Taro Corms Research Articles

RAPID IN VITRO PROPAGATION OF WESTERN GHATS CULTIVAR - COLOCASIA ESCULENTA FOR THE HIGH FREQUENCY OF PLANTLETS

Colocasia esculenta is commonly known as Taro, it is referred to as cocoyam in Nigeria. They are cherished for their rich taste, nutritional and medicinal properties. Every 100 g of taro corms possess 112 Kcal, 26.46 g carbohydrate, 1.50 g protein, 0.20 g total fat and 4.1g fiber (USDA National Nutrient Data Base). Besides its nutritional value, taro is used as a medical plant and provides bioactive compounds used as an anti-cancer drugs. Traditionally, cocoyams are vegetative propagated from tuber fragments, a practice that encourages pathogen distribution. Colocasia esculenta is a widely distributed food crop in the humid tropics and subtropics. Despite of its wide distribution, Taro plants are commonly infected with DsMV and other pathogens. This virus induces conspicuous mosaic, malformation, dwarfing or feathering on leaves in taro. As the results of infection, it reduces the quality and yield of taro production greatly. This virus is thus considered as a major limiting factor in the production of taro. Here plays the importance of tissue culture plays a major role in producing the disease resistant plants round the year with high quality. For rapid multiplication and production of quality planting materials, tissue culture technology offers promising alternative compared to the traditional production methods.
 KEYWORDS: Colocasia esculenta, Virus, Pathogens, Conventional propagation, Micropropagation, Yield, Rapid multiplication, Quality

Liposomal Taro Lectin Nanocapsules Control Human Glioblastoma and Mammary Adenocarcinoma Cell Proliferation.

The search for natural anticancer agents and nanocarrier uses are a part of the current strategies to overcome the side effects caused by chemotherapeutics. Liposomal nanocapsules loaded with purified tarin, a potential immunomodulatory and antitumoral lectin found in taro corms, were produced. Liposomes were composed by 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphoethanolamine, cholesterylhemisuccinate, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[folate(polyethylene glycol)-2000 prepared by thin-film hydration. Small unilamellar vesicles were achieved by sonication and extrusion. Scanning electron microscopy evidenced round-shaped nanocapsules presenting a smooth surface, 150 nm diameter and polydispersity index <0.2, estimated by dynamic light scattering. Tarin entrapment rates were over 80% and leakage of ~3% under 40 days of storage at 4 °C. Entrapped tarin exhibited an 83% release after 6 h at pH 4.6–7.4 and 36 °C. Both free and encapsulated tarin exhibited no in vitro toxicity against healthy mice bone marrow and L929 cells but stimulated the production of fibroblast-like and large round-shaped cells. Encapsulated tarin resulted in inhibition of human glioblastoma (U-87 MG) and breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231) proliferation, with an IC50 of 39.36 and 71.38 µg/mL, respectively. The effectiveness of encapsulated tarin was similar to conventional chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and temozolide. Tarin liposomal nanocapsules exhibited superior pharmacological activity compared to free tarin as a potential chemotherapy adjuvant.

Influence of peeling and inorganic calcium concentration on the utilisation of giant taro (Alocasia macrorrhiza) corm meal by laying hens

The effects of peeling and limestone flour level on the utilisation of Alocasia macrorrhiza corm meal (ACM) by laying hens were investigated. Maize-based diets with two concentrations of limestone flour (40 and 60 g/kg) and diets containing 200 g peeled and unpeeled ACM meal/kg with the same levels of limestone flour were fed to five replicate pens containing 10 20-week-old Shaver brown pullets (1635 ± 148 g), each for 105 days. Results showed no interaction or main effects of ACM or limestone concentration on feed intake, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion efficiency, egg shape index, surface area and Haugh unit (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Feeding whole ACM with 40 g limestone/kg diet reduced hen-day production and shell thickness (P &amp;lt; 0.05) but this was overcome by increasing limestone concentration to 60 g/kg diet. Peeled ACM with both concentrations of limestone flour maintained laying performance and egg quality. We concluded that feeding 200 g whole ACM depresses egg production and shell quality in laying hens, but increasing dietary limestone concentration overcomes this adverse effect. The concentration of limestone flour in the diet has no effect on laying performance. Higher inclusion levels of ACM, calcium source and level that will maintain laying performance and reduce feed cost need to be investigated.

Impact of Taro Corms on Functional Low Fat Ice Cream Properties

The influence of adding Taro corms ( Colocasia esculenta L. ) on the physico-chemical, rheological, and organoleptic properties. Moreover, antioxidant compounds present in ice cream mixtures, and their resultant frozen products was studied. Taro corms , whether fresh or boiled, was added (partial substitute of ice cream mix), at a levels of 10, 20, and 30% , to the mixtures of the experimental treatments, after reducing their fat contents to 4%, and stabilizer/emulsifier mixture to 0.175 % , while the control treatment contained 8% fat, 15 % sugar, 12% MSNF% and 0.35% stabilizer/ emulsifier complex. Results indicated that, dry matter, fiber and pH values, were significantly increased in the mixtures of Taro cormsas levels of addition increased. No significant differences were found in the contents of protein, fat, and carbohydrates among the Taro corms treatments. Data also showed significant differences between control treatment and the other Taro corms treatments in TS, fat and ash contents. Specific gravity , weight per gallon and freezing points of the mixes containing Taro corms , whether boiled or fresh , were found lower than the corresponding values of the control. Contrarily, viscosity as well as flow time of the Taro cormstreatments were higher than that of the control. It could also be noticed an increase in the specific gravity and weight per gallon, and consequently in the overrun and melting resistances of the resultant low fat ice cream made by adding Taro corms. Control treatment characterized with higher values of overrun and melting resistance loss (%) than Taro cormstreatments. On the other hand, control treatment had the lowest values of antioxidant compounds. All treatments were organoleptically accepted, and the ice cream with 20% boiledTaro corms characterized with slightly superior sensory properties, compared with the control, followed by 30% and 10% boiled Taro corms, in the same order. It could be recommended that the examined low fat ice cream with added 30% boiled Taro corms was of higher qualityafter reducing the fat content and stabilizer/emulsifier complex by half.

Quantitation of oxalates in corms and shoots of Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott under drought conditions

Oxalate (calcium oxalate) accumulation in taro plants (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) impacts their nutritional quality, producing acridity, causing lips, mouth and throat tissues swelling if consumed fresh. The oxalate content is related to photosynthesis, through the glycolate–glyoxylate oxidation pathway. The plant’s photosynthetic rate usually increases in non-stressed conditions. Differences in photosynthetic rate are indirectly related to the chlorophyll content index. Protein accumulation and starch variation are also important traits to understand the taro oxalate synthesis caused by drought and how they affect corm quality. The purpose of this study was to quantitate oxalates in taro corms and shoots submitted to drought conditions and to evaluate how stress response can affect the nutritional quality of taro whole-plant. Seven taro genotypes from Madeira, Canaries and Pacific Community (SPC) collections were grown in greenhouse conditions and submitted to different watering regimes for drought tolerance screening. Corms and shoots were harvested and evaluated for oxalates (soluble, insoluble and total), chlorophyll content index (CCI), crude protein, starch, starch solubility in water and starch swelling power. All accessions had very high calcium oxalate content. Drought-tolerant genotypes showed good osmotic response by oxalate precipitation and mobilization through shoot to corm tissues, photosynthesis adaptation by increase of CCI, protein accumulation, and very low starch hydrolysis. Sensitive-drought genotypes showed less mobilization of calcium oxalate, decreased photosynthetic rate and protein synthesis, and slight increase of starch hydrolysis. Variation in taro oxalate content is consistent and significantly correlated with the photosynthetic rate, carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis.

Effect of Ivorian Taro (Colocasia esculenta L. cv yatan and fouê) Corm Flours Addition on Anti-nutritional Factors and Mineral Bioavailability of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Flour

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of ivorian taro (Colocasia esculenta cv yatan and foue) corm flours (TCFyf) addition on anti-nutritional factors and mineral bioavailability of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) flour (WF). WF was substituted with TCFyf at increasing levels [0% (control), 1%, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12%] in the formulation. Compared to WF, calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, sodium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, phenolic compound, oxalate and flavonoid contents of wheat/ivorian taro (Colocasia esculenta cv yatan) corm composite flour (WF-TCFy) gradually increased with increasing the level of taro (Colocasia esculenta cv yatan) corm flour (TCFy) in WF-TCFy. The same trend was observed in potassium, phosphorous, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, phenolic compound, oxalate and flavonoid contents of wheat/Ivorian taro (Colocasia esculenta cv foue) composite flour (WF-TCFf) increased with increasing of taro (Colocasia esculenta cv foue) corm flour (TCFf) in WF-TCFf. Inversely, substitution of WF with TCFf caused gradual decreased in sodium, magnesium and calcium contents of WF-TCFf. Substitution of WF with TCFyf decreased phytate and tannin contents in the WF-TCFyf. The K/Na ratios were greater than 27. When WF substitution was achieved by TCFyf, the Ca/P ratio of the WF-TCFy did not change while that of WF-TCFf decreased. In all cases, the Ca/P ratios were below 0.3. The levels of the toxic substances were not high enough to cause concern as about 80 mg /g diet is detrimental to health. These results could encourage the use of TCFyf for the development of food products.

EFFECT OF NITROGEN FERTILIZER RATES AND WEED CONTROL TREATMENTS ON WEEDS GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY, QUALITY, AND ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY OF TARO CROP

Two field experiments for taro vegetable crop were carried out in ElKanater El-Khiria, Horticulture Research Station, Kalubia Governorate, Egypt, in a split plot design during the two successive 2015 and 2016 seasons. This study aimed to investigate the effects of two nitrogen fertilizer rates at 90 or 120 kg/ fed. in main plots and nine weed control treatments in sub plots i.e. Harness at one liter/ fed., Sencor at 300 g/ fed. and Stomp extra at 1.7 liter/ fed. each individual and/ or plus Roundup at one liter/ fed., Roundup individual, hand hoeing twice after 25 and 40 days from sowing and untreated check (control) on weeds growth and vegetative growth, yield, quality and economic feasibility of taro. The main findings of this research revealed that nitrogen fertilizer rate at 90 kg/ fed. gave the highest decrease in dry weight of weed categories i.e. , broadleaf weeds, grassy weeds and total weeds in both seasons and increased diameter and weight of taro corm in the second season. Whereas, taro plant height, taro number of leaves/ plant and uptake of nitrogen by weeds were increased by application of nitrogen rate at 120 than 90 kg/ fed. during the two seasons without any significant differences in the yield of taro, its components, chlorophyll content and chemical analysis characterized. The use of Stomp extra at 1.7 liter/ fed. applied as post-sowing plus Roundup at one liter/ fed. after 25 days from sowing applied as taro pre-emergence above soil surface exhibited significantly decreased in dry weight of total weeds by 96.9 and 95.1 % in first and second seasons, respectively. Application of Seconr at 300g /fed. plus Roundup at rate of one liter/ fed. reduced the previous total weeds by 93.3 and 94.5% and increased taro yield (43.6 and 43.5%) in the first and second seasons, respectively. Thus, these herbicides can broaden weed control weed spectrum with long weed control season, which minimize taro yield by weed competition, consequently eliminated N uptake from soil and improved protein and starch accumulation in favor taro crop yield. Also, it can be advised as alternative hand hoeing to weed control in this crop with economic feasibility and delectable herbicides residues and under permissible levels which accompanied with high quality for taro growth characteristics i.e. plant height, number of leaves/ plant and chlorophyll reading in leaves, corm length, corm diameter, corm weight, corm fresh yield, dry matter % and chemical of taro corms (protein percentage, starch percentage and total nitrogen of corm yield).

Tarin, a Potential Immunomodulator and COX-Inhibitor Lectin Found in Taro (Colocasia esculenta).

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) corm is a rustic staple food, rich in small starch granules, fibers, and bioactive phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols, tannins, phytates, micronutrients, and proteins, including tarin, a GNA‐related lectin. Tarin exhibits recognized biocide activities against viruses and insects, has antitumoral properties and is an immunomodulator molecule candidate. It has been isolated in highly purified form (>90%) from taro corms through low‐cost and single‐step affinity chromatography. It comprises 2‐domain 27 to 28 kDa protomer, posttranslational cleaved into 2 nonidentical monomers, 11.9 and 12.6 kDa, held by noncovalent binding. At least 10 tarin isoforms sharing over 70% similarity have been described. The monomers assume the β‐prism II fold, consisting of 3 antiparallel β‐sheets formed by 4 β‐strands each. Tarin exhibits an expanded‐binding site for complex and high‐mannose N‐glycan chains 49, 212, 213, 358, 465, and 477 found on cell surface antigens of viruses, insects, cancer, and hematopoietic cells, explaining its broad biological activities. Tarin may stimulate innate and adaptive immune responses, enabling hosts to recover from infections or immunosuppressed status inherent to several pathological conditions. In a murine model, tarin stimulates the in vitro and in vivo proliferation of total spleen and bone marrow cells, especially B lymphocytes. Granulocyte repopulation has also been demonstrated in long‐term mice bone marrow cell cultures. As a potential immunomodulator, tarin, administered to immunosuppressed mice, attenuated cyclophosphamide‐induced leukopenia. We propose a molecular model that unites the potential prophylactic and therapeutic action of tarin on hematopoietic and cancer cells, as a potential immunomodulator.

Traditional preparation of Achu, a cultural keystone dish in western Cameroon

Traditional gastronomy and cuisine play an important role in building national and personal identities. In an era of globalization of food systems and dietary patterns where transnational food companies are rapidly expanding in Sub-Saharan Africa, and there is a risk that national differences blur and fade away, communities can keep a strong and confident sense of their identity and culture. Preserving culinary knowledge helps to preserve genetic diversity and it is also essential to maintain and strengthen ethnic and cultural identities. During a study on taro cultivars, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, conducted in Southwest, Northwest and West Cameroon, local farmers mentioned a traditional dish known as Achu made by pounding taro corms into a dough-type paste, which is accompanied by different sauces. To document the culinary heritage associated to this popular dish, we asked farmers to show a step-by-step preparation of Achu, identify different ingredients and explain why these were included. We recorded the preparation of this traditional meal with pictures that we report here with the original recipe.

Effects of vegetative mulches on growth of indigenous crops in the Kingdom of Tonga

AbstractAs in many areas of the developing world, intensification of agriculture in Tonga, and other Pacific Islands, has put increased pressure on the soil resource. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of mulch on the growth and yield of two important food and fibre crops. The first was conducted on sloping land to evaluate the effect of guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) mulch and hedgerows on taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] yield, and in controlling soil erosion. The second compared the response of paper mulberry [Broussonetia papyrifera (L) Ventenot] to different management regimes of a grass fallow. Thick vegetative mulch increased taro corm yield by 81% and reduced soil loss by 50% compared to local farmer practice, and the soil loss from taro with mulch was comparable to the perennial cash hedgerow treatment. Mulch increased paper mulberry bark yield by 30% compared to the non‐mulch control. Comparative economic analysis showed that increased net profit in the mulched treatments compared to the non‐mulched control was T$2660/ha for taro and T$12 108/ha for paper mulberry. Considering that mulch is readily available to many farmers throughout the Pacific Islands and elsewhere in the tropics, it is recommended as a sustainable practice for crop production.

Influence of cyanobacterial auxin on sprouting of taro (Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum) and corm yield

Cyanobacteria are widely exploited in wet land rice cultivation as biofertilizer. Apart from nitrogen fixation, cyanobacteria are capable of producing a number of plant growth promoting substances. Among this, Indole acetic acid (IAA) is of prime importance. In the present study, five strains of nitrogen fixing filamentous cyanobacteria, viz. Anabaena, Aulosira, Cylindrospermum, Nostoc and Tolypothrix were tested for IAA production. IAA production in cyanobactreia could be induced by culturing them in tryptophan supplemented BG11 media. IAA was detected and quantified using Salkowski’s method. Among the five strains Aulosira, Nostoc and Tolypothrix produced significantamount of IAA. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimise three parameters, viz. tryptophan, pH and culture period to improve IAA production by Nostoc. The results revealed that the selected parameters had a significant effect on IAA production. Based on the RSM results under optimum conditions, viz. tryptophan 2.75 mg/ml, pH 7 and incubation time 14 days, Nostoc produced 8.66 μg/ml IAA. The culture filtrate of Nostoc effectivelypromoted sprouting of taro corm and the induction effect was ascertained on germination of cowpea seeds. The biometricparameters of taro corm and cowpea seeds exposed to Nostoc culture filtrate showed the growth promoting attribute of the cyanobacteria compared to that of synthetic IAA. This study reports for the first time the possible application of cyanobacteria as a biofertilizer to two varieties, viz. Muktakeshi and Telia of a tuber crop taro (Colocasia esculenta) adapted to waterlogged conditions.

Nutritional Composition and Effects of Cultural Processing on Anti-nutritional Factors and Mineral Bioavailability of Colocasia &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Esculenta&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; (Godere) Grown in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

Taro corms of Boloso variety grown in southern region of Ethiopia was exposed to processing such as boiling, frying and fermentation were investigated for proximate, mineral and anti-nutritional factors. Proximate compositions of Boloso raw were found to contain moisture- 67.64%, crude ash-3.92%, crude fiber-5.8%, crude protein-6.62%, crude fat-0.67%.Macro nutrients such as phosphorous, sodium, Potassium, and calcium were 60.63mg/100g, 37.61 mg/100g, 710 mg/100g and 186 mg/100g respectively. The mineral composition of micro nutrients found to be copper-0.76 mg/100g, zinc-14.27 mg/100g, iron-10.57 mg/100g for Bolos raw. Anti-nutrient factor of Boloso raw analyzed in this study were oxalate-187 mg/100g, Phytate-78.11 mg/100g, tannin- 67.07 mg/100g. Potassium was the most abundant macro mineral (710mg/100g) in the unprocessed tubers. Processing significantly reduced its content. The effect of processing on calcium showed significant increase upon fermentation and decrease on frying process. However, boiling did not significantly reduce the calcium content. When compared with Boloso raw, processing resulted in significant increase phosphorous and sodium content. Bolo raw has the highest zinc content. Frying process significantly reduced micronutrients where as fermentation process significantly reduced zinc and iron content. Boiling process significantly increased copper content but it decreased iron content significantly. Boloso raw is rich in calcium oxalate. Anti-nutrient factors were significantly reduced by the effects of various domestic processing (boiling, frying and fermentation) on Bolos raw taro. Of the three different treatments boiling appears to be effective in reducing oxalate, fermentation in phytate and frying in tannin content.

Yield performance of taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) cultivated with topdressing nitrogen rates at the Zona da Mata region of Minas Gerais

ABSTRACT Response of taro to amount of nitrogen applied and time of application has been the subject of discussion. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of nitrogen topdressing on taro yield. Two experiments were conducted in Oratórios - MG from September 2010 to July 2011 (Year 1) and from September 2011 to July 2012 (Year 2). Both experiments were arranged in a randomized block design, with four replications. The treatments consisted of five N rates (0; 40; 60; 80 and 160 kg ha-1) applied as topdressing at urea form. The corms of Japanese clone (BGH 5925) were planted in the 0.90 x 0.30 m spacing. In the two experimental years, yield increased in almost all corm classes with the increase in N rates. The estimated maximum yields of marketable corms were 22.23 Mg ha-1 in Year 1 and 9.81 Mg ha-1 in Year 2, with 109 and 118 kg ha-1 of N, respectively. The total number of corms per plant was similar in both years (16.45 corms/plant in Year 1 and 17.76 corms/plant in Year 2). Unmarketable corms represented 35.32 and 46.51% of the total per plant, in Year 1 and Year 2, respectively, indicating less corm growth in Year 2. The curve of taro response to topdressing N rates was similar in the two years and, the estimates were influenced by the difference in rainfall between the years. With the management of nitrogen fertilization, the maximum yield of marketable taro corms was achieved with N rates varying from 109 to 118 kg ha-1.

Batik on Cotton Fabric Using Pigment Dyes

The purpose of this research was undertaken to use flour of wild taro corm (ColocasiaEsculenta (L.) Schott) as a resist paste for batik on cotton fabric and using dye solution from pigment dyestuffs. Colour value, K/S values, sharpness of cotton batik fabric were evaluated. The washing and rubbing fastness of the batik fabric was also evaluated. From the result of experiment it can be concluded that the pattern at resist area of cotton batik fabrics show sharpness. Colour fastness to washing and rubbing were ranging between good to very good level. Pigment dye solution can be painted on cotton fabric by using batik technique.

Printing of Silk Fabric with Reactive Dye Using Flour of Wild Taro Corm as a Resist Printing Paste

The present study was undertaken to use flour of wild taro (ColocasiaEsculenta (L.) Schott) as a resist printing paste for silk fabric and using reactive dye as a dyestuffs. The K/S values, whiteness index and sharpness of printed silk fabric were studied. The washing, water, perspiration, light and rubbing fastness of the printed fabric was also evaluated. From the present work it can be concluded that the pattern at resist printing area of silk fabrics show sharpness and whiteness. Colour fastness to water and perspiration were ranging between poor to fair level. Printed fabric exhibited fair to good level in washing, rubbing and light fastness. The advantages of this product are environmental friendly that is non-toxic fumes; production cost is lower, instance application and creative process enhancement in textile production.

Variation of nitrate content among randomly selected taro (Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott) genotypes and the distribution of nitrate within a corm

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is an important staple crop distributed throughout many tropical and subtropical regions. Very little information is available about the nitrate content and its distribution within taro corms. The aim of this study, based on ion chromatography, was to analyze the concentration and distribution of nitrate within four crucial parts (upper, central, marginal, basal) of taro corms of 8 representative cultivars. The results revealed that the levels of nitrate in taro corms were variable depending on the cultivar and corm parts. The highest levels were determined in the upper part of the corm which is used for the multiplication and establishment of a new crop. Therefore, the size of this part is closely associated with the quality of the planting material. As there are no roots, the initial growth of the new taro plant depends entirely on the nutrients accumulated in the upper part of the corm. During the growth season, this part of the corm gradually becomes the lower (basal) part containing the oldest and the least biochemically active tissue, which has the lowest concentration of nitrate ions. The nitrate content in the central part, which is the most important for human nutrition, was relatively low and varied between 29 and 313mg/kg fresh weight.

Characterization of taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott] germplasm for improved flavonoid composition and content

The starchy corms of taro (Colocasia esculenta) are consumed throughout the tropics and are essential for food security in many developing countries. Taro corms are increasingly processed into fries, chips, flours or flakes in urban areas, and varieties with attractive corm flesh colours are now needed. The identification of flavonoids in taro corms would add value to this crop. The present study developed a high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) protocol for the high-throughput screening of flavonoids in taro germplasm. Overall, 350 different accessions were analysed including 259 varieties from Vanuatu, one from Vietnam, eight from Thailand, eight from the Philippines, six from Malaysia, two from Japan and 18 from Indonesia. Forty-eight breeding lines (hybrids) including 21 from Vanuatu, 21 from Samoa, four from Hawaii and two from Papua New Guinea were also analysed. Ten flavones, namely luteolin-6-C-hexoside-8-C-pentoside, schaftoside, luteolin-3′,7-di-O-glucoside, homoorientin, isovitexin, orientin, luteolin-4′-O-glucoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, vitexin and apigenin-7-O-glucoside, were successfully detected in the corm and are responsible for the attractive yellow colour of the flesh and fibres. Quantitatively, luteolin-6-C-hexoside-8-C-pentoside and schaftoside were the most important of all the detected flavonoids. However, only 18% of the varieties analysed presented these two compounds and 80% presented poor flavonoid composition. No geographical structure of the variation was detected and the most flavone-rich varieties originated from Vanuatu, Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. The compounds detected in the present study were significantly and positively correlated, suggesting that there is potential for fast improvement through controlled crosses, subsequent evaluation of full-sib progenies and cloning of elite individuals.

Crude extract from taro (Colocasia esculenta) as a natural source of bioactive proteins able to stimulate haematopoietic cells in two murine models

Besides its nutritional value, taro (Colocasia esculenta) is traditionally used as a medicinal plant and provides bioactive compounds with important biological properties. This study evaluated the in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory potential of the protein extract from taro corms on the haematopoietic cells of C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. The crude taro extract (CTE) stimulated the in vitro proliferation of mice splenocytes in a dose-dependent manner in both mice strains. The intraperitoneal inoculation of CTE induced splenomegaly and the proliferation of total spleen and bone-marrow cells. Additionally, CTE promoted in vivo B220+ splenocyte proliferation, which was accompanied by a reduction of mature (B220+ IgM+) and immature (B220+ IgM−) B cells in the bone marrow. The production of Antibody by B220+ splenocytes indicated the activation of B1 cells by the CTE only in C57BL/6. CTE represents a powerful source of immunostimulatory proteins, new candidates as additives for food and pharmaceutical industries.

Effect of Pre-Gelatinization on Nutritive and Non-Nutritive Constituents of Taro (Colocasia Esculenta L) Corm

The study was conducted using factorial combination of two independent variables (taro leaf varieties and processing methods) with three replications in a completely randomized design (CRD) at the same significant level (α<0.05). The analysis undertaken in this study was leaf proximate composition, mineral concentration and antinutritional factors of samples processed as pre-gelatinized taro starch with and without peel. The moisture content (%) between taro varieties in this study was ranged from 6.218 ± 1.835 to 4.218 ± 2.162, crude protein (CP%) from 12.127 ± 2.326 to 10.498 ± 2.384, crude fat (EE%) from 3.421 ± 0.659 to 2.608 ± 1.116, crude fiber (CF%) from 2.801 ± 0.938 to 2.110 ± 0.262, total ash (TA%) content ranged from 3.886 ± 0.794 to 3.296 ± 0.494, carbohydrate content (%) from 75.489 ± 4.436 to 72.534 ± 2.107, amylose content (%) ranged from (12.894 ± 0.679) to (13.557 ± 0.490), beta (β)-carotene content mg/100 g from 2.307 ± 0.162 to 2.107 ± 0.502. The five macro minerals, mg/100 g of Na, K, Mg, P and Ca in this study were significantly (p<0.05) different and ranged from minimum 9.716 ± 4.52, 17.743 ± 1.364, 7.683 ± 0.185, 0.736 ± 0.307 and 11.280 ± 4.78 to maximum13.443 ± 5.704, 18.923 ± 1.543, 8.233 ± 0.830, 1.063 ± 0.307, 16.280 ± 4.68 values, respectively and micro minerals like Zn, Fe, and Cu (mg/100 g) were significantly (p<0.05) varied from minimum 8.526 ± 2.418, 88.773 ± 17.205 and 0.296 ± .125 to maximum 11.310 ± 2.674, 104.303 ± 16.109 and 0.403 ± 0.096 values, respectively. The anti-nutritional content like condensed tannin, phytate, mucilage, oxalate, lectin, protease inhibitor and alpha (α)-amylase inhibitor were determined and their inhibitory effects were reduced in flour samples pre-gelatinized without peel. From the general trend observed in this study most of the analyzed samples that boloso-1 taro variety subjected to pre-gelatinization without peel provided better proximate (except CF%), mineral, functional and lower anti-nutritional content than that of the local taro variety.

Silk Fabric Painted with Natural Dye from &lt;i&gt;Acacia catechu&lt;/i&gt; Willd - By Using Flour of Wild Taro (&lt;i&gt;Colocasia esculenta&lt;/i&gt; (L.) Schott) as Resist Printing Paste

The purpose of this research was to study the white resist printing with colour resistant material from flour of wild taro (Colocasia Esculenta (L.) Schott) and using acacia catechu willd. as natural dye by batik technique. The optimal ratio of colour resistant materials from flour of wild taro were compose of 20% flour of wild taro corm, 36% water, 30% sodium chloride, 10% calcium hydroxide, and 4% vegetable oil. The fixation of painted samples by using hot air at 120 °C for 3 minutes can resist dyestuffs and also easy to remove the flour of wild taro. The pattern at resist printing area of fabrics shows sharpness and whiteness. The colour fastness to light and rubbing results were ranging between fair to good level. However, poor level was obtained from colour fastness to washing, water, and perspiration.