Local Banana Research Articles

Molecular characterization of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc-TR4) isolates from Malaysian banana using secreted in Xylem (SIX) effector genes

Fusarium wilt of banana, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is a major factor limiting banana production in Malaysia. To date, SSR, ISSR, AFLP and RAPD markers are widely used in PCR-based molecular characterization of Foc. Although these markers are effective in characterizing Foc, they all have their own limitations. An effector gene known as Secreted in Xylem (SIX) has been explored to broaden the molecular diagnostic toolbox for Foc. This study aims to investigate the diversity of Foc-TR4 in Peninsular Malaysia based on the phylogenetic analysis of SIX sequences. The virulence potential of twenty-seven Fusarium wilt of banana based on pathogenicity test and the presence of SIX1, SIX7 and SIX8 genes were determined. All of twenty-seven Foc ‘Tropical Race 4’ (TR4) (VCG 01213/160) isolates were obtained from Biological Control Laboratory, Department of Plant Protection, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The results showed that all Foc-TR4 isolates were pathogenic towards banana plantlets at different severity levels under greenhouse condition. Pathogenicity assays showed that the level of aggressiveness differs between isolates. The Foc-TR4 isolates were screened for the presence of three SIX genes (SIX1, SIX7 and SIX8) and the genetic differentiation of Foc-TR4 was evaluated by PCR analysis using three specific primers. Among these three SIX genes, SIX1 and SIX8 genes were detected in all twenty-seven Foc-TR4 isolates from Peninsular Malaysia. Phylogenetic analysis using SIX1 and SIX8 sequences showed that they were related to TR4 isolates (VCG 01213/16) from Australia and Indonesian with bootstrap values of 94% and 100% respectively. No variation was observed in the SIX1 and SIX8 sequences since all 27 isolates were clustered into the same clade. Virulence level also did not correlate with the existence or lack of these genes. Since Foc could hamper the local banana production in Malaysia, characterization of these isolates through SIX genes provides a great understanding of pathogenicity in Foc and could potentially improve the diagnostic and control of Fusarium wilt in the future.

Identifikasi pisang apuy sebagai kultivar unggul lokal kabupaten Majalengka

The development of local cultivars is one of the activities that must be carried out in promoting their respective regions. Majalengka Regency is a developing Regency so there is a need for a commodity that characterizes the area. One commodity that can be developed for tourist attraction is the local Apuy Banana. The existence of Apuy bananas is increasingly pushed every year due to the presence of other superior banana cultivars, besides that the public's knowledge of the characteristics of Apuy's local bananas is still very diverse so it needs information about the characteristics of local Apuy bananas, so that the community can be uniform. The purpose of this study is to explore and identify local Apuy bananas as superior banana ingredients in Majalengka Regency. This study uses a census method of local Apuy cultivars, Pisang Raja Dakit and Pisang Raja Lemongrass. The results showed there was diversity between Apuy Local Bananas, Raja Dengkel Bananas and Raja Sereh Bananas in terms of Morphological characters. Based on the results of relationship analysis, the level of similarity between genotypes observed was in the range of 77 to 92,51.

Estimation of Cadmium Levels in Local Banana (Musa) Fruits by ICP-MS Technology-A Pan India Study

Industrial waste discharging into the irrigation water is a major cadmium source for plants. Over exploitation of chemical fertilizers in the agriculture is also a growing concern of cadmium accumulation into the plant. Purpose of this study was evaluation of cadmium prevalence in locally available banana fruits across the country. Microwave assisted acid digestion was used to homogenize the banana samples with subsequent analysis by ICP-MS technology. Banana samples from 59 districts of India were analyzed. Among the 59 districts of India, The districts of Tiruchirapalli and Bahraich had having highest cadmium levels respectively, 0.51 - 0.6 ng/g, 0.81 - 0.9 ng/g. Least banana cadmium levels (0-0.19 ng/g) was observed in banana from 28 districts of India. Study concludes that, bio-magnification of cadmium is the imminent danger. Phyotoremediation is welcoming approach.

Searching for new banana cultivars to overcome production constraints in the Australian subtropics

Growing bananas in the diverse range of climatic and geographic conditions of the Australian subtropics has many challenges. Some of these include long periods of low temperatures, regular strong winds and often lack of irrigation. The presence of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1 and subtropical race 4 in the subtropics further limits the ability of growers to plant alternative cultivars which have market acceptance in Australia. These challenges result in low overall production and significant impacts on achieving consistent quality throughout the year. Another challenge for subtropical growers is that they must compete in an open market with fruit from tropical regions where growers experience less of these constraints. Nevertheless, subtropical banana production has some advantages over tropical regions, including reduced pest and disease pressure, especially leaf disease, and smaller, sweeter fruit. New opportunities for niche markets are emerging due to the experience of Australian travellers in Africa, Asia and Central and South America where they are exposed to a wide array of local banana cultivars. At the same time, multicultural migration is creating demand for cultivars other than Cavendish. Overcoming the many challenges faced by the subtropical industry in Australia will require the development of new cultivars to improve resilience in the production sector and also to meet the increasing demand for greater consumer choice. Fusarium wilt-resistant dessert and cooking cultivars are under evaluation in the Australian subtropics for suitable agronomic characteristics and favourable prospects in the marketplace.

Profil Plasma Nutfah dan Jenis Penyakit Pisang Lokal asal Pandeglang Banten

Banana is the most favorite fruits in the world. Indonesia is in the center of origin and diversity of banana in Southeast Asia. Banten is one of the most banana producer in Indonesia. However, no information on banana diversity and its associated disease available from this province. In this paper, we explored Kabupaten Pandeglang in its diversity of banana and its associated disease. Eleven local banana germplasm were identified with their associated disease. Fusarium wilt, Sigatoka, and Blood disease are the most common diseases found on those varieties. Seven local banana germplasm are described in this paper. These information are very important to preserved biodiversity of Indonesia and will be useful for future food security and sustainability.

Sensory and chemical properties of cookies formulated with South Kalimantan’s local comodities

Cookies are generally made from wheat flour which has low content of essential nutrients and fibers. In addition, excessive use of wheat flour may also cause dependency to the imported materials. Therefore, innovation is needed to reduce the dependency of use of wheat flour by using local materials. This study was aimed to determine the sensory and chemical characteristics and also production cost of three cookies formulations with local materials as the flour materials substituting the use of wheat flour. The three local materials were local banana namely talas banana (A), local sweet potato namely nagara sweet potato (B), and local bean namely nagara bean (C). The flours of those three materials were made by using the oven method with different preliminary treatments. The three formulations of cookies were differentiated by the ratio of three flours (A:B:C = 20:60:20; 10:60:30; and 30:60:10). Based on statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis), differences in composite flour formulations significantly affected the sensory characteristics (hedonic and scoring approaches) in several parameters (taste, colour, texture, and flavour). In terms of sensory aspect, formula 1 (A:B:C = 20:60:20) showed the best sensory characteristics, and also exhibited a prominent chemical characteristics, namely: water content (2.64%), ash content (0.89%), protein content (7.27%), fiber content (6.19%), fat content (22.84%), and carbohydrate content (66.36%).

Genetic relationships among cultivated and wild bananas from East Kalimantan, Indonesia based on ISSR markers

Abstract. Sunaryo W, Wahida, Idris SD, Pratama AN, Ratanasut K, Nurhasanah. 2020. Genetic relationships among cultivated and wild bananas from East Kalimantan, Indonesia based on ISSR markers. Biodiversitas 21: 824-832. East Kalimantan is one of biodiversity centers for banana in Indonesia including wild or cultivated bananas. This biodiversity is long-historical genetically contributed by the existence of wild cultivars, local/indigenous varieties or introduced accessions from other regions in Indonesia. The existence of cultivated bananas has played an important role in the socio-economic significance of the local people. The genetic contribution of wild and local banana from East Kalimantan to the cultivated bananas or vice versa is very interesting to study. This research reported the genetic relationships among wild and cultivated bananas using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. Thirteen wild and cultivated banana samples collected from different districts of East Kalimantan Province were analyzed using 15 primers of ISSR marker. ISSR primers generated 133 loci, of which 132 were polymorphic (98.98 %) with an average of 9.43 loci per primer. The ISSR marker is very effective and powerful to detect and discriminate the polymorphisms among cultivated and wild bananas. This is supported by PIC value which ranged from 0.60 to 0.91 per primer with an average of 0.80 per primer. The marker index (MI) values were ranged from 1.62 to 11.48 per primer. Primer UBC 855 produced the highest MI value which was 11.48 per primer and UBC 848 resulted in the lowest (1.62 per primer). The similarity coefficients ranged from 0.43 to 0.81. The dendrogram constructed based on UPGMA divided the banana cultivars into 4 clusters, in which the first cluster comprised of the AA/AAA/AB genome bananas (Ambon, Kapas, Tembaga, Liar, and Tanduk). The second cluster composed of only Mauli Banana. The third cluster was comprised of six cultivated banana with AAB or ABB genome i.e., Raja, Rutai, Susu, Kepok, Awak, and Talas banana. The last cluster was only Klutuk Banana (BB genome). Wild bananas (Liar and Klutuk) was the ancestor of cultivated bananas since they contributed for A genome (Musa acuminate) and B genome (Musa balbisiana) to generate many triploid and cultivated bananas. Indigenous banana cultivars from Kalimantan, Rutai is closely related to Susu banana, while Talas banana is related to the AAB genome such as Raja, Rutai, Susu or ABB genome such as Awak and Kepok.

Clustering Analysis and Genome Inference of Pisang Raja Local Cultivars (Musa spp.) from Java Island by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) Marker

Pisang Raja is an important local banana cultivar in the economy and cultural life in Indonesia, especially at Java. There are many Pisang Raja cultivars found on Java Island with various local names in each region, resulted in problems on taxonomic identification and grouping. Conventional research for grouping banana cultivars is still using morphological characters but considered inaccurate because of its subjectivity. This study aims to analyze the genetic diversity, grouping, and genome estimation of 13 local cultivars of Pisang Raja based on molecular approach using RAPD markers (OPA primers 1-20). Clustering and Principal Coordinates Analysis were performed to the amplified products using Paleontological Statistics (PAST) application version 3.15. Results showed that there were 12 primers which successfully amplified and produced DNA polymorphic bands in Pisang Raja, specifically OPA 1, OPA 2, OPA 3, OPA 4, OPA 5, OPA 8, OPA 16, OPA 17, OPA 18, OPA 19, and OPA 20. Pisang Raja cultivars considered have high genetic diversity, indicated by high polymorphic bands (95.17%) and low similarity coefficient values (0.2-0.6). Clustering and PCo analysis resulted in 3 clusters following its genomic group consist of AAA, AAB and ABB genomes, with Pisang Raja Bali as an outgroup (ABB). However, the separation of each cluster for genome inference was unclear. Cluster 1 consists of Pisang Raja Madu (AAB) and Raja Sereh (AAB). Cluster 2 consists of AAA and AAB genomes; includes Pisang Raja Jambe (AAA), Raja Kriyak (AAA), Raja Kutuk (AAB), Raja Brentel (AAB), Raja Seribu (AAB), and Raja Lini (AAB). Cluster 3 consists of AAA and AAB genomes, includes Pisang Raja Kisto (AAA), Raja Delima (AAA), Raja Bandung (AAB) and Raja Gareng (AAB). While Pisang Monyet (AAw) and Klutuk Wulung (BBw) as wild relatives were nested in Cluster 2. There were some different results of genome estimation based on RAPD markers compared to morphological characterization, and other molecular techniques. The use of RAPD markers is quite efficient and effective for studying genetic diversity and identifying genomes in bananas.

SISTEM INFORMASI BERBASIS WEB UNTUK KETERSEDIAAN PISANG LOKAL JAWA BARAT DI KAMPUNG CAU PADJADJARAN

Kampung Cau Padjadjaran (KCP) is an agency and bananas distributor that has the empowerment and utilization activities of local bananas. KCP partnered with several villages in the cities and districts of West Java, such as Sumedang, Sukabumi, Tasikmalaya, Garut, and Purwakarta. Up to now, KCP need to fulfill the market demand reaches 10 tons per week. Currently, KCP collects the data directly by visiting each village partners that each village is far enough to be visited, these are considered inefficient because it can be a waste of time and energy on the go and also the 10 tons bananas data per week is a high amount of data to be managed. To facilitate the achievement of the KCP objectives as a unit that raises superior local wisdom, hence the design of the web-based information systems will be conducted that can be used to manage the KCP banana database. In addition, it is also expected to enhance the empowerment of local communities each village partner by managing the information systems. The designing is conducted through several stages, such as the early stage (field observations), the designing stage (needs analysis, user-interface web design, programming implementation) and the final stage (testing of information systems, research results and conclusion). The expected result is a system that empowers youth and improving the welfare of banana farmers by providing pertinent information availability of bananas each partner KCP village in West Java.

Pemanfaatan Aset Buah Pisang Lokal Menjadi Produk Jenang “Jepipet” di Desa Jampet Kecamatan Ngasem Kabupaten Bojonegoro

To increase the economic and social independence, various efforts were carried out, it includes by providing assistance to the community. This research aims to provide assistance to the community in the village of Jampet, Bojonegoro Regency, by utilizing local banana assets for making Jenang Jepipet as an original snack made from bananas from Jampet villages. The collaborative and partnership efforts built between the universities together with the Jampet villagers as a manifestation of the practice of university community engagement. By using Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, this research is a model of community assistance and empowerment to be more actively involved in utilizing all the potential and strength of assets owned by the community to create economic and social welfare. The results of this research, the community can take advantage of the opportunities and potential of their banana assets to be a product of Jenang made from banana as an icon of snacks from Jampet village.

Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Capacities of Local Banana Peels Extract by Using Subcritical Water Extraction Technique

Banana peels has been shown to possess strong antioxidant which may exhibit protective responses against reactive oxygen species through free radicals scavenging and breaking the autoxidative chain reaction and restore the ‘redox homeostasis’ state. Subcritical water extraction method was used by using water as the solvent and increasing the temperature to between 100 and 374°C and keeping the pressure high enough to maintain the liquid state allowing the dielectric constant (ε) of water becomes like that of an organic solvent, like ethanol or methanol. The extract was collected by using temperatures of 100 °C, 150 °C, 180 °C and 200 °C with 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes for the investigation of antioxidative compounds and antioxidant activity. The TPC ranged widely from 20.93 to 66.39 mg GAE/g for Pisang Tanduk and 43.64 to 151.40 mg GAE/g for Pisang Cavendish peel extract. While TFC of Pisang Tanduk ranged from 1.94 to 17.19 RE/g and for Pisang Cavendish it was as low from 3.80 to as high as 72.45 RE/g. Radical scavenging activities (inhibition of DPPH) of the extracts ranged from 36.96 to 85.60% for Pisang Tanduk and from 52.26 to 93.68%. Inhibition of ABST scavenging activity showed 97.14 to 99.03% inhibition for Pisang Tanduk. For Pisang Cavendish, it showed from 73.02 to 98.86% inhibition. Although both banana peel extracts appeared to have low TPC and TFC, its antioxidant activities were ranked moderate to high. This implies that antioxidative compounds other than phenolics and flavonoids were probably responsible for inhibition of DPPH.

Mycelial Growth of Pink Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus djamour) on Banana Sucrose Gulaman and Fruiting Body Production on Banana-Based Substrate Formulations

This study evaluated the mycelial growth of Pleurotus djamour on banana sucrose gulaman and fruiting body production on banana-based substrate formulations. Fruits of three local banana varieties, namely lakatan, latundan, and saba were used in the preparation of culture media. The mycelial growth and mycelial density were determined. Moreover, different banana-based substrate formulations such as 100% banana leaves, 75% banana leaves + 25% sawdust, 50% banana leaves + 50% sawdust, 25% banana leaves + 75% sawdust, and 100% sawdust were evaluated. The rice straw-based substrate formulation consisting of 70% rice straw and 30% sawdust was used as the control. Saba sucrose gulaman exhibited faster mycelial growth (11.79mm / day) and thick mycelial density. On the other hand, potato dextrose agar (control) recorded the smallest mycelial growth (9.33 mm / day) and very thick mycelial density. Among the different substrate formulations, 70% rice straw + 30% sawdust (control) exhibited shorter incubation period (26.73 days) and shorter duration of primordial formation (28.93days). However, 50% banana leaves + 50% sawdust exhibited highest yield (136.51 g) and highest biological efficiency (19.50%).

CALLUS INDUCTION ON BANANA FLOWER’S EXPLANT IN VITRO USING 2,4-DICHLOROPHENOXYACETIC (2,4-D)

ABSTRACT
 The objective of the study was to obtain the best 2,4-D concentration on callus induction of the banana flowers in banana propagation using indirect organogenesis method. Kesuna, local banana cultivar obtained from Sembung Gede, Tabanan was used as explant material. Callus induction was performed using 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid with concentration of 0; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 ppm. Each treatment was represented by 3 bottles and each bottle was planted with 3 explants, so each treatment was represented by 9 explants of banana flowers. The results showed that the concentration of 2.0 ppm 2.4-D induced callus with the fastest time and gave the highest percentage of the explants producing callus. The calluses were subsequently subcultured into regeneration medium using 0.5 mg/L Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and 0.005 mg/L Napthaleneaceticacid (NAA). The calluses were subsequently sub-cultured into a regeneration medium using 0.5 ppm (BAP) and 0.005 ppm Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) to induce shoots and roots and performed plantlets.
 
 Keywords: 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid, banana’s flowers, callus

PERUBAHAN SIFAT FISIKOKIMIA PISANG AMBON CURUP (Musa sapientum cv. ‘Ambon Curup’) SELAMA PENYIMPANAN MENGGUNAKAN Ca(OH)2 - SILIKA GEL SEBAGAI BAHAN PENUNDA KEMATANGAN [Physicochemical Changes of Ambon Curup Banana (Musa sapientum c.v. Ambon Curup) During Storage Using Ca(OH)2-Silica Gel as Material for Delaying Rippening

Ambon Curup Banana is a local banana fruit grown in Rejang Lebong Regency, Bengkulu Province which has a short shelf life due to no material addition for delaying rippening. This study was conducted to evaluate the physicochemical changes of ‘Ambon Curup’ banana during storage with absorber of Ca(OH)2 and silica gel treatments. The research was conducted in a completely randomized design of one factor namely the composition of absorber Ca(OH)2 -silica gel: 0-0, 0-4, 0-8, 1-0, 1-4, 1-8, 3-0, 3-4 and 3-8 (% w/w) based on banana weight. The results showed that Ca(OH)2 3% with silica gel 4% and 8% were able to retain harder texture, inhibit the weight loss, green degradation, total soluble solid increase, and achieve better shelf life of 24 days at room temperature compared to other treatments.

Chemical and Functional Properties of Local Banana Peel Flour

Tone of banana peel is produced by improper handling during post-harvest and the consumption of its pulps becomes a concern. However the usage of banana peel is limited because of the limited knowledge on its properties. This study was carried out to investigate the chemical and functional properties of local banana peel flour (BPF) between Nangka, Tanduk, Berangan and Rastali. BPF was treated for anti-browning agent and dried at 60°C for ±12 hours. Results showed that yield of BPF range from 4.52-6.84 % with slightly acidic pH. The highest value of moisture, ash and crude lipid were exhibited by Nangka PF. Crude protein content of all BPF were less than 10% and the total carbohydrate content ranged from 64.6-72.8 %. Berangan PF contained the highest value of total dietary fiber with a higher amount of insoluble fraction compared to soluble fraction. The highest value of total phenolic content was found in Tanduk PF. As for functional properties, water holding capacity and oil holding capacity value lies between 5.8-6.4 g/g and 1.8-2.3 g/g, respectively. The water absorption index, water soluble index and swelling power were ranged from 6.5-8.1 g/g, 0.1-0.2 g/g and 3.6-7.3 g/g, respectively. BPF contain significant amount of nutritional properties, hence it has potential benefit to be used as functional ingredient in food product development.

Phylogeny and genetic diversity of the banana Fusarium wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense in the Indonesian centre of origin.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), the causal agent of Fusarium wilt or Panama disease on banana, is one of the major constraints in banana production worldwide. Indonesia is the centre of origin for wild and cultivated bananas, which likely co-evolved with Foc. This study explored the widest possible genetic diversity of Foc by sampling across Indonesia at 34 geographically and environmentally different locations in 15 provinces at six islands. This resulted in a comprehensive collection of ∼200 isolates from 40 different local banana varieties. Isolates were identified and assessed using sequence analysis of the translation elongation factor-1alpha (tef1), the RNA polymerase II largest subunit (rpb1), and the RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2). Phylogenetic analyses of these genes allowed the identification of 180 isolates of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), and 20 isolates of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC), the Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC), and the Fusarium sambucinum species complex (FSSC). Further analyses, incorporating a worldwide collection of Foc strains, revealed nine independent genetic lineages for Foc, and one novel clade in the Fusarium oxysporum species complex (FOSC). Selected isolates from each lineage were tested on the banana varieties Gros Michel and Cavendish to characterise their pathogenicity profiles. More than 65 % of the isolates were diagnosed as Tropical Race 4 (Foc-TR4) due to their pathogenicity to Cavendish banana, which supports the hypothesis that Foc-TR4 is of Indonesian origin. Nine independent genetic lineages for Foc are formally described in this study. This biodiversity has not been studied since the initial description of Foc in 1919. This study provides a detailed overview of the complexity of Fusarium wilt on banana and its diversity and distribution across Indonesia.

Germplasm Diversity of Banana (Musa sp) in Bangka Island Based on Morphological Character

Banana (Musa sp) is a plant that has good nutrion, mineral, vitamin A, B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin B6. Germplasm diversity of local banana in Bangka has never been identified. Research about germplasm diversity of banana in Bangka Island need to maintain germplasm of Bangka local banana. This research was conducted in Bangka Island. Characterization of banana fruit germplasm includes on qualitative and quantitative traits. Analysis of morphological relationship of banana fruit germplasm used UPGMA. Exploration result obtained 22 germplasms of Bangka local banana. The result of relationship analysis showed four clusters at 0,40 (40%) coefficient. Cluster one consists of Udang germplasm. Cluster two consists of Jernang and Rotan germplasm. Cluster three consists of Wei, Kapal and Abu germplasm. Cluster four consists of Madu Manis, Madu Keling, Gambur, Jambi, 40 Hari, Bawang, Geda, Tematu, Serindit, Masak Ijau, Rejang, Madu Pulau, Kecit Lantai, Susu, Gede and Lilin germplasm. Bangka local banana have wide variability in almost morphological character observed.

Modification of local diets to improve vitamin a, iron and protein contents for children aged 6 to 23 months in Kagera, Tanzania

The banana-based farming system of Kagera region of Tanzania has good edible food diversity. However, households still consume monotonous diets, which are mainly energy dense and have inadequate content of micronutrients. To enrich the preferred energy-rich diets, this study formulated dishes with improved content of vitamin A, iron and protein for children aged between 6 to 23 months. Mothers (n = 50) were randomly selected from Izimbya ward and participated in a recipe development exercise whereby five recipes modified from the traditional banana based ‘katogo’/’matoke’ and three types of porridges were developed using locally available foods such as bananas, beans, amaranths, red palm oil, pumpkin, groundnut, maize and orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP). Mothers were asked to give options of improving the porridge intended to be fed to children as well as to propose means of improving the local banana diets. Vitamin A was increased by red palm oil, OFSP, pumpkin fruit and leaves in the modified recipes. Furthermore, red kidney bean and groundnut contributed a significant amount of protein and iron in the recipes. Red kidney beans formed a good source of iron, protein and energy when incorporated in complementary foods. The family dishes and children’s local popular dishes were modified to improve the consistency by making a puree to increase food intake and, therefore, vitamin A, iron and protein. The developed recipes contained more than 100% recommended daily allowance (RDA) for vitamin A and protein. The conversion factor of 12:1 for beta-carotene was used. The RDA for iron ranged from 61% to 99%. Vitamin A, iron, protein and energy content of modified recipes ranged from 108-2768 RAE, 6-17 mg, 28-56 g and 697-1635 kcal, in 500g consumption portion, respectively. These levels meet the RDAs for breastfed and nonbreastfed children. The created recipes based on locally available and affordable ingredients have a potential to meet RDAs of vitamin A, iron and protein for children aged 6 to 23 months in the banana-based system and other communities in Africa with the same settings. The communities need to establish home gardens so as to use vegetables and foods which are cheap and good sources of micronutrients and protein. Key words : Dietary modification, local diets, children, vitamin A, iron, protein

Kinetic study on ferulic acid production from banana stem waste via mechanical extraction

Banana is the tropical plants associated with lots of medicinal properties. It has been reported to be a potential source of phenolic compounds such as ferulic acid (FA). FA has excellent antioxidant properties higher than vitamin C and E. FA also have a wide range of biological activities, such as antioxidant activities and anti-microbial activities. This paper presents an experimental and kinetic study on ferulic acid (FA) production from banana stem waste (BSW) via mechanical extraction. The objective of this research is to determine the kinetic parameters in the ferulic acid production. The banana stem waste was randomly collected from the local banana plantation in Felda Lepar Hilir, Pahang. The banana stem juice was mechanically extracted by using sugarcane press machine (KR3176) and further analyzed in high performance liquid chromatography. The differential and integral method was applied to determine the kinetic parameter of the extraction process and the data obtained were fitted into the 0th, 1st and 2nd order of extraction process. Based on the results, the kinetic parameter and R2 value from were 0.05 and 0.93, respectively. It was determined that the 0th kinetic order fitted the reaction processes to best represent the mechanical extraction.

PEMANFAATAN ASAP CAIR ALANG-ALANG (Imperata cylindrica) SEBAGAI PENGAWET TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK BUAH PISANG MAKAU (Musa spp.)

<em>Research on the utilization of liquid smoke especially for preservation of fruit has been done and become one of alternative methods that can be used to maintain fruit shelf life. Liquid smoke raw materials can come from a variety of sources one of which comes from the Alang-alang (Imperata cylindrica). This study aims to determine the ability of liquid smoke made from alang-alang as a preservative of bananas and to know the effect on the characteristics of bananas. The sample used in this research is a local banana known as Pisang Makau (Musa spp). This research uses experimental method with 7 days of storage time. Initial stages of the research are cleaning the fruit, dyeing, drying, and storage at room temperature. This research uses liquid smoke from alang-alang by using 2 various concentrations 50% and 100%. The next stage is the analysis of the characteristics of bananas such as color, fruit texture, fruit weight, sugar content, and vitamin C levels. Based on the analysis results obtained by Pisang Makau with the treatment of liquid has a longer shelf life than the control. Based on the results of the analysis of the shelf life of fruit treated with liquid smoke decreased levels of sugar and vitamin C levels. Percentage decrease levels of sugar and vitamin C between the fruit with the treatment and control not much different. This shows that liquid smoke from alang-alang has the ability to retain the shelf life of bananas without affecting sugar and vitamin C levels in bananas in this case for Pisang Makau. Levels of sugar and vitamin C in bananas decreased during the process of storage and bunding of fruit</em>