Plant Tuber Research Articles

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen and Potassium on Yield and Quality of Potato

The research experiment was carried out at Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai during 2021-22 to find out the effect of different levels of nitrogen and potassium on the growth and yield of potatoes. Findings of research showed that among the individual nitrogen and potassium levels, N5 and K4 performed better in respect of, the number of tubers per plant (7.85 and 6.80), average tuber weight (62.28 g and 67.27 g), tuber weight per plant (656.71 g and 473.45 g), tuber yield (270.95 q/ha and 216.73 q/ha), the diameter of tuber (5.21 cm and 3.98 cm), vitamin C content in tuber (14.15 mg/100gm and 11.89 mg/100gm), fresh weight (63.68 and 109.79), dry weight (12.89 and 22.12), moisture content of fresh tuber (76.09 and 91.07). In the case of interaction effect of N×K, the treatment of N5×K4 pronounced significantly to the number of tubers per plant (11.44), single tuber weight (110.19 g), plant tuber weight (962.00 g), tuber yield (360 q/ha), diameter of tuber (8.10 cm), vitamin C content in tuber (18.50 mg/100 g), fresh weight (109.79 g), dry weight (22.12 g), moisture content of fresh tuber (91.07 g). Potato var. Kufri Lima yielded the maximum (360.76 q/ha) in the interaction of N5×K4 when applied with 160 kg/ha nitrogen and 120 kg/ha potassium.

The potato sugar transporter SWEET1g affects apoplasmic sugar ratio and phloem-mobile tuber- and flower-inducing signals.

The main phloem loader in potato, sucrose transporter StSUT1, is co-expressed with two members of the SWEET gene family: StSWEET11b, a clade III member of SWEET carriers assumed to be involved in sucrose efflux, and StSWEET1g, a clade I member involved in glucose efflux into the apoplast that physically interacts with StSUT1. We investigated the functionality of SWEET carriers via uptake experiments with fluorescent glucose or sucrose analogs. Inhibition or overexpression of StSWEET1g/SlSWEET1e affected tuberization and flowering in transgenic potato plants. Isolation of the apoplasmic fluid by vacuum infiltration centrifugation revealed changes in the apoplasmic hexose composition and mono-to-disaccharide ratio, affecting sink strength. Down-regulation of StSWEET1g expression affected the expression of SP6A, a tuberigen, and miR172 under LD conditions, leading to early flowering and tuberization. A systematic screen for StSWEET1g-interacting protein partners revealed several proteins affecting cell wall integrity and strengthening. StSWEET1g and the main interaction partners were strongly down-regulated during tuber development. We discuss whether StSWEET1g activity might be linked to cell wall remodeling during tuber development and the switch from apoplasmic to symplasmic phloem unloading.

Genome-wide analysis of the Amorphophallus konjac AkCSLA gene family and its functional characterization in drought tolerance of transgenic arabidopsis

BackgroundAmorphophallus konjac (A. konjac), a perennial tuberous plant, is widely cultivated for its high konjac glucomannan (KGM) content, a heteropolysaccharide with diverse applications. The cellulose synthase-like (CSL) gene family is known to be a group of processive glycan synthases involved in the synthesis of cell-wall polysaccharides and plays an important role in the biological process of KGM. However, in A. konjac the classification, structure, and function of the AkCSLA superfamily have been studied very little.ResultsBioinformatics methods were used to identify the 11 AkCSLA genes from the whole genome of Amorphophallus konjac and to systematically analyze their characteristics, phylogenetic evolution, promoter cis-elements, expression patterns, and subcellular locations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the AkCSLA gene family can be divided into three subfamilies (Groups I- III), which have close relationships with Arabidopsis. The promoters of most AkCSLA family members contain MBS elements and ABA response elements. Analysis of expression patterns in different tissues showed that most AkCSLAs are highly expressed in the corms. Notably, PEG6000 induced down-regulation of the expression of most AkCSLAs, including AkCSLA11. Subcellular localization results showed that AkCSLA11 was localized to the plasma membrane, Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum. Transgenic Arabidopsis experiments demonstrated that overexpression of AkCSLA11 reduced the plant’s drought tolerance. This overexpression also inhibited the expression of drought response genes and altered the sugar components of the cell wall. These findings provide new insights into the response mechanisms of A. konjac to drought stress and may offer potential genetic resources for improving crop drought resistance.ConclusionIn conclusion, the study reveals that the AkCSLA11 gene from A. konjac negatively impacts drought tolerance when overexpressed in Arabidopsis. This discovery provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of plant response to drought stress and may guide future research on crop improvement for enhanced resilience.

Study of the importance of plants with tubers and edible roots in the life of local populations in the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve

This study focusing on root and tuber plants in the riverside villages of Nimba aims to promote the importance of roots and tubers in the lives of people living near the UNESCO heritage site, Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve. . The method of collecting data from resource people and the focus group through a questionnaire developed using the Kobocollect tool was used. The survey concerned 190 people including 79 women or 41.58% who were grouped into age groups with an interval of 5 years and the age group over 20 years was the most interested with 143 people or 75 .26% of respondents. Among all agricultural productions, cassava ranks first (42%), followed by taro (30%), sweet potato (18%) and yam (10%) the least cultivated due to lack of knowledge of its cultivation method, which allows us to affirm that roots and tubers have a primordial place in the nimba zone. The adaptation of these crops to the difficult conditions of the area, their nutritional energy value and their economic contribution deserve the encouragement of these crops despite the difference in yield between these four crops. So for the development of these cultures, authorities at all levels, NGOs, businesses etc. must strengthen the technical and financial capacity of producers, by forming groups or cooperatives, providing them with improved seeds and inputs.

Analysis of the nutritional and antinutritional contents of tubers of Agew potatoes (Plectranthus edulis) grown in the Awi Zone, Amhara regional state of Ethiopia

Plectranthus edulis is one of the most important tuberous plants, is an indigenous plant, and grows in middle- and high-altitude areas. This study investigated the proximate, antinutritional, antioxidant, and mineral compositions of P. edulis (Agew potato) grown in the Dangila, Ankesha, and Banja districts in the Awi zone of the Amhara region, Ethiopia. The proximate composition was determined via the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) protocol. The moisture, ash, crude fat, crude protein, crude fiber, carbohydrate, phytate, tannin, TPC, TFC, and DPPH assay results ranged from 70.87 to 74.92 g/100 g, 3.92–4.58 g/10 g, 0.36–0.61 g/100 g, 6.86–9.29 g/100 g, 3.18–3.56 g/100 g, 71.79–78.81 g/100 g, 61.48–108.04 mg/100 g, 8.46–44.15 mg/100 g, 17.53–28.42 mg/g, 2.75–5.71 mg/g, and 52.94–71.49%, respectively. The concentrations of Na, P, Fe, Cu, and Zn ranged from 261.85 to 603.90 mg/kg, 82.02–251.82 mg/100 g, 23.74–65.36 mg/kg, 9.98–16.27 mg/kg, and 17.68–30.20 mg/kg, respectively. The Agew potato from Dangila had a better nutritional content than Banja and Ankesha. Agew potatoes are nutritious and medically important tuber plants used to secure food, especially in undernourished societies.

Potential of neglected and underutilized tacca tuber (Tacca leontopetaloides) for sustainable food system in Indonesia

Tacca tubers (Tacca leontopetaloides) are a tuber plant variety that is neglected and underutilized. Understanding tacca tubers' nutritional and anti-nutritional composition is necessary as a scientific basis for their development in the food industry. This study aims to evaluate the proximate composition, nutritional, and anti-nutritional compounds of tacca tubers grown in various regions in Indonesia, in particular Garut, Bangkalan, and Sumenep. As a result, the growing location did not affect the proximate composition (crude protein, ash, crude fiber, and fat) of tacca tubers except for water content. Significant differences were observed in starch content (25.77-32.43 %), vitamin C (11.85-14.32 mg/100 g), and vitamin E (0.25-0.42 mg/100 g). The growing location also significantly influences tacca tubers' mineral components (phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, sodium, and potassium). In addition, anti-nutritional compounds such as phytic acid (633.25-538.80 mg/100 g), tannin (45.43-64.03 mg/100 g), oxalate (201.14-338.01 mg/100 g), cyanide (2.17-3.05 mg/100 g), alkaloids (253.68-487.91 mg/100 g) and saponins (97.54-105.24 mg/100 g) in tacca tubers identified in different amounts at each growing location. In conclusion, tacca tubers Indonesia from Garut contain a high starch component. This potential can be an energy source, especially for coastal communities. Thus, tacca tubers can support creating a sustainable food system in Indonesia.

Qualitative examination of functional drinks from tuber plants

Qualitative examination of functional drinks from tuber plants

Population Structure of Phytophthora infestans in Israel Changes Frequently Due to the Import of Asymptomatic Late Blight-Infected Potato Seed Tubers from Europe.

Late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease of potato worldwide. In Israel, potatoes are grown twice a year, in autumn and spring, with late blight causing extensive damage in both seasons. While tuber seeds for the autumn planting are produced locally, seed tubers for the spring planting are imported from Europe due to dormancy of local tubers. Here, we demonstrate that seed tubers imported from Europe for the spring season carry asymptomatic infection with EU genotypes of P. infestans, which alters the population structure of the pathogen each spring. The proportion of imported tubers carrying asymptomatic infections ranged between 1.2 and 3.75%, varying by year and cultivar. Asymptomatic tubers produced late blight-infected sprouts about one month after planting. The sporangia produced on these sprouts served as primary inoculum, causing intensive foliage attacks on neighboring plants. When sprout-infected plants were uprooted and the mother tuber was washed, sliced, and placed in moistened dishes at 18 °C, profuse sporulation of P. infestans developed on the slices' surfaces within 1-2 days. The dominant genotype of P. infestans in the autumn season in Israel is 23A1, but genotypes in the following spring season changed to include 13A2 or 36A2. Surprisingly, genotype 43A1, which might be resistant to CAA and OSBPI fungicides and appeared in Europe in 2022, emerged in Israel in spring 2024. The immigrating genotypes do not persist in the country, allowing 23A1 to regain predominance in the following autumn. Long-term monitoring data suggest that the population structure of P. infestans changes yearly but temporarily due to the import of new genotypes from Europe.

Sosialisasi dan Pembinaan Pekarangan Pangan Lestari (P2L) Pada Kelompok Wanita Tani di Wilayah Kota Blitar

The Ministry of Agriculture is promoting the Sustainable Food Program (P2L) which aims to meet people's needs for food and nutritional consumption patterns as well as ways to maximize empty land which can be used as an opportunity for conservation (Annonimous, 2021). Another aim is to increase community awareness and family knowledge about the processing and care of food plants, fruit and vegetables for cultivation, encourage the growth of seeds or plants so that their sustainability is maintained and increase the community's productive income by supplying and utilizing empty land in their respective home gardens. In the field, it is still difficult to implement P2L in the target group, namely the Women Farmers Group in the city of Blitar. For this reason, outreach and coaching activities are needed so that group understanding and awareness can increase enthusiasm in implementing it, so that it will increase the availability, accessibility and use of their yards as a source of food as well as collecting cash. Community organizations are involved in this organization. By utilizing the yard, the community is encouraged to grow food crops, vegetables, fruit, medicinal plants, tuber plants as an alternative for food diversification as part of the P2L program. More than that, the P2L program is an agricultural business in or around the city that utilizes knowledge, experience and creativity to cultivate and process food for the community by utilizing empty land and yards to contribute to nutrition, improve the local community's economy and improve welfare (Aini , 2015). P2L activities are carried out using sustainable agricultural development methods, utilization of local resources (local wisdom), community empowerment (community engagement), and marketing focus strategies to achieve these goals (go to market). The implementation is planting various plants through nursery work, demonstration plots, planting, post-harvest work and commercialization. (Musdalifah et al., 2023) The activity was carried out using a lecture method explaining the legality of P2L implementation, implementation, implementation procedures to 20 KWTs in the Blitar City Area by the proposer of Unisba Blitar Internal PKM 2024.

Investigation of Tissue-Specific Distribution and Genetic Variation of Alfalfa Mosaic Virus and Chinese Artichoke Mosaic Virus in Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis miq.).

The Chinese artichoke (Stachys affinis syn. S. sieboldii) is a widely cultivated crop, and its rhizome is used as a medicinal vegetable. To investigate the causes of viral diseases in Chinese artichokes, the infection rates of four virus species infecting Chinese artichoke were investigated. Since the Chinese artichoke propagates through its tuber, this study aimed to determine whether viral transmission to the progeny is possible through the tuber, by identifying the virus present in the tuber and investigating its accumulation. First, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to detect viruses using total RNA extracted from the flowers, leaves, and tubers of Chinese artichoke plants. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and Chinese artichoke mosaic virus (ChAMV) had high infectivity in Chinese artichoke and most plants were simultaneously infected with AMV and ChAMV. These viruses were present in all tissues, but their detection frequency and accumulation rates varied across different tissues of the Chinese artichoke. Also, we sequenced the coat protein (CP) genes of AMV and ChAMV to investigate genetic variations of virus between the leaf and tuber. It provides information on CP gene sequences and genetic diversity of isolates identified from new hosts of AMV and ChAMV. This study offers valuable insights into the distribution and spread of the ChAMV and AMV within Chinese artichoke plants, which have implications for the management and control of viral infections in crops.

IDENTIFICATION OF MOSS PLANTS AROUND NAMORAMBE DISTRICT

Non-vascular plants, such as mosses (Bryophyta), are commonly found on land. The class of plants known as tuberous plants, or plants that do not have true roots, stems, or leaves as well as xylem and phloem vessels, includes moss plants. Knowing the diversity of moss plants in Namorambe Sub-district is the purpose of this research. On May 9, 2024, this research was conducted by walking around the Namorambe area to look for moss plants that might be there. This research methodology is qualitative, using descriptive and exploratory techniques. This research used observation, documentation, and literature study as data collection methods. Direct investigation into the Namorambe area was used to make observations to identify moss plants. The three species identified based on the results of the identification of leaf mosses around Namorambe Sub-district were Hyophila sp., Pogonatum cirrhatum, and Barbula indica. Leaf mosses were made near people's work areas and were made on tree bark and stone substrates

Comparison of nanovesicles derived from Panax notoginseng at different size: physical properties, composition, and bioactivity.

Plant-derived nanovesicles have emerged as potential agents for combating tumors. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Panax notoginseng-derived nanovesicles (PnNVs) on the proliferation and migration of squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, we explored the relationship between plant tuber size and the physical properties, composition and bioactivity of these nanovesicles. We isolated PnNVs from Panax notoginseng tubers of varying sizes: small-sized (s_PnNVs), medium-sized (m_PnNVs) and large-sized (l_PnNVs), and evaluated for size, potential, and morphology. Cellular uptake efficiency was assessed using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The ability of different PnNVs to inhibit oral squamous cell carcinoma cells was evaluated using plate cloning, CCK8 assay, and scratch healing assay. Off-target metabolomics was used to compare metabolic compounds of different PnNVs. Our findings revealed that s_PnNVs exhibited lower potential but had the highest cellular uptake efficiency, whereas m_PnNVs were characterized by the smallest size and lowest cellular uptake efficiency. Notably, m_PnNVs demonstrated the most effective inhibition of squamous cell carcinoma growth and migration. Compositional analyses showed that PnNVs were rich in proteins and contained lower levels of RNA, with l_PnNVs having the highest protein content. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of specific antitumour-related metabolites in m_PnNVs compared to s_PnNVs and l_PnNVs. Overall, our results underscore the influence of plant tuber size on the bioactivity of the nanovesicles from which they are derived, emphasizing its importance for experimental design and study reproducibility.

Sustainable Business Development Strategy In Cassava Cracker Production Business

Cassava is a plant originating from Central and South America, as a type of tuber plant that has high carbohydrates. As many people know, food made from cassava will give a feeling of satiety, so in some regions in Indonesia cassava is used as a staple food as a substitute for rice. As a root crop that cannot last long, some people take the initiative to process cassava into dry food that can be stored for several months but still has a good taste as a snack or food accompaniment. Several groups of housewives took the initiative to process cassava into savory and crispy crackers, and can increase family income. As a cassava cracker processor in the countryside, it still uses a chopper for raw materials that are still simple to produce cassava crackers. The purpose of this study is to find out the level of effectiveness of cassava cracker processing so that it has more selling value and export quality, with a strategy that can develop a sustainable business, so that it becomes one of the products that is competitive and exported abroad. In terms of production, cassava cracker orders are quite promising, but are still constrained by several conditions that result in not fulfilling all orders. This makes the researcher intend to help producers to be able to increase the production of cassava crackers that have characteristics and can be competitive until they are exported abroad. The strategies offered will have an impact on improving business results and sustainable and competitive cracker production processes, testing the quality of cassava crackers, packaging and branding, and marketing strategies. The expected output is that researchers can contribute to sustainable business development for producers and can be published in international journals.

Nitrogen form mediates sink strength and resource allocation of a C3 root crop under elevated CO2

Plant physiological processes alter with elevated carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere (eCO2), which affects the growth and yield potential of crops. Among plants with C3 carbon fixation, root crops show highest yield response under eCO2 which is suggested to be linked to their large carbon (C) sink strength. The high C gain under eCO2 can be limited by processes that constrain sink capacity, such as nitrogen (N) supply. Different N sources may interact with eCO2 and thus have variable impacts on carboxylation activity, N uptake efficiency and plant development. This study aims at contributing to a better understanding of sink-driven assimilation, re-allocation and finally growth processes under eCO2 as a function of N-form. Radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. sativus), a C3 tuber plant with strong sink strength, was used. The plants were grown in pots in climate chambers at 400 ppm (aCO2) and 1000 ppm CO2 (eCO2) with either pure nitrate or ammonium-dominated nutrition. A split plot design was applied. Plants were harvested after four weeks and physiological, morphological and chemical parameters in leaves and tubers were assessed. The N-form had no effect on N acquisition, but affected C and N partitioning into plant organs differently under eCO2. N assimilation processes of nitrate-fed plants were focussed on leaves being both source and sink, and those of ammonium-fed plants on tubers, the strongly pronounced sink. Acclimation of CO2 fixation due to eCO2 did not occur for both N forms, probably due to altered sink strength and low N content in leaves. The N-form influences the sink-driven C and N balance and thus enables unrestricted carbon gain as well as the variation of organ development under future eCO2 conditions. These processes can be utilized in cultivation and breeding.

Penggunaan Bagian Stek Umbi Tanaman Gembili (Dioscorea esculenta) dan Model Lanjaran Terhadap Produksinya

Lesser yam (Dioscorea esculenta) is a root crop which grows and spreads in various parts of Indonesia, from Papua to Sumatra. Plant support technique using stakes is a way to support physical plant growth to control shape, size, and direction of plants. This study aimed to obtain the tuber parts as propagules of lesser yam plant (Dioscorea esculenta) and the of stakes as plant support on lesser yam yield. The research experiment was carried out using a randomized block design (RBD) which consisted of 2 treatment factors; the first factor being the plant support techniques consisted of no support, single support, and pyramidal support model, and the second factor tuber parts as propagules consisted of root, middle, and tip root cuttings. The results showed that the interaction between the tuber cuttings and the plant support model was not significant or there was no synergistic in supporting the growth and yield in the form tubers, whereas the effect of tuber cutting treatments was significant on number of tubers (12 planted tubers) and highly significant on tuber weight (1864.9 g), tuber diameter (5.84 cm) and tuber length (6.11 cm). The effect of plant support models was not significant on number and weight of tubers, however was significant on the tuber diameter (5,54cm), and highly significant on the tuber length (6.05 cm).

Performance of the growth and yields of some local varieties of garlic (Allium sativum l.) in medium lands

Abstract Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) in 2021. garlic production is only around 45.09 thousand tons. The purpose of the study was to determine the morphological and physiological characters of plants of six varieties of garlic in the medium area. This study was conducted from October 2022 to February 2023. The experiment used a simple randomized group design (RAK) with varieties as treatment consisting of six varieties. including: Lumbu putih. Lumbu Kuning. Sangga Sembalun. Lumbu hijau and Tawangmangu baru. The observed data were analyzed statistically using variety analysis with DSAASTAT EXCEL SOFTWARE VERSION 1.101. If the variance analysis shows a real difference. then proceed with Duncan’s multiple distance test at a real level of 5%. The data were analyzed using fingerprint analysis and if there were differences between treatments. a BNT 5% follow-up test was carried out. Observations were made on plant height. number of leaves. plant diameter. plant wet weight. plant dry weight. root weight. root length. root width. chlorophyll content a. chlorophyll content b. stomata and weight of plant tubers. The results showed that Lumbu hijau has better growth. low moisture content than other varieties and shows the highest tuber yield

Chemical Composition of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Ethanol Extract and Its Antimicrobial Activities and Free Radical Scavenging Capacities.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a perennial tuberous plant from the genus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) and has been widely used in foods for thousands of years. The present study examined the ethanol extract of turmeric for its chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and free radical scavenging properties. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified eight compounds in the turmeric extract. Potential antimicrobial effects of 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg turmeric equivalents (TE)/mL were evaluated in vitro against a variety of Gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas sp.) and Gram-positive bacteria (i.e., Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria innocua, and Staphylococcus aureus). Concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg TE/mL inhibited the growth of S. aureus and significantly suppressed that of Pseudomonas sp., E. faecalis, and L. innocua. The growth of all strains, including E. coli, was inhibited by 10 mg TE/mL. Moreover, free radical scavenging capacities were determined using HO●, ABTS●+, and DPPH● (HOSC, ABTS, and RDSC, respectively) radicals. The turmeric ethanol extract had a TPC value of 27.12 mg GAE/g, together with HOSC, RDSC, and ABTS values of 1524.59, 56.38, and 1.70 μmol TE/g, respectively. Our results suggest that turmeric extract has potential applications for use in functional foods to reduce microbial burdens and oxidative stress-related health problems.

TIP aquaporins in Cyperus esculentus: genome-wide identification, expression profiles, subcellular localizations, and interaction patterns

BackgroundTonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs), which typically mediate water transport across vacuolar membranes, play an essential role in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, their characterization in tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.), an oil-bearing tuber plant of the Cyperaceae family, is still in the infancy.ResultsIn this study, a first genome-wide characterization of the TIP subfamily was conducted in tigernut, resulting in ten members representing five previously defined phylogenetic groups, i.e., TIP1–5. Although the gene amounts are equal to that present in two model plants Arabidopsis and rice, the group composition and/or evolution pattern were shown to be different. Except for CeTIP1;3 that has no counterpart in both Arabidopsis and rice, complex orthologous relationships of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 2:1, and 2:2 were observed. Expansion of the CeTIP subfamily was contributed by whole-genome duplication (WGD), transposed, and dispersed duplications. In contrast to the recent WGD-derivation of CeTIP3;1/-3;2, synteny analyses indicated that TIP4 and − 5 are old WGD repeats of TIP2, appearing sometime before monocot-eudicot divergence. Expression analysis revealed that CeTIP genes exhibit diverse expression profiles and are subjected to developmental and diurnal fluctuation regulation. Moreover, when transiently overexpressed in tobacco leaves, CeTIP1;1 was shown to locate in the vacuolar membrane and function in homo/heteromultimer, whereas CeTIP2;1 is located in the cell membrane and only function in heteromultimer. Interestingly, CeTIP1;1 could mediate the tonoplast-localization of CeTIP2;1 via protein interaction, implying complex regulatory patterns.ConclusionsOur findings provide a global view of CeTIP genes, which provide valuable information for further functional analysis and genetic improvement through manipulating key members in tigernut.

Wetland Plants and Aboriginal Paludiculture in North- and South-Eastern Australia

Aboriginal peoples in north- and south-eastern Australia practiced paludiculture, the cultivation of wetland plants for consumption, for many thousands of years before Europeans invaded them in the 1830s and 1840s. This article focuses on the yam daisy (Microseris spp.) in south-eastern Australia and the bulkuru sedge (Eleocharis dulcis) in north-eastern Australia in historical and recent accounts of wetlands in both regions. Aboriginal people in both places cultivated and harvested the tubers of both plants. Recent debates about Aboriginal peoples’ cultivation of native plants and whether they constitute agriculture apply the European value-laden yardstick of stages of human development with agriculture as the pinnacle of land use and constitute ‘hunting and gathering’ as lower in a hierarchy of value. They fail to appreciate not only the sophistication of the latter, but also that Aboriginal people cultivated grasses and grains on drylands (agriculture) and yams and sedges in wetlands (paludiculture).

Effect of Heat Moisture Treatment, Annealing, and Gelatinization‐Retrogradation Modifications on Physico‐Chemical, Functional, and Structural Properties of Starch from Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)

AbstractRoots and tuberous plants are vital food crops used as food supplements in many parts of the tropics. Being a major food item, starch is used in food products as thickeners, adsorbent, film forming agent. Starch, naturally, possess certain limitations & starch modifications can overcome the limitations, thereby increasing its versatility and meeting the needs of consumer. Current study focuses on comparative analysis between modified Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) starch using physical methods (heat treatment method, annealing and gelatinization‐retrogradation) and to study the effect of modification on physico‐chemical, functional, structural and thermal properties. Results reveal that all physically modified starches positively altered the functional and physiological characteristics of native yam starch. However, maximum restriction in swelling power (2.54 %), solubility (2.47 %), moisture content (1.96 %), water absorption capacity (1.41 g/mL) is observed in heat moisture treated (HMT) starch. These HMT modified starches can be used in the manufacturing of baked and dairy products having reduced glycemic index, can be used as a packaging material for coating of fruits and vegetables. Henceforth, suitable and relevant application of modified starches of desired physical and functional features may be produced for industrial utilisation, or as additives fulfilling specific purposes in foods.