Swamp Taro Research Articles

Genetic diversity analysis of daluga (Cyrtosperma merkusii) using Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism in Siau, Sangihe and Talaud Islands, North Sulawesi, Indonesia

Erlinawati I, Abinawanto, Salamah A, Rugayah. 2018. Genetic diversity analysis of daluga (Cyrtosperma merkusii) using Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism in Siau, Sangihe and Talaud Islands, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 2374-2380. Daluga or the giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii (Hassk.) Schott, a member of Araceae, is one of the minor tuber crops in Indonesia. It has high nutritional value for alternative food. Sequences-Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) primers combinations were used for the first time to assess the genetic diversity among 36 of daluga accessions from several locations in Siau, Sangihe and Talaud islands, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. All of the samples were successfully extracted from silica-gel dried leaves using CTAB methods with minor modifications. Using six SRAP primer combinations, a total of 80 DNA fragments were yielded, varied from 75-1500 bp. The scoring of the fragments resulted in 68 (85.03%) polymorphic bands. Amongst four populations studied, Siau Island population has the highest level of genetic variation with mean values of Na = 1.9375±0.2436, Ne = 1.6409 ± 0.3255, PPL = 93.75%, H = 0.3614 ± 0.1516 and I = 0.5299 ± 0.1978. Meanwhile, Salibabu, Talaud Island population has the lowest level of genetic variation with mean values of Na = 1.5125 ± 0.5030, Ne = 1.3075 ± 0.3723 , PPL = 51.25%, H = 0.1800 ± 0.1989 and I = 0.2700 ± 0.2855. The high of polymorphic bands were generated by SRAP markers suitable for further analysis method in applied and basic of the genetic study on Cyrtosperma species and also related genera. This new genetic information can be used for baseline data for further research especially to improving the variation of daluga and for the conservation of daluga in the future.

Connecting ENSO‐related climatic variations with a long‐term crop supply data to enhance agro‐meteorological capability of Tongan stakeholders

ABSTRACTThe El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) variability affects crop production via its influence on climatic variability in many regions of the world. Recent studies show that the frequency and variation in ENSO cycles are influenced by a changing climate, indicating that more sophisticated studies on the agricultural impacts of ENSO are needed. In many less developed countries, however, securing agricultural data as well as climate data for the analysis is extremely difficult due to limited data availability. In this study, monthly historical precipitation data in Tonga were examined to establish an ENSO relationship with long‐term crop data. Local market supply data, the only extant long‐term crop data, were used as a proxy for crop supply and analysed to find any significant variations in agricultural output linked to ENSO impacts. Among several crops with statistical significance, swamp taro was selected for an in‐depth statistical analysis using monthly market supply and monthly climate data. As a result, a statistically significant relationship was found between rainfall amount in critical growth stages and corresponding swamp taro supplies in the market. Based on the results, we suggest a practically applicable information transfer to Tongan farmers using a tercile‐category probability estimation of the crop supply based on seasonal ENSO forecasts. Different counter‐decisions based on the information are expected from various stakeholders based on their experience and priority and also depending on their decision‐making position in the society.

KANDUNGAN KLOROFIL DALUGHA (Cyrtosperma merkusii (Hassk.) Scott) PADA HUTAN RAWA PASANG SURUT DI DESA LAINE, PULAU SANGIHE

ABSTRACT This article is to present the adaptation capacity of Dalugha (giant taro, Cyrtosperma merkusii) indicated by chlorophyll contents at a number of places in Laine Village, Sangihe Island. The study is related to the development of Dalugha as an alternative food plant and its adaptation to the inundated brackish water as a result of raising sea water surface on climate change. The aim of the study is to analyze the differences in chlorophyll contents of inundated and non inundated brackish water conditions in a tree shaded and non shaded conditions. The method is observational where plant responses are observed at the variation created by natural caused. The result showed cthat Dalugha chlorophyll content was influenced by tree shading but it is not influenced by inundation of brackish water. Keywords: dalugha, chlorophyll, tidal swamp forest

PENGARUH RETROGRADASI DAN PERLAKUAN KELEMBABAN PANAS TERHADAP KADAR PATI RESISTEN TIPE III DALUGA

The giant swamp taro starch or daluga corm starch in this study was extracted from corms collected from Siau Island of North Sulawesi Province in Indonesia. Native starch daluga corm has low resistant starch content, so starch modifications method were needed to increase its resistant starch content. The effect of acid hydrolisis, debranching, autoclaving-cooling and heat moisture treatment on the changes of RS3 daluga were studied. The corrm starch was first modified with acid hydrolysis (HA) and debranching with pullulanase (D). The starch was then modified with one cycle autoclaving-cooling (HADAC1x), HADAC1x with heat moisture treatment (HADAC1x+HMT), three cycle autoclaving-cooling (HADAC3x), HADAC3x with heat moisture treatment (HADAC3x+HMT) which increased its RS3 content to 42.37, 40.47, 31.12, and 31.18% (db), respectively. The starch modification method can affect other chemical properties changes such as starch content, amylose content, and reducing sugar content.

Facile Synthesis of Activated Carbon from Swamp Taro Stalk via Single Step ZnCl<sub>2</sub> Activation

In this work, mesoporous activated carbon with high surface area was synthesized from swamp taro stalk by single step ZnCl2 activation. The synthesized activated carbon was characterized by Na2S2O3 volumetric method, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and N2 adsorption-desorption analyses. Under the single step ZnCl2 activation, the registered iodine number, BET surface area, total pore volume and pore diameter were 1087.57 mgg-1, 1242.26 m2g-1, 0.73cm3g-1 and 3.72 nm respectively with yield of 25.34%. SEM analysis evidenced the well-formation of porous structure. Type IV isotherm with H2 loops obtained from N2-sorption studies indicates the ink bottles shape mesoporous network structure. This research proved the successful conversion of plant waste into high grade activated carbon.

Underutilized Tuber Crops for food, feed and nutritional security in Tripura

Agriculture contributes 26 per cent of the GDP in Tripura of which the major contribution is from horticulture crops like fruits, vegetable, plantation crops and spices etc. The prevailing agro climatic conditions, surplus rainfall, good soil depth and mild acidic pH of the favors the cultivation of tuber crops viz. tapioca, sweet potato, elephant foot yam, greater yam, lesser yam, white yam, taro, swamp taro, giant taro, giant swamp taro and tannia. These crops are considered as the subsidiary food crops in the region for tribal and poor masses because the per capita availability of food grain in this region is low as compare to the national average. On the contrary, these crops play a vital role in food and nutritional security as well as livelihood of some tribal community.

A descriptor list for Giant Swamp Taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii) and its cultivars in the Federated States of Micronesia

Atoll islands are the diversity hot spots for Cyrtosperma merkusii (giant swamp taro) and its traditional knowledge,
 especially in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). In these atolls and islands the giant aroid is given high importance in the food, cultural and traditional systems. Despite this, a significant lack of knowledge and threat of salt water intrusion in the face of climate change exists for the aroid. To curb this issue a classification descriptor list using the taro descriptors (1999) and traditional knowledge of the FSM farmers was developed. The descriptor list was then employed to classify the many cultivars present in FSM. The list consisted of 37 morphological traits divided into plant habit leaves, petiole, inflorescence, root, corm, taste and special characteristics. Using this descriptor list 40 distinct FSM cultivars was classified, four of which were unknown to the locals namely PF1, Semesrao, Liha mwahu and Nah. The results of the classification provided some knowledge of the various cultivars and also showed that diversity did exist within the gene pool of the aroid. With further research and documentation the diversity that exist within the gene pool of the aroid can be explored and utilized to buffer the impacts of salt water intrusion, while conserving the aroid and building its knowledge base.

In vivo screening of salinity tolerance in Giant Swamp Taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii)

Giant Swamp Taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii) is a staple food crop in the Pacific, especially in the low lying atoll islands such as Tuvalu and Kiribati. This is owing to its ability to survive under poor soil conditions and harsh environments. However, as a result of the effects of climate change such as sea water inundation and intrusion into the fresh ground water lens, this crop is now under threat. To address this issue an adaption approach was taken whereby, Cyrtosperma merkusii was screened in vivo for salt tolerance. The epistemology followed random selection of two cultivars Ikaraoi and Katutu. These two cultivars were subjected to 0% (0 parts per trillion), 0.5% (5 ppt), 1% (10 ppt), 1.5% (15 ppt) and 2% (20 ppt) of salt in Yates’s advance seedling common potting mix. Both cultivars were able to tolerate salinity levels up-to 5ppt which is significantly more than the salt tolerance in glycophytes of 2.83 ppt. This research provides an insight into the variation of salt tolerance that may exist in C.merkusii gene pool, which can be used to adapt to natural disasters and buffer its impacts.

Acceptability of Value Added Products from Giant Swamp Taro (Cystosperma chamissonis) Corm

Acceptability of Value Added Products from Giant Swamp Taro (Cystosperma chamissonis) Corm

A RAPID SCREENING METHODOLOGY FOR SALT TOLERANCE IN GIANT SWAMP TARO (CYRTOSPERMA MERKUSII) AND ITS DIVERSITY

ISHS II International Symposium on Underutilized Plant Species: Crops for the Future - Beyond Food Security A RAPID SCREENING METHODOLOGY FOR SALT TOLERANCE IN GIANT SWAMP TARO (CYRTOSPERMA MERKUSII) AND ITS DIVERSITY

Mucilage chemical profile and antioxidant properties of giant swamp taro tubers.

The yellow (YP) and white (WP) sections of giant swamp taro (GST) contain 40.0g/kg and 51.5g/kg (dry wt) respectively of pure mucilage made up of D-glucose (44.95-78.85%), D-galactose (8.70-25.35%), D-mannose (3.20-10.45%), D-arabinose (2.45-5.20%) and small amounts of glucuronic acid and rhamnose. Arabinogalactan-proteins (5.30-8.83g/kg) contain mainly arabinose and galactose (in a 1:1 proportion) and also significant amounts of rhamnose, xylose, glucuronic acid and mannose. Antioxidant activity of YP was higher than those of WP while chelating ability and reducing power increased with mucilages content. Generally YP and WP showed better reducing power (1.06 ± 0.35 at 5mg/mL) than ascorbic acid (0.89 ± 0.22). WP and YP chelated ferrous ions by 20.0-76.0% and 16.4-71.0% respectively. Effective concentrations (EC50) of mucilages (WP 1.28 ± 0.05mg/mL; YP 1.42 ± 0.04mg/mL) were lower than those of citric acid (1.58 ± 0.04mg/mL). Generally mucilage from the WP and YP sections are excellent sources of chelating agents.

Reproductive and Growth Traits of Parents and F1 Hatchlings of Achatina achatina (L) Snails under Mixed Feeding Regime with Graded Levels of Swamp Taro Cocoyam (Cytosperma chamissonis) and Paw paw leaves (Carica papaya)

Achatina achatina snails were raised on mixed feeding regime of forage and diets containing graded levels of sun-dried swamp taro cocoyam (Cytosperma chamissonis) meal to assess the parent snails’ reproductive traits and the growth performance of their juveniles. Ninety parent snails, forty-five (45) each of the black-skinned (BS) and white-skinned (WS) ectotypes weighing 50.75 to 62.50 g and 48.40 to 60.75 g respectively constituted the mating groups [black-skinned x black-skinned (BS X BS), white-skinned x white-skinned (WS X WS) and black-skinned x white-skinned (BS X WS)] studied. Snails in each mating group were randomly allocated to five diets containing different levels of the test ingredient. Results of the reproductive traits of the study showed that inclusion of cocoyam above 50% had negative effects. The results revealed that snails on the control diet (without cocoyam meal) consistently performed better than those on diets containing the test ingredient. Snails on the control diet had higher mean clutch size value while those on 100% inclusion level of test ingredient recorded the least mean clutch size value across the mating groups. The incubation period of eggs laid by snails on control diet was lower than those on diets containing test ingredient inclusion. Eggs hatchability and hatchlings weights decreased with increasing levels of test ingredient inclusion. Results of growth traits of hatchlings showed that there was decreasing growth rate with increasing levels of test inclusion. However, snails on diets containing between 25% and 50% test ingredient inclusion compared favourably with those on control diet in terms of weight gain, final body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and percent mortality across the mating groups. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that sun-dried taro cocoyam meal can replace maize up to 50% in the diet of A. achatina without detrimental effects on reproductive traits of parents and growth traits of the F1. We however suggest that other methods of processing be applied to the cocoyam to allow for higher inclusion levels.

Effect of Cross-Section Differences and Drying Temperature on the Physicochemical, Functional and Antioxidant Properties of Giant Taro Flour

Giant swamp taro, Cyrtosperma merkusii, consumed and regarded as indigenous food in many regions of Cameroon, is a potential bio-source of antioxidants as well as flours for use in different food formulations but which has not been widely studied. The present study was carried out to determine the effect of drying conditions on the chemical composition as well as the physical and functional properties and antioxidant activity of flours of this tuber. Slices of the yellow and mixed sections of the tubers were processed into flours by sun-drying (temperature ≈35 °C) and hot air electric drying at varying temperatures (50 °C, 60 °C, and 70 °C) before milling. Drying temperature and technique showed marginal effect on the protein, fat, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate content of taro flours. Color attributes, physical and functional properties, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical antioxidant activity, as well as reducing power of flours were found to vary significantly (P < 0.05) due to either the drying temperature or method. Hot air electric drying at lower temperatures (<70 °C) produced flour with higher water absorption capacity (WAC), water solubility index (WSI), porosity, bulk density, and preserved antioxidant activity of flour, whereas sun-drying was associated with flours of higher WSI but lower WAC, and lower antioxidant capacity. It was noticed that carotenoids and ascorbic acid contributed to the antioxidant activity in taro flours, and taro flours made of different taro portions showed different antioxidant mechanisms. This study highlights the low temperature hot air-drying method as a very good lead for preparation of effective natural functional flours for culinary system.

Diurnal changes in chlorophyll fluorescence and light utilization in Colocasia esculenta leaves grown in marshy waterlogged area

Diurnal cycle of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters was done in Colocasia esculenta L. (swamp taro) grown in marshy land under sun or under shade. The sun leaves maintained higher electron transport rate (ETR) and steady state to initial fluorescence ratio (Fs/F0) than shade leaves. In spite of lower ETR, higher photochemical quenching (PQ), and effective quantum yield of photosystem 2 (ΦPS2) was evident in shade plants compared to plants exposed to higher irradiance. ETR increased linearly with increase in irradiance more under low irradiance (r2 = 0.84) compared to higher irradiance (r2 = 0.62). The maximum quantum yield of PS 2 (Fv/Fm) did not differ much in sun and shade leaves with the exception of midday when excess of light energy absorbed by plants under sun was thermally dissipated. Hence swamp taro plants adopted different strategies to utilize radiation under different irradiances. At higher irradiance, there was faster decline in proportion of open PS 2 centers (PQ) and excess light energy was dissipated through non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Under shade, absorbed energy was effectively utilized resulting in higher ΦPS2.

Carotenoid and mineral content of Micronesian giant swamp taro ( Cyrtosperma) cultivars

Dietary change in Micronesia has led to serious problems of vitamin A deficiency and other nutritionally-related health problems. It is essential to identify nutrient-rich indigenous foods that may be promoted for health improvements. Giant swamp taro ( Cyrtosperma merkusii) is important for food and culture on atoll and mountainous islands of Micronesia. There are many Cyrtosperma cultivars, but few have been analyzed for nutrient content. Samples were collected in the Federated States of Micronesia (Pohnpei, Chuuk and Yap) and the Republic of Palau, assessed for corm flesh color and other attributes, and analyzed for carotenoids ( β- and α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and lycopene) and minerals (including iron, zinc, and calcium). Of 34 cultivars analyzed, β-carotene concentrations varied from 50 to 4486 μg/100 g. Yellow-fleshed cultivars generally contained higher carotenoid concentrations. Of the ten cultivars analyzed for mineral content (wet weight basis), substantial concentrations of zinc (5.4–46.1 mg/100 g), iron (0.3–0.8 mg/100 g) and calcium (121–305 mg/100 g) were found. All cultivars were acceptable for taste and production factors. These carotenoid- and mineral-rich cultivars should be considered for promotion in Micronesia and other areas for potential health benefits.

Carotenoid content of pandanus fruit cultivars and other foods of the Republic of Kiribati

Kiribati, a remote atoll island country of the Pacific, has serious problems of vitamin A deficiency (VAD). Thus, it is important to identify locally grown acceptable foods that might be promoted to alleviate this problem. Pandanus fruit (Pandanus tectorius) is a well-liked indigenous Kiribati food with many cultivars that have orange/yellow flesh, indicative of carotenoid content. Few have been previously analysed. This study was conducted to identify cultivars of pandanus and other foods that could be promoted to alleviate VAD in Kiribati. Ethnography was used to select foods and assess acceptability factors. Pandanus and other foods were analysed for beta- and alpha-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, zeaxanthin, lycopene and total carotenoids using high-performance liquid chromatography. Of the nine pandanus cultivars investigated there was a great range of provitamin A carotenoid levels (from 62 to 19,086 microg beta-carotene/100 g), generally with higher levels in those more deeply coloured. Seven pandanus cultivars, one giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma chamissonis) cultivar and native fig (Ficus tinctoria) had significant provitamin A carotenoid content, meeting all or half of estimated daily vitamin A requirements within normal consumption patterns. Analyses in different laboratories confirmed high carotenoid levels in pandanus but showed that there are still questions as to how high the levels might be, owing to variation arising from different handling/preparation/analytical techniques. These carotenoid-rich acceptable foods should be promoted for alleviating VAD in Kiribati and possibly other Pacific contexts where these foods are important. Further research in the Pacific is needed to identify additional indigenous foods with potential health benefits.

Corm rot of giant swamp taro (Cyrtosperma merkusii) caused by the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis (Nematoda: Pratylenchidae) in the Pacific

AbstractThe association between the burrowing nematode Radopholus similis and giant swamp taro is studied in detail for the first time in corms collected from swampy taro patches in Yap, one of the states of the Federated States of Micronesia. The R. similis population from Yap displays similar variation in morphometrics and morphology as reported in the literature. The rot caused by the nematodes is wet with a loose mass of brown dead tissues and a deep brown necrotic centre housing nematodes inside. Usually, the infected tissues spread a disgusting odour typical of this disease. The dead tissues progress into shallow to deep cavities that advance towards the edible, central portion of the corm giving a perforated appearance on the outside of the otherwise smooth corm. The disease becomes more severe as the age of the plant increases. Nematode-infected plants seldom show any above-ground symptoms. The market quality of the corm is greatly reduced by the nematode damage. The widespread occurrence of the disease and the type of damage R. similis causes to the corms pose a serious threat to giant swamp taro production, food security and the continuation of traditional customs on those islands where R. similis occurs.

Factors to consider in Micronesian food-based interventions: a case study of preventing vitamin A deficiency.

Many factors need to be considered in a food-based intervention. Vitamin A deficiency and chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer, have become serious problems in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) following the decreased production and consumption of locally grown foods. However, agricultural and social conditions are still favourable for local food production. To identify key factors to consider in a Micronesian food-based intervention focusing on increased production and consumption of four major Micronesian staple foods: banana, breadfruit, giant swamp taro and pandanus. Ethnographic methods including key informant interviews and a literature review. Pacific and Micronesian values, concepts of food and disease, and food classifications differ sharply from Western concepts. There are few FSM professionals with nutrition expertise. Traditional foods and food cultivars vary in nutrient content, consumption level, cost, availability, status, convenience in growing, storing and cooking, and organoleptic factors. A systematic consideration of the factors that relate to a food-based intervention is critical to its success. The evaluation of which food and cultivar of that food that might be most effectively promoted is also critical. Regional differences, for example FSM inter-island differences between the staple foods and cultivars, must be considered carefully. The evaluation framework presented here may be relevant to Pacific Island and other countries with similar foods where food-based interventions are being planned. An ethnographic approach was found to be essential in understanding the cultural context and in data collection and analysis.

Further analyses on Micronesian banana, taro, breadfruit and other foods for provitamin A carotenoids and minerals

Few Micronesian foods have been analyzed for nutrient content. Information is needed on locally grown, culturally acceptable foods that could be promoted to alleviate vitamin A deficiency in the Federated States of Micronesia. Using an ethnographic approach that included key informant interviews and observation, Micronesian cultivars with potential for high-carotenoid content according to their coloration were identified. These cultivars of banana, giant swamp taro, breadfruit and other foods were analyzed for α- and β-carotene using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and for nine minerals using inductively coupled plasma (ICP). A wide range of provitamin A carotenoid levels was found in banana, taro, and breadfruit cultivars, some containing very high levels ( β-carotene content from 515 to 6360 μg/100 g in banana, 260 to 1651 μg/100 g in taro, and 295 to 868 μg/100 g in breadfruit, edible portion). Other cultivars contained moderate levels, but as they can be eaten in large quantities, they may contribute significantly to vitamin A status. The taro samples contained very high levels of zinc (mean 5.9 mg/100 g) and significant levels of other minerals (mean content of calcium was 120 mg/100 g). These staples with cultural acceptability and high availability potentially could play a role in vitamin A, micronutrient, and chronic disease programs in the Pacific.

Aroid Seeds from the Middle Eocene Princeton Chert (Keratosperma allenbyense, Araceae): Comparisons with Extant Lasioideae

A reinvestigation of more than 200 new specimens of Keratosperma allenbyense Cevallos-Ferriz et Stockey from the Middle Eocene Princeton chert allows a more detailed comparison with living Araceae and provides evidence for the evolution of the lasioid clade. The anacampylotropous seeds possess a warty seed coat, single dorsal ridge, and two lateral ridges. Idioblasts that may have contained raphides are scattered in the outer integument. The seed has a thin micropylar cover and an epistase, with evidence of mucilage in the space between these two structures. The raphe is embedded in the seed coat and parallels the concave surface of the seed. At the chalazal end of the seed, there is a prominent hypostase and podium. Endosperm tissue with dark contents and monocotyledonary embryo are present, but in most specimens these tissues are replaced by fungal hyphae. Anatomical comparisons with the extant lasioid taxa Cyrtosperma merkusii (Hassk.) Schott and Urospatha sagittifolia (Rudge) Schott were made. A reconstruction of K. allenbyense constructed from serial sections allowed the fossil to be compared with the extant genera of Araceae, subfamily Lasioideae, on the basis of external seed morphology of 22 taxa. Keratosperma appears to be a distinct genus among aroids having many shared characters with extant Lasioideae and represents the oldest known member of the lasioid clade.