Sweet Potato Research Articles

Study on Sensory Analysis of Gulabjamun Prepared by Utilization of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Pulp

Present investigation was carried out at Dairy Science Laboratory of Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture, Dr. BSKKV., Dapoli (M.S.) to study the Utilization of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) pulp for the preparation of gulabjamun. In present study, Khoa prepared from buffalo milk and sweet potato pulp was used in preparation of Gulabjamun. Sweet potato pulp was used at five levels i.e., 0,5,10,15,20 whereas khoa was used at 90,85,80,75 and 70 %. Maida was added 10 % at the five-treatment combination. Studied for its sensory properties such as colour and appearance, body and texture, flavour, overall acceptability was carried out by trained panelist using 9-point hedonic scale. It was found that Gulabjamun made from utilization of sweet potato pulp at 15% was best in present investigation and it may conclude that sweet potato pulp can be successfully utilized for preparation of gulabjamun.

Exploring plant-based dengue therapeutics: from laboratory to clinic.

Dengue virus (DENV) is a mosquito-borne virus that causes dengue fever, a significant public health concern in many tropical and subtropical regions. Dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries, primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Each year, up to 400 million people get infected with dengue. Approximately 100 million people get sick from infection, and 40,000 die from severe dengue. Unfortunately, dengue vaccine development is also marred with various complicating factors, as the forefront candidate vaccine performed unsatisfactorily. Moreover, the only licensed vaccine (Dengvaxia) for children 9 through 16years of age is available in just a few countries. The treatment difficulties are compounded by the absence of an effective antiviral agent. Exploring plant-based therapeutics for dengue from the laboratory to clinical application involves a multi-stage process, encompassing various scientific disciplines. Individual investigators have screened a wide range of plant extracts or compounds for potential antiviral activity against DENV. In vitro studies help identify candidates that exhibit inhibitory effects on viral replication. Some of the most promising medicinal plants showing in vitro activity against DENV include Andrographis paniculate, Acorus calamus, and Cladogynos orientalis. Further laboratory studies, both in vitro and in animal models (in vivo), elucidate the mechanisms of action by which the identified compounds exert antiviral effects. Medicinal plants such as Carica papaya, Cissampelos pareira, and Ipomea batata exhibited potent platelet-enhancing activities while Azadirachta indica and Curcuma longa showed promising effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies. Based on positive preclinical results, researchers design clinical trials. This involves careful planning of trial phases, patient recruitment criteria, ethical considerations, and endpoints. The most important medicinal plants showing efficacy and safety in clinical trials include Carica papaya and Cissampelos pareira. This review suggests that several promising medicinal plants exist that have the potential to be turned into clinical drugs to treat dengue infection. However, in addition to developing synthetic and plant-based therapies against dengue infection, vector management strategies should be made robust, emphasizing the need to focus on reducing disease incidence.

Evaluation and character association study for tuber yield, biochemical and antioxidant properties of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas)

A study was carried out during 2022 and 2023 at ICAR-Research Complex for North-Eastern Hill Region, Umiam, Meghalaya to evaluate the yield, biochemical and antioxidant properties of 49 accessions of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] in mid hill condition of north-eastern region. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design (RBD) with 3 replications. Results indicate that Mynthlu Orange exhibited the highest tuber weight, length, diameter and yield. In terms of biochemical parameters, Meghalaya Local recorded the highest dry matter content; Col-6 recorded the highest starch content; and X-24 had the highest total sugar content. Among antioxidants, X-24 showed the highest total phenolic content, highest FRAP assay value and anthocyanin with lowest IC50 value which signified that X-24 had the highest antioxidant activity. Correlation study revealed significant positive correlation of tuber yield with tuber weight, diameter and total anthocyanin. Based on the mean performance, accessions Mynthlu Orange, X-24 and Col-6 were found promising for yield, biochemical and antioxidant parameters.

Comparative Efficacy of Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratissimum Essential Oils Against Cyclas puncticollis Infesting Sweet Potatoes in Burkina Faso

Aims: The aim of the present study was to compare the insecticidal effect of the essential oils Ocimum basilicum and Ocimum gratisiimum on the sweet potato weevil Cyclas punticollis. Study Design: The aim of this approach was to contribute to the management of the sweet potato weevil in Burkina Faso. Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were carried out at the INERA Entomology laboratory in Bobo-Dioulasso during the cropping season 2022-2023. Methodology: Five essential oil concentrations (25; 50; 75; 100 and 125 μL/L) were used. Toxicity tests were carried out by fumigation in jars by depositing a charge of essential oil on a 6 cm disc of filter paper. Batches of ten C. puncticollis adults were introduced into the jars containing a fresh, healthy tuberous root of the sweet potato and immediately closed. Each test was repeated five times. The number of dead insects in each batch (treated and untreated jars) was counted every 30 min up to 5 h of exposure and for 4 days (24 h, 48 h ,72 h and 96h) per observation. Results: The results showed that the different oils had an insecticidal effect on C. puncticollis and that these oils contained chemical substances responsible for the mortality observed. Indeed, mortality rates of 100% were observed after 2 hours of exposure of the weevils with the 125µL/L concentration of O. gratissimum, followed by concentrations of 100µL/L, 75µL/L, 50µL/L after 24 hours and 48 hours with 25µL/L. With O. basilicum essential oil, 100% mortality was observed after 24 hours of weevil exposure with O. basilicum concentrations of 125µL/L and 100µL/L, followed by 98% mortality with concentrations of 75µL/L, 50µL/L and 25µL/L after 96 hours. Conclusion: These results suggest that the essential oils of Ocimun gratissimun and Ocimun basilicum can be used in the management of C. puncticollis. However, it would be necessary to carry out a concrete application of these oil extracts on large potato stocks in order to confirm or not their efficacy.

Pengaruh Penambahan Ubi Jalar Kuning (Ipomoea Batatas L.) dan Bunga Rosella (Hibiscus Sabdariffa L.) Terhadap Karakteristik Fisikokimia dan Organoleptik Saus Tomat

Abstract. Tomato sauce is a product produced from a mixture of tomato puree or tomato paste or tomato solids obtained from ripe tomatoes, which is processed with spices, with or without the addition of other food ingredients and permitted food additives. The addition of yellow sweet potato was chosen as a natural thickener and rosella flowers to replace the role of synthetic dyes in tomato sauce. The research design used in this study was a randomized factorial block design consisting of 2 factors, namely the addition of yellow sweet potato (0%,15% and 30%) and the addition of rosella flowers (0%, 5% and 10%). Parameters tested are water content, total dissolved solids, pH, total carotene, antioxidant activity, color intensity and organoleptic. The results showed that there was an interaction between the addition of yellow sweet potato and rosella flower on water content, total dissolved solids, pH, antioxidant activity. The addition of yellow sweet potato affected the water content, total dissolved solids, pH, total carotene, antioxidant activity, brightness (L) and redness (a+). The addition of rosella flowers affected the water content, total dissolved solids, pH, total carotene, antioxidant activity and brightness (L). The best treatment was A2B1 with a value of water content (63.32%), total dissolved solids (19.33°Brix), pH (3.89), total carotene (22.32µg), antioxidant activity (76.71%), color intensity (L 39.63; a* 15.6; b* 16.2); aroma 4.24 (rather delicious), color 4.12 (rather bright), taste 4.56 (delicious), texture 4.88 (thick), preference 4.36 (rather like).

Effects of Bio and water-soluble fertilizers on sweet potato yield, quality and soil properties in a continuous cropping system under plastic film-mulched drip-fertigated field conditions.

To verify an effective approach for alleviating problems associated with the consecutive monoculture of sweet potato, five fertilizer treatments were designed under plastic film-mulched, drip-fertigated conditions in fields continuously planted with sweet potato over five years. These treatments included: (1) no fertilizer application, (2) basic application of water-soluble (WS) fertilizer, (3) basic application of biofertilizer (BF) and WS fertilizer, (4) split application of WS fertilizer, and (5) combined basic application of BF and split application of WS fertilizer. The effects of BF and WS fertilizer applications on yield, quality, and soil properties were evaluated. Fertilizer applications had positive effects on increasing soil activities and nutrients compared with no fertilizer application. Split fertigation with WS fertilizer increased the activities of soil dehydrogenase (DHA) by 10.94 ~ 14.74%, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by 4.97 ~ 5.13%, and soil organic matter (SOM) by 10.43 ~ 12.47% in the second year compared with a single application. In both years, split fertigation exerted positive effects on increasing dry matter (DM) accumulation in tuberous roots and increased the productive efficiency in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers. BF application for two consecutive years increased the activities of soil sucrase by 7.05 ~ 17.83%, DHA by 18.65 ~ 21.34%, ALP by 6.87 ~ 7.03%, soil available P by 18.34 ~ 28.10%, and SOM by 8.18 ~ 10.17% compared with the no BF application. BF also increased the root yield by 8.88 ~ 14.14%, the carotenoid content in tuberous roots by 20.38 ~ 30.64%, and the K utilization efficiency by 11.09 ~ 14.97%. The combination of BF and split fertigation for two consecutive years was most conducive to the activation of soil nutrients, maintenance of soil fertility, and improvement in yield and quality, which could mitigate problems associated with the consecutive monoculture of sweet potato.

Early Sweet Potato Plant Detection Method Based on YOLOv8s (ESPPD-YOLO): A Model for Early Sweet Potato Plant Detection in a Complex Field Environment

Traditional methods of pest control for sweet potatoes cause the waste of pesticides and land pollution, but the target detection algorithm based on deep learning can control the precise spraying of pesticides on sweet potato plants and prevent most pesticides from entering the land. Aiming at the problems of low detection accuracy of sweet potato plants and the complex of target detection models in natural environments, an improved algorithm based on YOLOv8s is proposed, which can accurately identify early sweet potato plants. First, this method uses an efficient network model to enhance the information flow in the channel, obtain more effective global features in the high-level semantic structure, and reduce model parameters and computational complexity. Then, cross-scale feature fusion and the general efficient aggregation architecture are used to further enhance the network feature extraction capability. Finally, the loss function is replaced with InnerFocaler-IoU (IFIoU) to improve the convergence speed and robustness of the model. Experimental results showed that the mAP0.5 and model size of the improved network reached 96.3% and 7.6 MB. Compared with the YOLOv8s baseline network, the number of parameters was reduced by 67.8%, the amount of computation was reduced by 53.1%, and the mAP0.5:0.95 increased by 3.5%. The improved algorithm has higher detection accuracy and a lower parameter and calculation amount. This method realizes the accurate detection of sweet potato plants in the natural environment and provides technical support and guidance for reducing pesticide waste and pesticide pollution.

ANALYSIS OF CONSUMER PREFERENCE FOR SWEET POTATO ATTRIBUTES IN KANO STATE, NIGERIA

The study was undertaken to examine the consumer preference for sweet potato attributes in Kano State. Descriptive statistics and Garret’s ranking were used to analyze the data collected from 251 sweet potato consumers who were systematically selected using structured questionnaire. The results showed that sweet potato consumers had a mean age, household size and monthly income of 34 years, 4 persons and N49, 724 respectively. Majority (93% and 77.29%) of the consumers were male and married respectively. The results further indicated variety (mean score = 77.5, ranked 1st), colour (mean score = 72.6, ranked 2nd), dry matter content (mean score = 62.0, ranked 3rd), fibre content (mean score = 53.1, ranked 4th) and sweetness (mean score = 46.0, ranked 5th) were the most attributes considered by the consumers while purchasing sweet potato. It is concluded that majority of the sweet potato consumers were more sensitive to variety, colour and dry matter content in their decision to purchase sweet potato and therefore, recommended that the breeders should take into cognizance these attributes while developing new sweet potato variety to make it more acceptable and marketable commodity to consumers.

A review on Biofortification of Crops: A Nutritional Strategy for Combating Malnutrition

Biofortification is an innovative agricultural approach aimed at reducing global micronutrient deficiencies, often referred to as "hidden hunger," by enhancing the nutritional quality of staple crops through breeding, genetic engineering, and agronomic practices. This strategy targets essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and provitamin A, particularly in regions where diets are predominantly based on nutrient-poor staple foods. Biofortified crops, such as vitamin A-enriched sweet potatoes and iron-rich beans, have demonstrated significant improvements in nutrient intake and health outcomes, including reduced anemia and enhanced child growth. Despite its promise, the adoption and widespread implementation of biofortified crops face multiple challenges, including technical constraints in breeding for nutrient stability and bioavailability, regulatory barriers for genetically modified varieties, and socio-cultural resistance due to consumer preferences and lack of awareness. Moreover, environmental factors, such as soil nutrient content and agro-ecosystem dynamics, can influence the success and sustainability of biofortification. Addressing these issues requires advancing research in nutrient bioavailability, developing more resilient crop varieties, and incorporating biofortification into broader food and nutrition policies. Scaling up biofortified crops will depend on effective community engagement, public-private partnerships, and integration into existing agricultural extension systems. Successful examples, such as the widespread adoption of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes in Sub-Saharan Africa, highlight the potential of biofortification to improve nutritional security and livelihoods when supported by targeted advocacy and policy initiatives. Thus, while challenges persist, biofortification remains a valuable, cost-effective solution to addressing micronutrient malnutrition and improving global food security, especially when implemented in tandem with other nutrition and health interventions.

Augmenting of primary and secondary macronutrients by chopped leucaena leaves used as organic matter in composted sweet potato mounds under tropical humid lowland conditions

Augmenting of primary and secondary macronutrients by chopped leucaena leaves used as organic matter in composted sweet potato mounds under tropical humid lowland conditions

Synthesis and antifungal activity of novel amide derivatives from quinic acid against the sweet potato pathogen Ceratocystis fimbriata.

Ceratocystis fimbriata is a fungal pathogen that infects sweet potato roots, producing enormous economic losses. Cyclic polyhydroxy compound quinic acid is a common metabolite synthesized in plant tissues, including sweet potato tubers, showing weak antifungal properties. Although several O-acylated quinic acid derivatives have been synthesized and found in nature and their antifungal properties have been explored, derivatives based on modification of the carboxylic acid have never been evaluated. In this study, amide derivatives were synthesized via linkage of amines with the carboxylic acid moiety of quinic acid. Derivatives with high dipolar moments and a low number of rotatable bonds showed greater antifungal activities toward C. fimbriata in vitro than quinic and chlorogenic acids. Derivative 5b, which was synthesized by coupling p-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) with quinic acid, had the greatest antifungal activity. 5b showed iron(II)-chelating properties and reduced ergosterol content in C. fimbriata cells, causing irregularities in the fungal cell wall and inhibiting conidia agglutination. Application of 3 mm 5b reduced black rot symptoms in sweet potatoes by 70.1%. Collectively, derivatization of the carboxylic acid from quinic acid was demonstrated to be a suitable strategy to improve the antifungal properties of this compound. This study reveals a new efficient strategy for management of the sweet potato pathogen C. fimbriata. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Microbial Succession and Effect of Fermentation on the Proximate Composition of Sweet Potato Tubers, Leaves and Vines

This study was aimed at determining the effect of fermentation on the proximate composition of sweet potato tubers, leaves and vines. The study involved the spontaneous fermentation of the substrates for five days (120h). Physico-chemical properties and microbial counts were determined during the fermentation period. Lactic acid bacteria and yeasts were isolated and characterized. Proximate composition of the substrates were determined at the end of the fermentation period. The results obtained show that the aerobic plate counts range from 6.80x105±1.00x105- 8.40x106±1.00x105CFU/g, lactic acid bacteria count range from 1.70x105±1.30x105- 1.60x107±6.00x106 CFU/g and fungal count range from 2.50x105±8.00x104- 7.75x106±5.50x105 CFU/g. The counts were significantly different in most cases (p≤0.05). The lactic acid bacteria and yeast isolated and identified from the study include Lactobacillus plantarum, L. buchneri, L. delbrueckii, L. brevis, L. lactis, L. fructovorans, L. colloides, L. pentosus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Weisella confusa, Candida krusei, C. utilis, C. ciferii, C. spherical, C. rugosa, C. zeylanoides, C. guilliermondii, C. lipolytica, C. tropicalis, C. boidinii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Rhodoturulaminuta, R. glutinis, Kodamaeaohmeri, Kloekerasp. The results of the proximate composition show that there was increase in both Nitrogen free extract and metabolisable energy and decrease in protein content and ash content after fermentation. Findings from this study imply that fermentation of these substrates is characterized by a wide variety of lactic acid bacteria and yeasts with positive effect on the proximate composition of the substrates.

Should Zoo Food Be Chopped for Ruffed Lemurs? It's Not so Black and White.

Whole food diets in zoos have the potential to reduce microbial contamination and keeper preparation time, whilst also reducing food nutrient breakdown. Given these benefits, it is important to determine whether there is any value in chopping up food. Lemurs (Family Lemuridae) are common in zoos, with over 7500 individuals housed globally. Given their regular occurrence in collections, plus the high incidence of frugivory, lemurs are an excellent taxon to investigate food presentation effects on behavior. A study was undertaken at Beale Wildlife Park on a group of four black-and-white ruffed lemurs (Varecia variegata) to investigate food presentation and preference. Animal behavior was recorded using instantaneous focal sampling at 60 s intervals to record state behaviors and continuous focal sampling to record event behaviors in 1-h sessions. Food preference was done by recording the first three food items consumed by individual lemurs. Overall, food manipulation was significantly increased during whole food presentation allowing the lemurs to display species-specific behaviors. Feeding and foraging were highest during very chopped food condition and inactivity was lowest in very chopped food presentation. When looking at aggressive interactions, there was an increase in stealing and locomotion with food during whole food presentation, whereas biting and startle were lower. Proving high-value food items chopped and low-value food items whole could reduce aggression while reduce aggression seen over high-value food items. For food preference, sweet potato was consistently in the top three food items for all lemurs, with beetroot being the second most-picked food item. This suggests that these individuals have a strong preference for food items high in carbohydrates. Keeper preparation time was significantly reduced during whole food preparation. Further research assessing a wider range of zoo-housed species would be beneficial to assess the effects of food presentation on behavior.

Analysing Knowledge Gain in Women Farmers: Insights from Tuber Crop Cultivation Training

Aims: This study aimed to assess the knowledge gain of women farmers participating in a training program on tuber crop cultivation in Thrissur district, Kerala. The training focused on improving their understanding of key agricultural practices related to crops such as cassava, elephant foot yam, coleus, and sweet potatoes. Study Design: Ex post facto design. Place and Duration of Study: The training was organized and conducted by the Center for Gender Studies in Agriculture and Farm Entrepreneurship Development, College of Agriculture, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala on March 2024. Methodology: A total of 50 women farmers were randomly selected from various panchayats in the Thrissur district to attend the training. A pre- and post-training evaluation was conducted using a structured questionnaire comprising 15 questions, covering topics such as variety selection, soil fertility management, pest and disease control, and post-harvest value addition, and so on. Using grapesAgri1 in R Studio 4.3.1 software, the data were analysed using statistical methods like frequency, percentage, t-test and coefficient of correlation. Results: Pre- and post-training knowledge scores were calculated and analysed using simple percentage formulas to assess knowledge gain. The study revealed a significant improvement in participants' knowledge post-training. The overall average pre-training knowledge score was 9.67 out of 50 (19.34%), while the average post-training score increased to 41.53 out of 50 (83.06%). T-test was also employed to compare the mean of pre-test and post-test evaluation. The percentage of knowledge gain in the pre-training and post-training evaluation were correlated with the independent variables such as age, education, family size, category and information source utilization. The results of correlation revealed that the independent variable such as age (X1), Education (X2), Category (X3) and farm size (X4) are negatively correlated and information source (X5) was positively correlated with the dependent variable. Conclusion: The training program effectively enhanced the knowledge of women farmers in key aspects of tuber crop cultivation, contributing to improved agricultural practices and the potential for increased productivity.

Quality evaluation of innovative buttermilk biscuits produced from orange-flesh sweet potato flour infused with coconut

IntroductionThis study was undertaken to evaluate a value-added innovative buttermilk biscuit made from orange flesh sweet potato (OFSP) flour, infused with coconut. It underscores the importance of food utilisation through alternatives to wheat flour contributing to food and nutrition security amidst evolving global challenges. The objectives of this study were: to investigate the effect of different levels of OFSP flour with and without shredded coconut on the physical, microbiological, nutritional and sensory properties of buttermilk biscuits. The hypotheses were: Ho: There is no effect of different levels of OFSP flour and shredded coconut on the physical, microbiological, nutritional and sensory properties on buttermilk biscuits at ∝ = 0.05 and Ha: There is an effect of different levels of OFSP flour and shredded coconut on the physical, microbiological, nutritional and sensory properties on buttermilk biscuits at ∝ = 0.05.MethodsOFSP flour was produced and combined with wheat flour at different ratios and infused with desiccated shredded coconut to produce six formulations of buttermilk biscuits: 100% wheat flour + 5% coconut (control 1), 100% wheat flour (control 2), 70% wheat flour + 30% OFSP flour + 5% coconut, 70% wheat flour + 30% OFSP flour, 50% wheat flour + 50% OFSP flour + 5% coconut and 50% wheat flour + 50% OFSP flour. The study followed a randomised 3 × 2 factorial design where each treatment was replicated four times giving 24 treatments. Physical, nutritional, sensory, microbiological and shelf-life analyses were determined for each buttermilk biscuit treatment.ResultsThe study’s findings revealed that buttermilk biscuits formulated with 30% OFSP flour received the highest (p < 0.05) sensory evaluation scores for the majority of attributes and overall acceptability while the 100% wheat flour formulations received the lowest scores according to the 9-point hedonic scale. Notably, the inclusion of shredded coconut did not improve sensory attributes or overall acceptance of the buttermilk biscuits. The OFSP flour buttermilk biscuits contained protein, fat, fibre, moisture and ash. The 100% wheat flour treatments contained significantly higher levels of proteins and moisture than the OFSP flour buttermilk biscuits. The colour L* of the OFSP flour treatments were significantly lower than the 100% wheat flour treatments. There were no significant changes in spread-ratio, diameter and thickness of the buttermilk biscuits during storage. Furthermore, the microbiological quality was maintained as no growth of bacteria, yeasts and molds were observed.DiscussionThe OFSP flour with and without desiccated coconut produced acceptable buttermilk biscuits with less reliant on wheat flour. It is noteworthy that the protein content of the OFSP flour buttermilk biscuits was at an acceptable level even though it was lower than that in 100% wheat flour buttermilk biscuits. Food safety was maintained throughout storage which is crucial in the elimination of food borne diseases. The use of different baking parameters can be used for future studies to assess the effect of temperature on the quality of buttermilk biscuits.

Canned complementary porridges for infants and young children (6-23 months) based on African indigenous crops; nutritional content, consistency, sensory, and affordability compared to traditional porridges based on maize and finger millet.

Child malnutrition is a major health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa. Complementary foods made from African indigenous and locally available raw materials are often low in protein and nutrients. It is, therefore, important to supply complementary foods that are nutritious and affordable, and with an acceptable consistency and taste. The objective of this study was to develop, on a pilot scale, food-to-food fortified, convenient, canned complementary porridges based on blends of African indigenous crops, i.e., orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) flour, and leguminous (i.e., cowpea, and Bambara groundnut) and cereal flours (i.e., teff, finger millet, maize, and amaranth), and milk powder. Plant-based, African complementary foods are often lacking in vitamin A, zinc, iron, and energy. Porridge with OFSP on a 32% dry weight (dw) basis achieved recommended levels of vitamin A (530 µg per 100 g dw). Satisfactory energy (431 Kcal per 100 g dw) was obtained by supplementation of vegetable oil. A nutritious, low-cost porridge (costing 0.15 € per 100 g can) that fulfills consistency constraints was obtained by including supplements of zinc and iron salts as ingredients. The solids content and thus protein/energy could be significantly increased using protein fractionated or germinated cowpea flours without compromising on viscosity. The sensory profile was characterised by more intense vegetable, leguminous, and malty flavours as compared to traditional reference porridges.

Genetic diversity of local sweet potato cultivars (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) from Bulungan, North Kalimantan based on morphological characters

Indonesia is one of the centers of sweet potato diversity worldwide. Sweet potatoes have the potential to be developed for food consumption. This research aims to determine the diversity of sweet potato cultivars, their morphological characteristics, and the relationships between local sweet potato cultivars in Bulungan Regency, North Kalimantan. The local sweet potato cultivars were selected using purposive sampling with the exploration method. The morphological characterization of the samples is based on IBPGR (International Board for Plant Genetic Resources) standards. Cluster analysis was conducted to identify the relationships using MVSP software version 3.1. The research identified 27 local sweet potato cultivars in Bulungan Regency. Morphological characterization revealed 41 characters that can differentiate each local sweet potato cultivar. The most influential characteristics include leaf shape, flower surface texture, the position of the stigma, flower surface color, back petal color, center shape and the number of lobes, primary leaf vein color, lobe type, main leaf bone color, stem internode length, and plant type. A flower shape that had not been discovered before, a pentagonal shape with curves, was identified. Cluster analysis divided the cultivars into two major groups with a coefficient range of 0.593 to 0.888 (59.3 to 88.8%). Cluster A consisted of one member, LK-7 (purple sweet potato), while Cluster B consisted of several subgroups with 26 local cultivars. The people of Bulungan Regency use these local cultivars for food, animal feed, and medicinal purposes.

Construction of Sensory Evaluation System of Purple Sweet Potato Rice Steamed Sponge Cake Based on Fuzzy Mathematics.

This paper presents the establishment of a sensory evaluation system for purple sweet potato rice steamed sponge cake (PSPRSSC) utilizing fuzzy mathematics. Initially, eight key sensory evaluation indices were identified through expert consultations. These indices were subsequently prioritized using fuzzy binary comparison, resulting in the following order: aroma, taste, crust color, elasticity, viscosity, chewiness, hardness, and brightness. The corresponding weight values assigned to each index were 23%, 18%, 16%, 13%, 12%, 8%, 6%, and 4%, respectively. Notably, aroma was found to have a more significant impact than visual attributes in the sensory evaluation of PSPRSSC. Based on this prioritization, comprehensive sensory evaluation criteria for PSPRSSC were formulated. Verification tests confirmed the efficacy of the proposed evaluation system. This study provides critical data and theoretical support for the sensory quality assessment of PSPRSSC, thereby facilitating its industrialization and enhancing its market viability.

Population fluctuation of the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius, 1889 (Homoptera - Aleyrodidae) on vegetable crops and effect of two entomopathogenic fungi Verticillium sp. and Paecilomyces sp.

The cotton or sweet potato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, is a major pest in Algeria, affecting various greenhouse-grown crops. This study aimed to monitor B. tabaci population dynamics on tomatoes, peppers, zucchinis, and strawberries to understand its infestation patterns. The methodology involved regular monitoring of pest activity on these crops and a laboratory bioassay to assess the efficacy of two entomopathogenic fungi, Verticillium sp. and Paecilomyces sp., in controlling the whitefly. Results revealed that B. tabaci was most prevalent on tomatoes, with a 43.73% infestation rate, followed by peppers at 24%, zucchinis at 19.14%, and strawberries at 13.11%. In addition, laboratory trials were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of two entomopathogenic fungi, Verticillium sp. and Paecilomyces sp., in controlling the whitefly. Verticillium sp. showed higher efficacy, achieving a 73% mortality rate, while Paecilomyces sp. resulted in a significantly lower mortality of 23%. These findings suggest that Verticillium sp. holds promise as a biological control agent for managing B. tabaci in Algeria, particularly on tomato crops.

Characterization of virus species associated with sweet potato virus disease in Costa Rica and riboprobe development for its rapid detection

AbstractSweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a crucial crop for food security and economic stability in many regions, including Costa Rica. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of two major viruses associated with sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) in Costa Rica: sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) and sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV). A total of 50 leaf samples displaying typical viral disease symptoms were collected from major sweet potato‐growing regions. Using multiplex reverse transcription (RT)‐PCR, SPFMV was detected in 82% of the samples and SPCSV in 52%, with a coinfection rate of 48%. Genetic analysis revealed that SPFMV isolates belonged predominantly to phylogenetic group B, while SPCSV isolates clustered with the West African (WA) strain. The low genetic diversity within these viral populations suggests a limited number of initial infection events followed by local spread. Riboprobe technology was evaluated as an alternative to RT‐PCR for virus detection. While the riboprobes for SPFMV demonstrated sensitivity comparable to RT‐PCR, the SPCSV riboprobes showed slightly lower sensitivity, particularly when using crude leaf extracts. Despite this, riboprobes offer significant advantages in terms of cost and ease of use for large‐scale screening. Our findings underscore the need for robust diagnostic and management strategies to control SPVD and highlight the importance of continuous monitoring and research to mitigate the impact of viral diseases on sweet potato production in Costa Rica. These insights contribute to the global understanding of SPVD and support collaborative efforts in plant pathology research.