Cassava Tubers Research Articles

Total replacement of maize with raw or heat-treated sweet cassava tuber meal on productive performance and egg quality parameters in Jumbo quail hens from 6 to 14 weeks of age

The impact of complete replacement of maize with raw or heat-treated sweet cassava (Manihot esculenta) tuber meal (CTM) on productive performance and egg quality of Jumbo quail hens was determined. A total of 240, six-week-old hens were randomly allocated to 60 cages (4 birds/cage) and assigned to five experimental diets with 12 replicates each. The diets were a standard layer mash diet without CTM (CON) and a standard layer mash diet in which 100% maize was replaced with raw (CTMR), boiled (CTMB), autoclaved (CTMA) and oven-dried CTM (CTMO). The highest overall feed intake, body weight gain and final body weight (P < 0.05) was observed from the CON group while the lowest was from the CTMB group. Overall FCR and mortality were not significantly influenced by the diets. Fourteen-week-old hens on CON had a higher (P < 0.05) rate of lay than CTMR. Eggs from CON had the brightest yolk colour values than all the treatment groups. Moreover, eggs from CON had the least shape index than those from CTMO. Diet CTMA promoted heavier (P < 0.05) eggshells than CTMR. Jumbo quail hens reared on maize-based diet showed better performance followed by autoclaving treatment, whereas boiling treatment compromised performance traits.

Environmental impact assessment of SONARA's oil sludge landfill in BATOKE, south-west Cameroon

The focus of this study was to assess the environmental impact of the BATOKE oil sludge dump. A field visit was conducted to evaluate the condition of the site, followed by the sampling of oil sludge, BATOKE river water, soil, and locally grown manioc and macabo tubers. Subsequent physico-chemical characterization revealed parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, total hydrocarbons, COD, BOD5, TSS, major cations and anions, as well as heavy metals including iron, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, calcium, potassium, titanium, zirconium, and rubidium. The environmental impact was assessed using the Contamination Index calculation and the Correlation Matrix. Results indicated that most physical parameters met standards, except for the electrical conductivity of water and soil. However, elevated levels of iron, chromium, lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and ammonium ion were found in the BATOKE River water. The soil showed heavy contamination with various metals, and cassava and macabo tubers were also found to be contaminated. The contamination index calculations confirmed severe pollution in the BATOKE environment, with a risk of further escalation without remediation efforts.

Physico-chemical and nutritional characteristics of 12 varieties of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz, 1766) grown in the Republic of Guinea

Cassava is a distinctive contributor to food security and a source of income for smallholder farmers. Despite the importance of this agricultural product, very little data is available in Guinea, especially concerning the varieties grown and their nutritional composition. The aim of this research was to study the physico-chemical and nutritional characteristics of 12 varieties of cassava grown in Guinea with a view to selecting varieties that could be used to produce a <<Gari>> of better quality. Cassava tubers were collected in 6 regions in Guinea. The physico-chemical analyses were carried out on the pH and moisture content of the cassava paste from each of the 12 varieties, while the nutritional quality was determined on the basis of the composition of the varieties in carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and minerals. In general, pH values ranged from 6.29 to 7.29 while moisture levels ranged from 51.64% to 58.94%. In addition, all the varieties analysed were those rich in carbohydrates (with levels between 42.36% and 51.17%) but low in fat (values between 0.30% and 3.56%). On the other hand, three varieties, namely Farawoulen, Konko and Samouya, are the richest in protein with values of 8.05%, 5.48% and 4.23% respectively. In short, these cassava varieties produced in Guinea could be used, taking into account their biochemical composition, in future gari production work.

Evaluating the Impact of Moisture Content and Loading Orientation on the Geometrical Characteristics and Mechanical Behavior of Cassava Tubers

This study investigates the geometrical and mechanical properties of two cassava varieties: ‘Newly Elected No. 48’ and ‘Jin Yue HRMUS’. We analyzed various properties, including width, length, geometric diameter, thickness, compression firmness, shape ratio, surface area, shear strength, rupture force, and shear rupture force (SRF), at different moisture content (MC) levels ranging from 35.0 to 80.0% wet basis. Our findings indicate that all mechanical properties of cassava (MPC) were significantly influenced by moisture content within this range. Specifically, as moisture content decreases, the compression rupture force (CRF) increases linearly in the vertical direction, while a quadratic relationship is observed in the horizontal direction, characterized by an initial increase followed by a decrease. Additionally, a quadratic relationship was established between moisture content and firmness. In contrast, shear fracture force and strength exhibited a quadratic relationship that decreased initially and then increased with rising moisture content. Furthermore, both compression and shear fracture forces were significantly higher in the vertical loading direction compared to the horizontal direction. Notably, the ‘Jin Yue HRMUS’ variety demonstrated greater mechanical strength than the ‘Newly Elected No. 48’. These findings provide valuable insights for developing, optimizing, and evaluating cassava harvesting and processing machinery.

Bacillus Species Consortium as a New Starter in the Optimization of Cassava Tuber Retting

This work aims to contribute to the elaboration of a stater consortium of performing <i>Bacillus</i> Spp capable of significantly standardizing the retting of cassava tubers. We monitored the retting, and the changes in multiple parameters, including pH, titrable acidity, bacterial level, texture profiles, volatile flavor compounds, and sensory quality. We proceeded with the isolation of bacteria of the genus <i>Bacillus</i> which were further characterized by classical microbiology techniques. In total, fifty-seven bacteria were obtained. Some of them were confirmed by FibE multiplex PCR. The identified organisms belonged to three <i>Bacillus</i> species: <i>B. subtilis</i>, <i>B. pumilus</i>, and <i>B. safensis</i>. Based on the Penetrometry Indices after 24, 48 and 72 hours (PI48) and enzymatic profiles, 24.5% (14) from Mokiki presented interesting fermentation potential, these were selected to realize seventy-seven <i>Bacillus</i> spp consortia in duo. 12% could easily soften cassava tubers after 24 and 48 hours (PI24≥6 and PI48≥8). These consortia allowed the retting of cassava with a shorter fermentation time of two days. <i>Bacillus</i> constituting the consortia also showed the ability to produce a range of biomolecules potentially involved in their fermentative capacity including Pectinase, Amylase, Protease and Biosurfactant.

Design, Fabrication and Preliminary Testing of a Small-Scale Cassava Starch Extraction Machine

A cassava starch extraction machine was designed and fabricated to perform a quadruplet action of grating, washing, sieving and separation. The study was necessitated based on concerns that most locally manufactured cassava processing machines are without provision for the extraction of starch. Food processors mainly depend on the manual pressing of cassava to obtain starch and this has significantly increased the cost of the product in the local market. Materials for construction were locally sourced and the machine was powered by a 2 hp electric motor through a v-belt-pulley transmission system and operating at a speed of 547 rpm. Fresh cassava tubers were harvested from Ikot Akpaden, a rural community in Mkpat Enin, Akwa Ibom, South-South of Nigeria, and used for the experiment. Results from the experiment showed that the quantity of wet starch extracted increased from 0.64 to 1.48 kg as the volume of water mixed with 2 kg of the product increased from 1 to 5 Liters. The rate of water usage and throughput capacity increased from 0.0005 to 0.0025 m3/kg and 35.29 to 46.75 kg/h respectively as volume of water increased. The optimum machine efficiency was 74%. The machine was fabricated at a cost of N 150,200 (equivalent of $100). Minimal time consumption, ease of operation and low production cost were some of the features that made the machine economically viable when compared to other conventional methods of extracting starch from cassava.

Tuber pathogenicity of Macrophomina phaseolina strain 3a isolated from rotten cassava tuber from farm lands in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, its virulence genes and ADMET properties.

Macrophomina phaseolina is a pathogen that causes an opportunistic disease that spreads by soil and seeds and affects more than 500 different plant species, like fruits, trees, and row crops. Mycotoxins, such as phaseolinic acid, and phaseolinone, are produced by M. phaseolina isolates in previous investigations; however, the production of these mycotoxins seems to vary depending on the host and the region. In this study, Macrophomina phaseolina strain 3A was isolated from rotten cassava tuber and identified using the analysis of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region. The isolate was inoculated on a fresh healthy cassava tuber at 25°C and tuber-rotting potential was monitored for 4 weeks. Virulence genes MPH_06603, MPH_06955, and MPH_01521 were determined with designed primers, and secondary metabolites were characterized by FTIR and GCMS. The rotten tuber effect was observed from the 2nd week of the experiment with severe tuber rot and weight reduction. The PCR showed the presence of MPH_06603 virulence gene. The GCMS showed N-Methylpivalamide (115.0m/z), Butane, 1,4-dimethoxy- (119.0m/z), and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (126.0m/z) were the predominant metabolites produced by the pathogen. The compounds in the metabolites inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes, cause eye irritation, and Human Ether-a-go-go-related gene inhibition. This study revealed that M. phaseolina was responsible for the cassava tuber rot which leads to a lower yield of farm produce. The metabolites produced are toxic and unsafe for human consumption. It is suggested that farmers should destroy any cassava affected by this pathogen to prevent its toxic effects on humans and animals.

Production of instant cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) tuber flour for water fufu: optimization of process conditions

Production of instant cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) tuber flour for water fufu: optimization of process conditions

HIGH-QUALITY CASSAVA PEEL MEAL FOR GROWING PIGS: IMPLICATIONS ON CARCASS, MEAT QUALITY, ORGAN WEIGHTS, HEPATIC AND JEJUNUM HISTOLOGY

The global increase in the production and processing of cassava tubers generates a lot of peel as waste. However, the effect of processing methods to increase the quality of the peel as an animal feed resource must look at the quality of the resultant food products. These effects are insufficiently studied. The study aimed to assess the impact of the processed peel on carcass quality, meat quality, organ weight and organ histology of growing pigs. Thirty (30) male growing pigs (Landrace × Large white) were randomly distributed to five groups with six (6) animals per group in a completely randomized design. Maize was substituted with high quality cassava peel meal (HQCPM) at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% for the experimental diets ranging from diets V to Z. The pigs fed HQCPM diets had higher carcass weights, resulting in an improved carcass yield. The colour, flavour, tenderness, juiciness, texture, and overall acceptability were statistically superior in the pigs fed diet Z. High feed fibre influenced organ weights: the HQCPM diets reduced (P<0.05) the organ weights. More so, the HQCPM diets affected (P<0.05) the histology of the liver and intestine with varying degrees of inflammation, shortened villi length, and reduced surface area. HQCPM diets enhanced the carcass weight and meat quality of growing pigs up to 100% replacement for maize. Nevertheless, the diets reduced organ weights and villi lengths, leading to reduced absorptive function.

Cyanide in cassava: Understanding the drivers, impacts of climate variability, and strategies for food security

AbstractThe consumption of cassava, a vital staple food for more than 1 billion people worldwide, holds particular significance in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). Expansion in cassava production in SSA is driven by increasing market demand, local consumption, and adaptability to diverse environments. However, cyanide concentration in cassava tubers and products across SSA ranges from 9 to 1148 ppm – most exceed the World Health Organisation's recommended safe level of 10 ppm. Such variation and high cyanide concentrations in cassava products are expected to be exacerbated by climate‐induced increases in the frequency, intensity and occurrence of drought, heat waves and biotic stresses, further jeopardising regional food security. Thus, it is essential to examine cassava production and cyanide toxicity under climate change and their implications for food security in SSA. In this review, we look at the drivers of cassava production and spatial variation in cyanide concentrations across SSA, impacts of climate variability and biotic stresses on cassava cyanide concentrations in SSA, and crop management practices for reducing cyanogenic glucosides in cassava tubers. We surmise that urgent actions are required to adopt improved cassava varieties and management strategies that reduce cassava cyanide toxicity amid climate‐induced challenges in SSA.

Isolation and Identification of Yeasts from Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) Fruit and Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Tuber

Different species of yeast inhabit various plant types and parts owing to variations in their nutrient needs. Thus, an effort to identify ideal yeast species for a given industrial process would require a certain level of research input directed toward their habitats. Therefore, this study aimed to identify and isolate yeast cells from the fruit and tuber of tomato and cassava respectively. Yeasts were isolated from the extract of cassava and tomato tuber and fruit respectively. Morphological, biochemical and microscopic assessments were determined using standard procedures. Results obtained from this study showed Saccharomyces constituted (66.7%) of the microbial populations, while Candida constituted (33%) of the sample. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that tomatoes can be relied upon as a dependable source of Saccharomyces for certain industrial processes such as the production of brewery products.

Nutritional Quality Assessment of Miscellaneous Cassava Tubers Using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis.

Cassava is a staple crop in developing countries because its starchy roots provide essential dietary carbohydrates. The aim of this research was to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and scientific evaluation of the nutritional value of cassava tubers. Eight nutritional characteristics were examined in native and imported cassava variants: starch, reduced sugar, anthocyanins, protein, dietary fiber, quinic acid, vitamin C, and dry matter content. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to minimize the dimensionality of the nutritional markers. A scientific assessment technique was developed to calculate a composite score for the various cassava samples. Analysis of the data revealed noticeable variance among the samples' nutritional indicators, suggesting varying degrees of association. Starch had a substantial positive link with lower sugar, protein, and dry matter content (p < 0.01). Anthocyanins and quinic acid interacted favorably (p < 0.05), and a positive link between protein and dry matter content was observed (p < 0.05); however, protein and dietary fiber interacted negatively (p < 0.05). The contribution rate of the top three PCA factors was over 76%, demonstrating that these factors incorporated the primary information acquired from the eight original nutritional indices, while maintaining excellent representativeness and impartiality. The experimental results showed a preliminary nutritional grade for 22 cassava tuber samples. The top five types were Guangxi Muci, Gui Cassava 4, Glutinous Rice Cassava, Huifeng 60, and Dongguan Hongwei. In the cluster analysis, the levels of similarity between the data showed that the 22 types of cassava tubers could be grouped into five categories, each with their own set of nutrients. This study promotes the directed breeding of cassava species and offers a theoretical foundation for creating and using various cassava varieties. Furthermore, this work lays the groundwork for a systematic and dependable technique for the quality assessment, comprehensive evaluation, and reasonable classification of cassava species and similar crops.

Recent Trends in the Pre-Drying, Drying, and Post-Drying Processes for Cassava Tuber: A Review.

Cassava tuber is an essential staple crop in tropical regions with versatile applications in the food, feed, and industrial sectors. However, its high moisture content and perishable nature necessitate efficient preservation methods to extend its shelf life and enhance its value. Pre-drying, drying, and post-drying processes play pivotal roles in maintaining the quality and usability of cassava products. This review comprehensively examines the current status and future directions in the pre-drying, drying, and post-drying processes of cassava tuber. Various pre-drying or pretreatment methods and drying techniques are evaluated for their impacts on drying kinetics and product quality. Additionally, challenges and limitations in achieving high-quality processing of cassava flour are identified. Future directions in cassava drying methods emphasize the integration of combined pre-drying and drying techniques to optimize resource utilization and processing efficiency. Furthermore, the adoption of advanced online measurement and control technologies in drying equipment is highlighted for real-time monitoring and optimization of drying parameters. The importance of optimizing existing processes to establish a comprehensive cassava industrial chain and foster the development of the cassava deep-processing industry is emphasized. This review provides valuable insights into the current trends and future prospects in cassava drying technologies, aiming to facilitate sustainable and efficient utilization of cassava resources for various applications.

Characterization of Bitter Cassava Starch from the Town of Loum in Cameroon for Potential Use in Thermoplastic Composites

Starches are often used as a matrix in the development of thermoplastic composites. This study seeks to show that bitter cassava starch extracted from cassava tubers from the town of Loum, the highest producing area in Cameroon, can be used in the development of composite films. Various literature protocols were used for the different characterizations. The results showed a cassava starch content of 40% in the composite, a water content of 13.58%, an ash content of 0.51%, an oil retention capacity of 0.737 g/g, a retrogradation of 41.5%, and amylose and amylopectin contents of 26.5% and 73.50%, respectively. Analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) showed that the bitter cassava starch is a polysaccharide, and thermal analysis gave a thermal stability of 190 °C during heating. In view of these results, we suggest the bitter cassava starch from the town of Loum in Cameroon could be used as a matrix in the production of composites, particularly composite films.

Adsorption of glipizide from pharmaceutical effluent using surface functionalised activated carbon produced from epicarp of cassava tuber

Adsorption of glipizide from pharmaceutical effluent using surface functionalised activated carbon produced from epicarp of cassava tuber

Pengaruh Kombinasi Populasi Tumpangsari Kedelai-Singkong pada Pertumbuhan dan Hasil Benih Tanaman Kedelai dan Hasil Umbi Singkong

Intercropping soybeans with cassava can become one solution to increase the production of soybean in Indonesia. This research aimed to determine the most optimal population combination of soybean-cassava intercropping for the growth and yield of soybean seeds, cassava tuber yield, and land use efficiency (LUE).. The research was carried out on the farm land of the Main Seed Center in Sekincau District, West Lampung Regency, Lampung Province, Indonesia at -5°02’27” South and 104°18’16” East at elevation of 1173.1 meter from sea level and at the Seed and Plant Breeding Laboratory Faculty of Agriculture University of Lampung during June 2022 - February 2023. The four treatments of population combination of soybean-cassava intercropping were applied in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) and replicated five times in five blocks. The four population combination treatments of soybean-cassava intercropping were a) 100% soybean and 0% cassava (monoculture) (p₁), b) 67% soybean and 97% cassava (p₂), c) 67% soybean and 89% cassava (p₃), and d) 50% soybeans and 97% cassava (p₄). The growth and the seed yield per soybean stem of monoculture did not differ to those of the soybean-cassava intercropping, but the soybean seed yield per plot area of the intercropping was lower than those of monoculture. Its mainly due to the soybean population of the intercropping was lower compared to monoculture. All population combinations in soybean-cassava intercropping were effective in supporting the growth and yield of soybean seeds, but the population combination of 50% soybean and 97% cassava (p₄) was also effective in supporting cassava tuber yield, and had the highest land use efficiency among other population combinations. Key words: flowering age, plant height, seed weight, tuber weight of cassava

A model-based study of the dehydration kinetics of pretreated cassava flour

The investigation of the dehydration kinetics of cassava tubers is crucial for understanding their role as raw materials and semi-finished products in the food industry. This knowledge is particularly important for achieving the desired attributes of cassava flour as a dry food product. The primary aims of this investigation were to examine the impact of different pretreatment methods applied to cassava pulp and identify the most suitable mathematical model for characterizing the drying kinetics of cassava flour. The cassava pulp was subjected to some pretreatments that included soaking and blanching. The application of a pretreatment soaking method using distilled water has shown the capability to decrease the duration of the drying process. The Wang and Singh model produced the highest coefficient of determination values ranging from 0.9535 to 0.9937 and the lowest sum square error values ranging from 0.0171 to 0.0213 across all processed cassava flour. In the cassava drying industry, knowing about the influence of soaking and blanching on the dehydration kinetics of the cassava flour can help set the proper process parameters.

Response of Cassava Tubers Yield and its Components to Different Agricultural Treatments

Response of Cassava Tubers Yield and its Components to Different Agricultural Treatments

Synthesis and Characterization of Cassava Gum Hydrogel Associated with Chlorhexidine and Evaluation of Release and Antimicrobial Activity.

Hydrogels from natural sources are attracting increasing interest due to their ability to protect biologically active molecules. Starch extracted from cassava tubers is a promising material for synthesizing these hydrogels. Copolymerization of cassava gum and incorporation of chlorhexidine digluconate (CLX) into the hydrogels is confirmed by changes in the crystallographic profile, as observed through X-ray diffraction, and a shift in the 1000 cm-1 band in the Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrum. The differential scanning calorimetry reveals changes in the decomposition temperature of the synthesized hydrogels related to CLX volatility. Micrographs illustrate the material's porosity. Release tests indicate a constant linear release over 72 h, while antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans is satisfactory, with 100% effectiveness from 0.5% CLX and the formation of inhibition halos. Toxicity and biocompatibility studies show no cytotoxicity. The continuous release of chlorhexidine is promising for components of biomedical implants and applications as it can ensure antimicrobial action according to specific therapeutic needs.

Green Synthesis of Ceria Nanoparticles from Cassava Tubers for Electrochemical Aptasensor Detection of SARS-CoV-2 on a Screen-Printed Carbon Electrode.

Green synthesis approaches for making nanosized ceria using starch from cassava as template molecules to control the particle size are reported. The results of the green synthesis of ceria with an optimum calcination temperature of 800 °C shows a size distribution of each particle of less than 30 nm with an average size of 9.68 nm, while the ratio of Ce3+ to Ce4+ was 25.6%. The green-synthesized nanoceria are applied to increase the sensitivity and attach biomolecules to the electrode surface of the electrochemical aptasensor system for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The response of the aptasensor to the receptor binding domain of the virus was determined with the potassium ferricyanide redox system. The screen-printed carbon electrode that has been modified with green-synthesized nanoceria shows 1.43 times higher conductivity than the bare electrode, while those modified with commercial ceria increase only 1.18 times. Using an optimized parameter for preparing the aptasensors, the detection and quantification limits were 1.94 and 5.87 ng·mL-1, and the accuracy and precision values were 98.5 and 89.1%. These results show that green-synthesized ceria could be a promising approach for fabricating an electrochemical aptasensor.