National Root Crops Research Institute Research Articles

Genome-Wide Association Study of Root Mealiness and Other Texture-Associated Traits in Cassava.

Cassava breeders have made significant progress in developing new genotypes with improved agronomic characteristics such as improved root yield and resistance against biotic and abiotic stresses. However, these new and improved cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties in cultivation in Nigeria have undergone little or no improvement in their culinary qualities; hence, there is a paucity of genetic information regarding the texture of boiled cassava, particularly with respect to its mealiness, the principal sensory quality attribute of boiled cassava roots. The current study aimed at identifying genomic regions and polymorphisms associated with natural variation for root mealiness and other texture-related attributes of boiled cassava roots, which includes fibre, adhesiveness (ADH), taste, aroma, colour, and firmness. We performed a genome-wide association (GWAS) analysis using phenotypic data from a panel of 142 accessions obtained from the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Nigeria, and a set of 59,792 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) distributed across the cassava genome. Through genome-wide association mapping, we identified 80 SNPs that were significantly associated with root mealiness, fibre, adhesiveness, taste, aroma, colour and firmness on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 6, 10, 13, 17 and 18. We also identified relevant candidate genes that are co-located with peak SNPs linked to these traits in M. esculenta. A survey of the cassava reference genome v6.1 positioned the SNPs on chromosome 13 in the vicinity of Manes.13G026900, a gene recognized as being responsible for cell adhesion and for the mealiness or crispness of vegetables and fruits, and also known to play an important role in cooked potato texture. This study provides the first insights into understanding the underlying genetic basis of boiled cassava root texture. After validation, the markers and candidate genes identified in this novel work could provide important genomic resources for use in marker-assisted selection (MAS) and genomic selection (GS) to accelerate genetic improvement of root mealiness and other culinary qualities in cassava breeding programmes in West Africa, especially in Nigeria, where the consumption of boiled and pounded cassava is low.

Varietal effects on Productivity of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Kuru, Northern Guinea Savanna, Nigeria

A study on varietal effects on the productivity of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was conducted during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons at the Research Farm of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Kuru, Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria. The study was aimed at assessing the effect of variety on productivity of potato. The treatments consisted of two varieties of potato (improved variety: Daimat, local variety). The experiment consisted of 4 that were laid out in a 2×2 split plot arrangement in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Crop data collected were percent germination, plant height, leaf area, number of leaves, number of branches, number of stems, stem girth, number of tubers per plant, number of seed tubers per plant, number of ware tubers per plant, weight of seed tubers per plant, weight of ware tubers per plant and total yield of potato (tons/ha). Although there was no significant effect of variety on the growth parameters of potato but the improved variety performed better than the local variety. The improved variety is here by recommended for adoption in the study area.

Physicochemical and microbial properties of orange-fleshed sweet potato flour produced with sun-drying and sulphiting agent

Many local Nigerian processors of sweet potato flour use sun-drying of the sliced roots in place of modern mechanical drying. This study used carotene-rich UMUSPO3 orangefleshed sweet potato (OFSP) variety that was newly bred at National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Nigeria to evaluate the possible effect of sun-drying and sulphiting on the physicochemical and microbial properties of OFSP flour samples. Data were obtained for OFSP sun-dried flour samples processed by different pretreatment methods (blanching, sulphiting with sodium metabisulphite and a control). Results showed that the bacterial and fungal load of the sulphite-flour sample was 8.5×104 CFU/g and 4.00×104 CFU/g while that of the control flour sample was 12.00×104 CFU/g and 6.50×102 CFU/g respectively. The total carotenoid content (TCC) of the flour samples ranged from 10.73 – 11.68 mg/100 g while the TCC of the fresh (unprocessed) OFSP was 40.20 mg/100 g on dry matter basis. The proximate composition of the flour samples was 10.21 – 10.95% moisture, 8.18 – 8.20% protein, 2.40 -2.55% fibre, 0.95 -1.11% fat and 1.73 – 1.85% ash. Obtained physico-functional properties were 13.17 – 13.23 g/mL swelling power, 2.70 – 3.4 g/mL oil absorption capacity, 2.65 – 2.85 g/mL water absorption capacity, 77.50 – 88.000C gelatinization temperature and 0.65 – 0.66 g/mL bulk density

EFFECTS OF NITROGEN, WOOD ASH AND INTRA-ROW SPACING ON STAND COUNTS AND NUMBER OF SEED TUBERS OF POTATO (Solanum tuberosum L.) PER SQUARE METER ON THE JOS PLATEAU, NIGERIA

Field experiment was conducted during 2018 and 2019 rainy seasons at the experimental farm of Potato Programme, Kuru, National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, Abia State of Nigeria. Kuru is located on (Lat. 09o 44’N, Long 08o 44” E, 1239.4m amsl) in the northern Guinea Savanna Ecological zone of Nigeria. The experiment was conducted to determine the effects of various rates of nitrogen (0, 60 and 120 kg N/ha), wood ash (0, 2.5 and 5.0 t/ha) and intra-row spacing (20, 30 and 40 cm) on stand count and number of seed tubers of potato. A split plot design was used where the factorial combinations of N and intra-row spacing were assigned to the main plots, while wood ash was assigned to sub plots. The treatments were replicated three (3) times. The result revealed that application of 60 - 120 kg N/ha and 2.5 - 5.0 t/ha wood ash enhanced crop growth and yield of potato like stand count and number of seed tuber, respectively. Therefore, during manure application of Nitrogen at 60 kg N/ha with wood ash at 5.0 t/ha and at reduced intra-row spacing (20cm and 30cm) is recommended for cultivation Potato in the region.

Effects of Mineral and Organo-mineral Fertilization on Sweet Potato (Ipomea batata {L} Lam) in Makurdi, Benue State, Southern Guinea Savanna Nigeria

A Research was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the University of Agriculture Makurdi Benue State located between 7 0 45’N and 8 0 37’E during 2019 cropping season to evaluate the effect of mineral and Organo-mineral fertilization on growth and yield of sweet potato ( Ipomea batata {L} Lam). The fertilizer sources used as treatments were: NPK20:10:10 (100, 200 and 300 kg/ha), Poultry manure (2, 5 and 8t/ha), Fertiplus (2, 5 and 8t/ha) and control. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Vines of sweet potato was sourced from National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, cut into 25 cm long and planted at a spacing of 0.3 m (100 cm x 30 cm) inter-row and intra-row respectively which gave a plant population of 33,333 plants per hectare. The growth parameters of sweet potato were significantly increased (vine length, plant girth, number of leaves, leaf width) over the control. The longest vine length (153.30 cm) at 12 WAP was obtained from poultry NPK 300 kg/ha and the least from the control (11.80 cm) at 4 WAP. The longest leaf length (12.27 cm) was obtained from Fertiplus 8t/ha at 12 WAP and the least (6.00 cm) from the control at 4 WAP. The broadest leaf width (10.80 cm) was obtained from poultry 8t/ha at 6 WAP and the least (5.27 cm) from the control at WAP. The highest yield (48.67) in terms of number of marketable roots was obtained from poultry 5t/ha and the least (18.67) from the control. The highest weight of marketable root 18.70 t/ha was obtained from poultry manure 5t/ha and the least 2.97 t/ha from the control. Application of 5t/ha of poultry manure is recommended for soil fertility improvement and root yield of sweet potato in the study area. Keywords: Organo-mineral, Fertilization, Sweet Potato, Southern Guinea Savanna DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-12-02 Publication date: June 30 th 2021

Effect of Some Chemical Mutagens on Nutrient Compositions of Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam)

Effects of sodium azide (SA) and colchicine (COL) (chemical mutagens) on some nutrient compositions of four varieties of sweetpotato (Butter milk, TIS87/0087, UMUSPO/3 and UMUSPO/1) were investigated at the Biotechnology Laboratory of the National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, Nigeria. The parent plants were treated with sodium azide and colchicine mutagens at concentrations of 0%, 0.03%, 0.05% and 0.07%. Storage roots of the M2V2 generations from the mutant plants were used for the nutrient composition analysis using recommended standard procedures. Nutrient traits studied were: moisture content (%), dry matter content (%), amylose and amylopectin contents (%), starch yield (%), starch content % based on fresh weight and starch content % based on dry weight. Mutants with higher dry matter content than the control were observed in TIS87/0087 treated with SA and COL 0.03%. SA and COL 0.05% produced mutants with higher amylose content (and lower amylopectin) than the control in TIS87/0087. UMUSPO/3 treated with SA 0.03% and SA 0.05% produced mutants with higher values for amylose content (and lower values for amylopectin) than the control; the same variety treated with colchicine (COL 0.05%), recorded higher value for amylose content (and lower value for amylopectin) than the control. These findings showed that sodium azide and colchicine mutagens were potent in inducing variations in nutrient composition of sweetpotato.

Morphological Variability and Storage Root Productivity of Some Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam) Genotypes in An Ultisol

Ten sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) genotypes sourced from National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike were evaluated under rainfed condition in 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to ascertain variability among ten sweet potato genotypes and identify traits which are positively and significantly associated with yield and also identify genotypes with high yield potential for cultivation on an ultisol of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The ten genotypes: TIS87/0087, Naspoy-12, Umuspo-4, Umuspo-1, Naspoy-11, Lourdes, Erica, Delvia, Ex-Igbariam and Umuspo-3 were used as treatments and the experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data collected were subjected to analysis of variance, correlation and principal component analysis. The genotype differs significantly (P≤ 0.05) for number of marketable roots, weight of marketable roots and fresh roots yield. UMUSPO-3 was superior over all the other genotypes for the following character; number of marketable roots, weight of marketable root yield and fresh root yield. Umuspo-3 produced the highest storage root yield (28.78t/ha, 27.09t/ha) in 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons, respectively. The result of the correlation analysis also revealed that vine length, number of marketable roots, weight of marketable were highly significantly and positively (P<0.01) correlated with fresh root yield. Principal component analysis (PCA) had four main principal components explaining 81.55% of the total variation with number of marketable roots, weight of marketable tuber and storage root yield contributing the most to the first PCA. Umuspo-3 outperformed the other nine sweet potato genotypes in yield and yield related characters. Therefore, Umuspo-3 been a high yielding genotype adaptable to Uyo agro-ecology, could be recommended to sweet potato growers for fresh storage root production.

Production, Proximate Compositions and Dry Matters of Stored <i>achicha</i> and <i>mpoto - </i>Cocoyam Based Products

The production, proximate compositions and dry matters of stored <i>Achicha</i> and <i>Mpoto</i> were conducted. Fresh cocoyam corms/cormels and leaves [<i>ede ofe </i>(NCE 002), <i>cocoindia </i>(NCE 001) and ukpong/<i>anampu </i>(NCE 004)] were obtained from National Root Crop Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. A-5 kg cocoyam corms/cormels of the samples was sorted, washed and boiled for 3 hours and was cooled, peeled and cut into small sizes of average of 2.0 cm by 1.5 cm dimension with a sharp kitchen knife. They were spread on a mat and dried under the sun for 5 days. The dried cocoyam corms/cormels (<i>achicha</i>) were pulverized before storage with a locally fabricated machine and stored in various plastic containers for 0, 1, 2, 3 months intervals. A sample of 300 g of cocoyam leaves were plucked, sorted, washed, spread on a mat and sun-dried for 3 days. The dried cocoyam leaves (<i>mpoto</i>) were pulverized before storage with a locally fabricated machine and stored in various plastic containers for 0, 1, 2, 3 months. The proximate compositions and dry matters of 3 different varieties of 4 samples of stored <i>Achicha</i> and <i>Mpoto </i>were determined. The results of stored <i>Achicha</i> showed that <i>Edeofe</i> had the least contents in moisture (12.33%) and <i>Anampu</i> had least contents in crude fibre (1.64%) and carbohydrate content (75.65%); <i>Edeofe</i> had the highest contents in ash (3.83%), crude protein (4.78%), crude fat (0.93%), and <i>Cocoindia</i> had the highest contents of dry matter (87.79%) after 3 months storage. The proximate compositions of stored <i>Mpoto</i> showed that <i>Edeofe</i> had the least moisture content (10.16%), <i>Anampu</i> had the highest contents in ash (14.92%), <i>Edeofe</i> had the highest contents in crude protein (15.19%), crude fat (0.89%), crude fibre (8.74%), dry matters (89.85%); and <i>Cocoindian</i> had highest carbohydrate content (51.08%) after 3 months storage. This showed that stored <i>Mpoto</i> samples were richer in ash, crude protein, crude fibre and dry matters than the stored <i>Achicha</i> samples which were richer in moisture, crude fat and carbohydrate contents. It is recommendable to use the tuber and the leaves in food preparations for human consumption.

Comparing SANN and SARIMA for forecasting frequency of monthly rainfall in Umuahia

This paper adopted the use of artificial neural network (ANN) which is also a nonlinear model in contributing to the debate of comparing different methods of forecasting frequency of rainfall in Umuahia, Abia State of Nigeria. The choice of ANN is informed by articles in literature which have shown that Neural Network models outperform some traditional statistical models in modelling meteorological time series. The data used for the research was obtained from the National Root Crop Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State and it spanned from 2006 to 2016. The forecasting performance of seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model and that of seasonal artificial neural network (SANN) were compared with four forecast performance measures:- Forecast Error (FE), Mean Forecast Error (MFE), Mean Squared Error (MSE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). Results from the study showed that the SARIMA had lower error indicators in forecast performance and thus was adjudged better than SANN in forecasting frequency of rainfall in Umuahia, Abia State. A t-test for significant difference showed that there is no statistical significant difference between both forecast values. Hence, the authors conclude that the two methods can be successfully used as substitutes. Farmers, Construction Companies, Government agencies working in Umuahia are therefore advised to choose SARIMA modelling of monthly rainfall frequency over that of SANN. This study also confirms that ANNs are not utterly better than the traditional statistical models as seen in other works in literature.

Assessment of yield components of some cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genotypes using multivariate analysis such as path coefficients

Abstract Cassava, which is a tropical storage root crop, serves as a veritable source of carbohydrate for people living in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is also an important source of industrial starch, biopolymers, animal feeds and ethanol. However, the genetic improvement of the crop is impeded by dearth in information on its genetic variability. A field experiment was carried out at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike (05° 29′ N; 07° 33′ E; 122 m a.s.l.), Nigeria, aimed at assessing the interrelationship between fresh root yield and thirteen quantitative yield-related characters of twenty-eight (28) newly developed cassava genotypes. The rain-fed experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with dual replications in 2016/2017 cropping seasons. The results indicated that the newly developed cassava genotypes [2] NR110315 followed by [20] B1-5 and [1] NR110238 exhibited (P &lt; 0.05) highest fresh root yield among the twenty-eight genotypes tested. The fresh root yield of [2] NR110315 (18.77 Mt ha−1) was relatively higher compared with [18] NR050080, which gave the least root yield of 5.38 Mt ha−1. The correlation coefficients obtained from the associations among the variables were positive and exhibited highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) association, especially between leaf area index (LAI) and root diameter as well as with fresh root yield of cassava. Among the nine variables subjected to the path analysis, LAI, starch content, above ground dry matter (AGDM), weight of fresh marketable roots per plant and root length that contributed positively and directly to higher fresh root yield require greater attention during selection and breeding in cassava studies. The direct effect of the variables indicating their magnitudes in decreasing order showed that LAI exhibited the greatest effect followed by starch content, AGDM, weight of fresh marketable roots plant−1, root length, % cassava bacterial blight incidence and % Cassava mosaic disease incidence, which had the lowest direct effect on root yield of cassava. Cyanide potential exhibited a direct, weak and negative effect on fresh root yield. The results further suggested that cassava improvement could be achieved through these characters that have positive and highly significant magnitude effect on fresh root yield.

Testing the effect of AQUASORB and nitrogen rates on yield, nitrogen and water use efficiencies of wheat and hydro-physical properties of soil in Sudan Savanna, Nigeria

The effect of supplementary irrigation (SI) rate and planting date on water use efficiency of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was conducted during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons at the Research Farm of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Kuru, Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of two planting dates (2nd week of April, 2nd week of May) and four levels of water application (W1 = Control, W2 = SI of 200 m3 W3= SI of 400 m3, W4 = SI of 600 m3). The factors were combined to give 8 treatment combinations that were laid out in a 2×4 split plot arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Water use efficiency of potato was computed using formulae. Crop and water use efficiency data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA. Planting of potato in April uses water more efficiently and also gave higher potato yield. Interaction effect of planting in April x 400 m3 SI gave higher water use efficiency of potato. It is recommended that potatoes should be planted in the second week of April and rainfall augmented with 400 m3SI rates, especially at the period of dryspell.

Assessment of supplemental irrigation rate and planting date on water use efficiency of Potato in Kuru, Jos, Nigeria

The effect of supplementary irrigation (SI) rate and planting date on water use efficiency of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was conducted during the 2017 and 2018 cropping seasons at the Research Farm of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Kuru, Jos in Plateau State, Nigeria. The treatments consisted of two planting dates (2nd week of April, 2nd week of May) and four levels of water application (W1 = Control, W2 = SI of 200 m3 W3= SI of 400 m3, W4 = SI of 600 m3). The factors were combined to give 8 treatment combinations that were laid out in a 2×4 split plot arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Water use efficiency of potato was computed using formulae. Crop and water use efficiency data collected were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA. Planting of potato in April uses water more efficiently and also gave higher potato yield. Interaction effect of planting in April x 400 m3 SI gave higher water use efficiency of potato. It is recommended that potatoes should be planted in the second week of April and rainfall augmented with 400 m3SI rates, especially at the period of dryspell.

Physico-Chemical Properties of Water Yam and Cowpea Flour Blends for Production of Snacks

Aim: The aim of this study is to produce flour from different blend ratio of water yam and cowpea and determination of the physico chemical properties of the snacks produced from the flour blends.&#x0D; Introduction: Snacks are something consumed occasionally for pleasure rather than for nutritive purpose. They are mainly produced by wheat flour. Wheat flour, the main ingredient for production of snacks are imported and thus, the cost of importation of wheat flour eat deep into the Nigeria economy and has placed a considerable burden on the foreign exchange reserve, in the long run causes increase in wheat products. Furthermore, over consumption of wheat products leads to celiac disease associated with immunological disease of the upper intestine triggered by the ingestion of gluten containing cereals. Production of alternative flour to wheat flour can be a welcome idea. Cereal has high nutritional value and it has an appreciable protein content.&#x0D; Study Design: The physico chemical analysis was carried out at the biochemistry laboratory of National Root Crop Research Institute Umudike.&#x0D; Methodology: The water yam (Dioscorea alata) and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) flours were prepared and they were used for water yam/ cowpea blend at different ratio of (ie 100%:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50). The 100% water yam was the control sample. Functional properties and proximate composition of the samples were determined.&#x0D; Results and Discussion: According to the result generated from the sensory evaluation, it was discovered that yam/ cowpea blend in the ration of 50:50, 60:40 and 70:30 were more acceptable than the other samples. This can be related to the high content of cowpea in the samples.&#x0D; Conclusion: The yam /cowpea blend in the concentration of 50; 50 was more preferred than the other samples by the panelist. As a means of nutritional balance yam fortified with cowpea can boost the protein intake of population consuming yam as its main staple.

Root Yield Response of Pro-Vitamin andlsquo;Aandrsquo; Cassava to Climatic Parametersin Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria

Root yield response of pro-vitamin ‘A’ cassava was studied in Umudike for five years using climatic data collected from Agro-met Unit of the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike. Data on pertinent climatic parameter and their relationship with pro-vitamin ‘A’ cassava were analyzed using regression, correlation and descriptive statistics. The results reveal that all the seven climatic parameters possess upward trends with annual values of rainfall increasing at the rate of 2.455 mm annually, maximum temperature 0.029°C, minimum temperature 0.220°C, mean annual temperature 0.024°C, relative humidity 0.282%, sunshine hours 0.004 hrs and soil temperature 0.015°C. Correlating climatic indices with pro-vitamin ‘A’ cassava root yield, time, relative humidity and soil temperature were significant at 5% level of confidence, that is 61%, 60%, and 64% respectively while the relationship with maximum temperature were significant at 10% confidence level, that is 53%. Some other factors such as agronomic practices and nutrient content of the soil could have contributed to the root yield of pro-vitamin ‘A’ cassava in the study area. In conclusion, the variations in root yield of pro-vitamin ‘A’ cassava over the years studied in Umudike depend majorly on the values and trends of climatic parameters. Therefore, it is recommended, among others, that the variability, values, and trends of pertinent climatic parameters should be monitored constantly.

Rheological and Pasting Properties of Flour, Extruded Products and Fresh Samples from Yellow Root Cassava, Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato, Plantain Fortified with Moringa oleifera Leaves

Introduction: There is complete dependence on wheat flour for baked products, which are imported from other parts as wheat can’t grow in Nigeria. Therefore, to reduce the cost of importation, composite flour can be an alternative. Composite flour has some advantages for developing countries such as Nigeria as it reduces the importation of wheat flour and encourages the use of locally available resource for making flour.&#x0D; Methodology: Orange -fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), yellow roots cassava (YRC) were all sourced from National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike (NRCRI), while the plantain and Moringa oleifera leaves were gotten from Umuahia market and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) respectively. The samples were processed into flour to form different blend ratio. The flour blend constitutes of yellow root cassava, orange fleshed sweet potato and plantain which were fortified with Moringa oleifera leaves at constant portion of 5% while the YRC, OFSP and plantain were varied at different concentrations.&#x0D; Three (3) experiments were conducted, of which experiment 1 is the flour made from the blend of YRC, OFSP, plantain and moringa oleifera leave. Sample A, B, C, D, E F, G and H were the composite flour. A consist of 65% YRC, 10% OFSP, 20% Plantain, 5% moringa leaves powder: B consist of 70% YRC, 10% OFSP, 15% Plantain, 5% moringa leaves powder: C is 75% YRC, 10% OFSP, 10% Plantain, 5% moringa leaves powder, D is made up of 80% YRC, 5% OFSP, 10% Plantain, 5% moringa leaves powder, E is 85% YRC, 5% OFSP, 5% Plantain, 5% moringa leaves powder, F is 95% and 5% moringa leaves powder, G is 95% plantain and 5% moringa leaves powder and H is 95% and 5% moringa leaves powder respectively. Experiment 2 was the extruded baked snacks from the blend ratio of composite flour and Experiment 3 was the fresh of yellow root cassava, plantain and orange fleshed sweet potatoes analysed on fresh basis.&#x0D; Results: The breakdown of the extruded baked snacks ranged between (254.72 RVU to 298.54 RVU) from sample P to J. No significant difference (P &gt;0.05) was observed among samples K (271.64 RVU), N (276.64 RVU) and M (279.11 RVU). Peak viscosity values obtained from experiment 1 ranged from 202.31 RVU to 388.68 RVU. There was no significant difference (P &gt;0.05) among the samples A (382.65 RVU), D (382.07 RVU), E (383.07 RVU) and H (384.63 RVU).The holding strength of the composite flour in this study range from 123.16 RVU to 256.62 RVU. The result on experiment 3i. e. fresh of yellow root cassava had the highest peak viscosity of (355.72 RVU), followed by sample R (291.75) and sample S (260.09 RVU) which were the fresh plantain and fresh orange-fleshed sweet potato. Result of trough, indicated that sample Q (117.17 RVU) had the highest trough followed by sample R (83.40 RVU) and S (80.16 RVU). A significant difference was observed on final viscosity within the fresh samples whereby sample Q (394.09 RVU) had the highest score followed by sample R (334.13 RVU) and S (300.63 RVU).&#x0D; Conclusion: There was no significant difference (P &gt;0.05) within experiment 1, 2 and 3 on peak value, final viscosity, setback, breakdown and peak time while the trough was high in experiment 1 (composite flour) than in experiment 2 and 3. As food, the extrudates with low relative viscosity can easily be eaten by infants while those with high viscosity can only be eaten easily by adults because they tend to be hard and cohesive in texture than samples with low viscosities.

Nutritional Qualities of Ginger Mutant Lines Grown in the Humid Tropical Agroecology of Nigeria

The present study was aimed to determine the variations in nutritional qualities of 15 mutant lines and two landraces of ginger (Zingiber officinale). Fifteen (15) gamma (γ)-ray induced mutants lines and two landraces of ginger were planted in 2017 early cropping season in the Teaching and Research Farm, Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Wildlife Resources Management, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. To evaluate the nutritional qualities of these seventeen ginger genotypes at maturity, proximate analysis was carried out in the Biochemistry Laboratory of the National Root Crop Research Institute Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria. Using standard and official protocols of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Results showed that the ginger lines varied significantly (P &lt; 0.01) in all their proximate attributes. The moisture content ranged from 10.13% (UG1) to 12.95% (UG2). Mean dry matter was 88.89%; UG1 and UG2 had the highest (89.89%) and lowest (87.05%) dry matter content, respectively. Mean crude protein was 7.74%; UG2-9-01 and UG2-11-03 had the highest (8.25%) and lowest (7.29%) crude protein respectively. UG1-5-38 and UG1-5-22 had the highest (8.12%) and lowest (6.41%) crude fibre content respectively. The oleoresin content ranged from (6.25%) in UG2-9-01 to (9.09%) in UG1-11-07. UG1-5-04 and UG1-5-22 had the highest (2.88%) and lowest (2.22%) ash content respectively. UG2-9-01 had the highest carbohydrate content of (65.10%). While UG1-5-52 had the lowest (61.27%) The result showed that the ginger lines used in this study had high mean carbohydrate (62.85%) and protein (7.74%) contents as such can be used as supplementary sources of these nutrients for human and livestock. UG1-7-24, UG1-11-07 and UG1-5-18 with high oleoresin contents of 9.11%, 9.09% and 9.05% respectively are recommended to ginger breeders as useful genotypes for improving other ginger lines through micropropagation techniques especially when breeding for oleoresin quality, which is an important quality of ginger. In conclusion, further evaluation and testing of these ginger lines is recommended.

Evaluation of Nutritional and Anti Nutrition Factors of Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato, Yellow Root Cassava and Plantain Flour Blends Fortified with Moringa oleifera Leaves

Aim: The aim of this study is to produce flour from different blend ratio of orange fleshed sweet potato, yellow root cassava (YRC) and Plantain fortified with Moringa oleifera leaves powder and to determine the nutritional composition (vitamin and mineral) and phytochemical content of the composite flour.&#x0D; Introduction: Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is a promising root crop due to its high β-carotene content which could help to reduce vitamin A deficiency (VAD). However, it is a less utilized perishable crop. Therefore, in other to improve it utilization in processing and bakery products the incorporation with other flours should be considered. In order to use OFSP tubers, incorporation with other flours in processing and baked products can be considered.&#x0D; Study Design: The physicochemical analysis was carried out at the biochemistry laboratory of National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCR1) while part of the analysis was done at International Institute of Tropical Agriculture Ibadan (IITA). Study lasted for 6 months.&#x0D; Methodology: Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP), yellow roots cassava (YRC) were all sourced from National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, while the plantain and Moringa oleifera leaves were gotten from Umuahia market and Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (NRCRI) respectively. The samples were processed into flour and used to form a blend. The flour blend constitute of yellow root cassava, orange fleshed sweet potato and plantain which were fortified with Moringa oleifera leaves at constant portion of 5% while the YRC, OFSP and plantain were varied at different concentration of 65%, 70, 75, 80, 85, 95 and 5, 10, 95 and 5, 10, 15, 25 and 95% I.e. Sample A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H respectively.&#x0D; Results: The result obtained indicated among the mineral content determined that sample G which serves as the control with 95% Plantain and 5% Moringa oleifera leaves powder exhibited highest in calcium having 13.26 mg/100 g, magnesium 88.06 mg/100 g, potassium 287.70 mg/100 g and iron 2.69 mg/100 g as compared to other composite flour. The phytochemical content of sample F (95% YRC with 5% Moringa oleifera leaves powder) has the highest in alkaloid, tannin and hemagglutinin content as 4.22 mg/100 g 2.26 mg/100 g and 12.43 mg/100 g respectively. The result also indicated that increase in the YRC and decrease in the OFSP caused an appreciable increase in the Vitamin B1, B3 C and D content.&#x0D; Conclusion: The vitamins, mineral and phytochemical content of the products were enhanced and can be of nutritional benefit to the public.

Functional and pasting properties of products of white and yellow cassava

This study evaluated the pasting properties of selected products; fufu, garri and tapioca made from yellow cassava (Manihot utilisima Crantz) and white cassava (Manihot dulcis Crantz) products. The cassava products were obtained from the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State and was processed in food science and technology and nutrition and dietetics laborstory, Imo state university. The functional and pasting result showed that among the studied finished cassava products, the fermented cassava flour had the highest water absorption capacity (WAC) 4.4g/g as compared to values of 3.75g/g for garri and 2.85g/g for tapioca.The water absorption capacities of the white cassava products were in the range of 2.79±0.01to 4.34±0.14g/g with white cassava tapioca having the least value (2.79±0.0g/g) and the white cassava flour having the highest value (4.34±0.14). Some significant differences (p&lt;0.05) existed between the water absorption capacities value of the match pairs (similar products) of white and yellow cassava varieties, with the exception of the garri samples. The oil absorption capacities (OAC) of the yellow cassava products were in the range of 1.94±0.03 to 2.91±0.01g/g with yellow cassava tapioca having the least value (1.94±0.03g/g) e and the yellow cassava flour having the highest value (2.91±0.01g/g). The oil absorption capacities of the white cassava products were in the range of 1.95±0.01 to 2.94±0.10g/g with white cassava tapioca having the least value (1.95±0.01) and white cassava flour having the highest value (2.94±0.10g/g). All the match pairs (similar products) of the yellow and white cassava showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05) in the oil absorption capacity of the cassava product with exception of the tapioca samples. The bulk density (BD) value of the yellow cassava products and white cassava products were in the range of 0.48±0.05 to 0.54±0.0g/ml and 0.47±.0.04 to 0.55±0.02g/ml respectively. There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between all the pair similar products from the yellow and white cassava varieties with regards to the BD. Garri samples had the highest water absorption capacity (4.36g/g, 4.34g/g) and (7.5%) solubility. Also, the result revealed that yellow cassava fufu (flour) had the highest (5084 RVU) values in peak viscosity, trough viscosity (2590 RVU), breakdown viscosity (2494 RVU) and final viscosity (3500 RVU) but not in setback viscosity, peak time (min) and pasting temperature (0C)Keywords: Tapioca, Bulk Density, Garri, Pasting

Potential of Vermesfluid for Sustainable Cassava Production on a Degraded Ultisol of Southeastern Nigeria

Field experiments were conducted at the eastern research farm of the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, southeastern Nigeria (SEN), in 2016 and 2017 cropping seasons, to evaluate the effects of inorganic (NPK) fertilizer and vermesfluid on the root yield of cassava (TME 419). The experiment was a single-factorial in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments comprised 16 percentage combinations of the recommended rate of NPK fertilizer (600 kg/ha) and the maximum recommended vermesfluid concentration (4%). The vermesfluid was applied foliarly 4 times at a 4 weekly interval, while the NPK fertilizer was banded in at 6 weeks after planting. The cassava was harvested at 11 months after planting and the yield estimated in tonnes per hectare (t/ha). The results of a 2-year average showed that application of vermesfluid alone between the recommended concentration range of 3 and 4%, induced similar yield responses but resulted in a non-significant and significant reduction in cassava root yield below those of the control (T0) and the application of the full dosage of NPK fertilizer (T7), respectively. However, combined application of 75% of the recommended rate of NPK fertilizer with 100% of vermesfluid concentration (T12), gave exceptionally high cassava yield of 57.8t/ha, which significantly out-yielded every other treatment including T7 and T0 by 18.6% and 55.2%, respectively. On the basis of this result, T12, which not only gave the best yield but also reduced the application rate of the NPK fertilizer with the associated cost and environmental risk components by 25%, is recommended for sustainable cassava production on a degraded Ultisol of SEN.

Sensory evaluation of selected products from white and yellow cassava (&lt;i&gt;Manihot crantz&lt;/i&gt;) varieties

This study evaluated the nutrient contents and consumer acceptability of tapioca, garri products made from yellow cassava (Manihot utilisima Crantz) and white cassava (Manihot dulcis Crantz) varieties. The cassava products were obtained from the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Abia State and was processed in food science and technology and nutrition and dietetics laboratory, Imo state university. Tapioca and garri were produced from the two cassava varieties using the traditional method and analyzed for nutrient quality using standard methods. Twenty-two (22) semi trained panelists were used to determine the organoleptic properties of the products produced from the different cassava varieties. Results showed that both white and yellow cassava varieties (Manihot crantz ) in the South Eastern Nigeria are valuable sources of carbohydrate (&gt; 80%) , poor source of protein (0.7 to 3.1%), high source of dry matter(89%). Samples had no significant differences (p&gt;0.05) between their match pair products, however significant differences (p&lt;0.05) existed in yellow and white tapioca samples for ash, crude protein, fat and crude fibre. The sensory result showed that tapioca products of both varieties were very much accepted (score &gt; 7.5), the garri sample of the white variety was very much accepted (score &gt;7.5), while the yellow garri sample was moderately (score 7.13) accepted.Keywords: Sensory, white, yellow cassava, tapioca