically at par with elephant foot yam + green gram intercropping with drip irrigation at 80% CPE (307 × 103 /ha). Thus, elephant foot yam and green gram can be grown as an intercrop profitably with application of drip irrigation at 80% CPE to harvest greater yield and realize more returns.

Effect of Heat Moisture Treatment, Annealing, and Gelatinization‐Retrogradation Modifications on Physico‐Chemical, Functional, and Structural Properties of Starch from Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)

AbstractRoots and tuberous plants are vital food crops used as food supplements in many parts of the tropics. Being a major food item, starch is used in food products as thickeners, adsorbent, film forming agent. Starch, naturally, possess certain limitations &amp; starch modifications can overcome the limitations, thereby increasing its versatility and meeting the needs of consumer. Current study focuses on comparative analysis between modified Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) starch using physical methods (heat treatment method, annealing and gelatinization‐retrogradation) and to study the effect of modification on physico‐chemical, functional, structural and thermal properties. Results reveal that all physically modified starches positively altered the functional and physiological characteristics of native yam starch. However, maximum restriction in swelling power (2.54 %), solubility (2.47 %), moisture content (1.96 %), water absorption capacity (1.41 g/mL) is observed in heat moisture treated (HMT) starch. These HMT modified starches can be used in the manufacturing of baked and dairy products having reduced glycemic index, can be used as a packaging material for coating of fruits and vegetables. Henceforth, suitable and relevant application of modified starches of desired physical and functional features may be produced for industrial utilisation, or as additives fulfilling specific purposes in foods.

The Effect of Suweg (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) Flour Substitution and Variation of Yeast Concentration on Chemical and Sensory Properties of Donuts

Donuts are a type of bakery product made from high-protein wheat flour and have a distinctive shape, in the center is hollowed out like a ring. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical and organoleptic characteristics of donuts with the addition of suweg flour and variations in yeast concentration that are most favored by consumers. This study used a factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with 2 factors, namely the ratio of wheat flour and suweg flour (90:10, 85:15, and 80:20) and variations in yeast concentration (2, 4, and 6%). The best donut formulation favored by panelists was the formulation of 85% wheat flour: 15% suweg flour and the addition of 4% yeast concentration, where the donuts have a liking value for color 3.96 (neutral), taste 3.48 (neutral), aroma 3.00 (neutral), texture 3.88 (neutral), and overall liking 3.80 (neutral), and have a moisture content of 19.75%, ash content 1.01%, fat content 28.00%, total protein content 8.13%, carbohydrate content 43.11%, and crude fiber content 6.32%. Therefore, based on the results of the study, the formulation chosen was the formulation of 85% wheat flour: 15% suweg flour and the addition of 4% yeast concentration.

Habitat preferences of Amorphopahllus sp. Silaiya village, Sayur Matinggi District, North Sumatra, Indonesia

Amorphophallus is included in the understory plants, belonging to the Araceae family. Amorphophallus grows wild under agroforestry stands in North Sumatra, which in the last period of time its tubers have economic value. Amorphophalus tubers can be used as food ingredients and also medicines. This research was conducted in Silaiya Village, Sayur Matinggi District, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. The purpose of this research is to determine the habitat conditions of Amorphophallus sp that grow wild. This information aims as basic data in insitu conservation efforts. The method of this research is to conduct vegetation analysis activities using nested plots measuring 1 ha, where there are sub-plots. There are two species of Amorphophallus found in Silaiya Village, namely Amorphophallus gigas and Amorphophallus paeoniifolius. The number of individuals of Amorphophallus gigas was 120, and the number of individuals of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius was 148. The conservation status of Amorphophallus paeoniifolius is Least Concern, while the conservation status of Amorphophallus gigas has not been registered.

SYNTHESIS OF COPPER NANOPARTICLES USING AMORPHOPHALLUS PAEONIIFOLIUS TUBER EXTRACT AND THEIR PHOTODEGRADATION ACTIVITIES ON METHYL ORANGE DYE

The current study focuses on investigating the removal of methyl orange dye using green-synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles derived from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius tubers. The nanoparticles were characterized using various techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Key parameters for adsorption, such as pH, contact time, adsorbent amount, and initial dye concentration, were examined. Additionally, the energy requirements for the pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were evaluated. This green synthesis method is efficient, cost-effective, and time-saving, leading to the production of copper oxide nanoparticles on a large scale.

Amorphophallus campanulatus tuber extract protects diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy rat model by regulating oxidative stress and TNF-α inflammatory pathway.

To assess the effect of Amorphophallus campanulatus tuber (Ac) extract in the protection of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) rat model. Diabetes was induced with STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.), and DN was confirmed after six weeks of STZ administration with the estimation of kidney function test. Further rats were treated with Ac 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o. for next four week. Oxidative stress and level of inflammatory cytokines were estimated in the kidney tissue of DN rats. Histopathology of kidney tissue was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. There was improvement in the body weight of Ac treated groups than DN group of rats. Blood glucose level was observed to be reduced in Ac treated groups than DN group on 42nd and 70th day of protocol. Treatment with Ac ameliorated the altered level of kidney function tests (creatinine and BUN), enzymes of liver function (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), and lipid profile in the serum of DN rats. Oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species enhances and reduction in the level of glutathione and superoxide dismutase) and inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 reduces in the tissue of Ac treated group than DN group. Treatment with Ac also attenuates the altered histopathological changes in the kidney tissue of DN rats. The report suggests that Ac protects renal injury in DN rats by regulating inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.

Ultrasound-assisted oxalate reduction vs. conventional methods: A comparative study in Elephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) and process optimization using response surface methodology

Elephant foot yams are high in protein, carbohydrates, sugars, fiber, and glucose, all of which are good sources of nutrients. Despite numerous investigations on yam phytochemical concentrations employing different treatments, the quality and amount of phytochemical loss from Elephant foot yam is a major barrier to the traditional extraction procedure. The oxalate content of elephant foot yam has led to severe underutilization. Several techniques, including boiling, ultrasonication, and NaCl treatment, have been devised to reduce calcium oxalate. To achieve the greatest possible reduction of oxalate content in the yam, the three-element Box-Behnken design was utilized in this study to optimize the ultrasound-aided reduction of oxalate from elephant foot yam. To increase the reduction of antinutritional factors such as oxalate from Elephant Foot Yam, an ultrasound-assisted technique was utilized to optimize the sonication period (10, 15 or 20 min), solid-liquid ratio (1: 10, 1:20, and 1:30 g/ml), and ultrasound power (20, 30, 40 Watt). The best values obtained for the reduction of oxalate were 43.2%, where the solid-liquid ratio was 29.08 g/ml, the sonication power was 39.93 Watt, and the sonication period was 20 min. The outcomes demonstrated that UAE reduces oxalate more than the traditional approach and that UAE was a useful and effective way for lowering oxalate in elephant foot yam.

Weed management strategies in elephant foot yam (&lt;i&gt;Amorphophallus paeoniifolius&lt;/i&gt;) under different agro environments in India

In elephant foot yam [Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Dennst.) Nicolson], weeds are the major constraints cause yield reduction up to 100% due to its very slow initial sprouting, establishment and plant growth. Information on proper weed management in elephant foot yam in India is limited as its commercial cultivation started very recently. For arriving at suitable and better weed control, field experiments were conducted for 3 growing seasons (2019 to 2021) at ICAR-Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala with 8 treatments in 6 different agro-climatic zones of India. The treatments included a combination of pre emergence (PE) and post emergence (POE) herbicides, PE followed by hand weeding (HW), intercropping followed by POE, HW with POE, POE alone, and weed control ground cover cloth mulch (WCGCC), three HW, and a weedy check were included for comparison. Weed flora was dominated by broad-leaf weeds, Digera arvensis (L.), Commelina benghalensis (L.); grasses, Pennisetum pedicellatum Trin., Cynodon dactylon (L.) pers.; and the sedge, Cyperus rotundus (L.), in most of the locations. Pooled analysis of data collected over different locations indicated that the lower mean weed biomass (21.24 g/m) and higher mean corm yield (35.13 t/ha), higher mean net income (`0.326 million/ha) were recorded with weed control ground cover mulch and higher mean B:C ratio (2.39) by application of post emergence herbicide at 30, 60 and 90 days after planting (DAP).

Characteristics of nanocomposite film based on elephant foot-yam starch (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) with different nanocrystalline cellulose concentration

ABSTRACTBionanocomposite film is composed of renewable materials such as polymer with the addition of nanofiller in the form of nanocrystal cellulose (NCC). Biopolymer serves as a matrix, while nanofiller is dispersed to improve the functional properties. NCC is a nanoparticle commonly used in the production of bioplastics, and the addition to nanocomposite film can enhance the mechanical and barrier properties. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the physio-chemical, mechanical, and permeability characteristics of elephant foot-yam starch-based nanocomposite films by adding different concentrations of NCC at 3, 5, and 7 wt.%. The experiment used elephant foot-yam starch, NCC, sorbitol, and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as biopolymer, nanofiller, plasticizer, and stabilizer, respectively. The results showed that the optimum concentration was 7 wt.% NCC, showing tensile strength, elongation, WVTR, and thickness consistent with the Japanese Industrial Standard. NCC dispersion showed favorable water solubility and excellent biodegradability, yielding optimal SEM and FTI-R results. SEM analysis showed a well-dispersed structure, while FTI-R showed sharper spectra in specific functional groups. Moreover, XRD showed several diffraction peaks with strong intensity at 2θ = 17.12°(101̅), 22.75° (002), and 35.0° (040), confirming the presence of NCC in the film matrix. Based on the results, this nanocomposite had great potential to be developed into environmentally friendly packaging.

Characteristics of Nori Moringa Leaves with Suweg (Amorphophallus campanulatus) Starch Addition

Nori is a thin sheet made from dried Porphyra seaweed, which grows only in subtropical climates, posing challenges to its availability in Indonesia. To address this limitation, diversification of nori with other ingredients such as moringa leaves becomes imperative. Moringa leaves are used due to their green color, high nutritional content, and easy availability. A binder and gel-forming agent containing high amylopectin are also needed to achieve a high-quality and compact nori texture. Suweg is an underutilized gel-forming agent with high amylopectin content. Therefore, this research aimed to characterize moringa leaf nori supplemented with suweg starch (Amorphophallus campanulatus) at concentrations of 0%, 1.25%, 2.5%, 3.75%, and 5%. The results indicated that suweg starch influenced tensile strength, thickness, water content, water activity, ash content, and protein, as well as sensory tests for color, aroma, brittleness, and taste, while crude fiber content was not affected. Based on sensory, physical, and chemical tests the best nori was achieved with the addition of 1.25% suweg starch. The result of characterization of this nori included a tensile strength of 355.90 gf, thickness 0.0145 mm, water content 15.50%, water activity value 0.645, ash content 15.30%, protein content 9.88%, and crude fiber of 2.18%. The sensory evaluation showed that the nori had a green color (3.1), a subtle leafy aroma (3.1), slightly broken (2.9), and a slightly bitter taste (3.2) with preference scores categorized as preferred (3.5), slightly favored (3.3), favored (3.7), and moderately liked by the panelists (score 3.3), respectively. The resulting nori has a thinner thickness and lower tensile strength than commercial products