Xanthosoma Mafaffa Research Articles

ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY, GLYCEMIC INDEX AND GLYCEMIC LOAD OF BOILED AND ROASTED COCOYAM (Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott) TUBER

Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott (XMS) is an underutilized cocoyam that is relatively rich in food nutrients and antioxidant constituents. However, information on the values of glycemic index (GI) and the glycemic load (GL) of XMS is limited. Thus, this study was undertaking to contribute information on antioxidant activity and nutritional data of GI and GL values using boiled and roasted XMS tuber. Anthropometric measurements, GI, GL and antioxidant constituents were determined according to standard methods. Results showed variations in the tested parameters. Antioxidant constituents varied for carotenoids (14.33 to 49.08 mg/100gfw), total polyphenols (122.02 to 159.45 mgGAE/100gfw), total flavonoids (62.05 to 161.32 mgQE/100gfw), ascorbic acid (2.04 to 6.17 mg/100gfw) and tocopherol (1.31 to 2.63 mg/100gfw). Antioxidant activity assayed by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP ranged from 14.21 to 36.73%, 11.28 to 77.15 µmTE/100gfw and 6.03 to 19.36 mgTE/gfw. Glycemic index of standard food (glucose) and processed Xanthosoma maffafa Schott showed variance in the glycemic response (GR) from 4.17 to 4.53 mmol/L at 0 min fasting blood sugar, 4.50 to 6.83 mmol/L at 15 min, 4.60 to 7.53 mmol/L at 30 min, 4.20 to 8.37 mmol/L at 60 min, 4.27 to 5.90 mmol/L at 90 min and 4.27 to 5.77 mmol/L at 120 min post feeding intervals. In general, GI of boiled XMS (91.30 mmol/L) was higher than the roasted XMS (68.69 mmol/L) meal. With high antioxidant compounds, strong antioxidant activity, and a medium GI of roasted Xanthosoma maffafa Schott meal, it can act as a functional food to scavenge free radicals, prevent degenerative disorders and boost physiological health of consumers.

Identification of Susceptible Weed Hosts of Phytophthora spp. in Cocoa Trees in the Nawa Region, South-West of Côte d'Ivoire

The cocoa tree, the mainexport crop in Côte d'Ivoire is frequently attacked by a disease: brown pod rot, caused by Phytophthora spp. which causes a considerable drop in production. This soil-borne pathogen attacks on so-called weeds when environmental conditions are favourable. The presence of these susceptible weed hosts can amplify this scourge of brown rot by transmitting the pathogen to the crop plant. In order to improve the yield of this crop, a study was conducted in the Nawa region to identify the weed hosts through the characterization of the pathogen.
 This study consisted first in the inventory of susceptible host weeds of Phytophthora spp. and second in the morphological characterization of the pathogen.
 Concerning the host weeds inventory we procceeded determining all symptomatic weeds located within 3 m of the cocoa plants affected by brown rot.
 We identified 48 susceptible host species, divided into 41 genera and 22 families and we observed brown spots on the leaves of Oplismenus burmannii and Laportea aestuans; on the leaves of Clerodendrum splendens and Xanthosoma mafaffa, brown necroses surrounded by a yellow halo were noticed. Oily brown spots were examined on the leaves of Ageratum conyzoides. On the proximal, lateral and distal parts of the pods symptoms of brown spots covered with whitish mycelia were observed. Phytophthora strains obtained from the pods and weeds on PDA culture medium were characterized by matted, white mycelial colonies with a cottony appearance. Microscopic features revealed the presence of sporocysts, oospores and chlamydospores of different shapes.

Antimicrobial Activity and GC-MS Profile of Copaiba Oil for Incorporation into Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott Starch-Based Films.

The present study evaluated the effect of the incorporation of copaiba oil, in direct and in microencapsulated form, into films based on Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott starch. Initially, the characterization of copaiba oil by gas chromatograph coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and its antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was performed. The films were produced by the casting technique and characterized in relation to physical, chemical, structural, and antimicrobial activity. Sesquiterpenes, mainly β-caryophyllene, were the predominant compounds in copaiba oil, showing antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis and S. aureus. The films showed forming capacity, however, was observed a decrease in solubility and revealed an increase in hydrophobic characteristics. However, the oil reduced the tensile strength and elongation, while the microcapsules did not influence the mechanical properties in comparison to the control film. From microstructure analysis, changes in the films roughness and surface were observed after the addition of oil both directly and in microencapsulated form. Films incorporated with microparticles were able to inhibit the gram-positive bacteria tested, forming inhibition zones, indicating that the encapsulation of copaiba oil was more efficient for protecting bioactive compounds from the oil, suggesting the possible application of mangarito starch-based films incorporated with copaiba oil as biodegradable packaging.

The importance of nutritive parameters in the taxonomy of some corm-producing members of the family Araceae

This work gives detailed information of the proximate, phytochemical, Vitamin C and mineral constituents of the leaves and corms of members of family Araceae from genera Alocasia, Colocasia and Xanthosoma with the aim of promoting the use of these genera as food and solving some taxonomic problems. X-Ray Fluorescence was employed in determining the mineral constituents while other parameters were determined following standard methods. The result revealed high carbohydrate and moisture contents in all the taxa. The highest saponin and tannin contents were encountered in the leaves and corms of Xanthosoma saggitifolium. The leaves of the Xanthosoma taxa are rich in Vitamin C. Bulk, essential and non-essential elements were detected in all the taxa. They all had high potassium and calcium contents in their leaves and corms except in Colocasia esculentum var. esculentum where potassium was not detected in the leaves. Chromium was not detected in the leaves of Xanthosoma saggitifolium. Arsenic, Bromine and Rubidium were not detected in the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhiza, Alocasia plumbea, Xanthosoma mafaffa (Red) and Xanthosoma saggitifolium. Titanium was not detected in the leaves of the Colocasia and Xanthosoma varieties and the corms of Alocasia cucullata, Alocasia plumbea, Colocasia esculentum var. esculentum, Xanthosoma mafaffa (Red) and Xanthosoma saggitifolium. The use of nutritive parameters and phytochemicals in the taxonomy of the Araceae taxa was discussed.

English

Anatomical attributes are important for taxonomic studies of plants.  This study investigated foliar and petiole anatomy of some members of the genera Colocasia and Xanthosoma. Similar and diagnostic characters critical for the taxonomy of the two genera were identified. The similar characters include, polygonal epidermal cell shape, straight adaxial anticlinal wall pattern, brachyparacytic stomata type, elliptic shaped stomata and unmodified raphide type. The presence of papillae on the adaxial surfaces of the members of genus Colocasia but not in the Xanthosoma taxa; lamellar collenchyma type in Xanthosoma mafaffa (Red), and unicellular non-glandular trichomes in Xanthosoma mafaffa (White) were recorded as diagnostic characters.   Key words: Brachyparacytic stomata, collenchyma, druses, foliar anatomy, petiole anatomy, papillae, raphides, trichome.

Constraints to production and preferred traits for taro (Colocasia esculenta) and new cocoyam (Xanthosoma mafaffa) in Togo, West Africa.

Taro ( Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) and tannia (new cocoyam) ( Xanthosoma mafaffa L. Schott) are food crops cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and Latin America. In cultivation, they are always vegetatively propagated and their production faces many constraints. Their corm is an important source of carbohydrates and leaves eaten as vegetable provide important minerals and vitamins. In Togo, although these crops are among the most important food crops in some rural areas, they appear at the country level as neglected and underutilized species (NUS) and should be promoted. However, adequate information related to production, constraints, farmers’ preferred traits and utilisation is lacking for the development of efficient breeding schemes and their sustainable preservation and use in Togo. In this paper, a focus group survey was conducted in all five ecological zones of the country to document farmers’ perceptions regarding constraints for production of these two crops and their preferred traits for production and utilization. Collected data were analysed through descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages and means) using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS 20) and Excel spreadsheets. Rainfall irregularity (or shortage of rainy seasons) (68.4% of responses), soil infertility (61.5% of responses) and inefficient marketing (58.7% of responses) were the most common production constraints reported. Farmers preferred early-maturity (73% of responses) and high-yield (65% of responses) as crop traits. Men are more involved in production of these crops in Togo (79% of respondents). However, the constraints and preferences reported were not gender dependent. This study showed that production of taro and tania faces many challenges in Togo. Morphological and molecular characterization of grown varieties is highly recommended to help select suitable varieties for breeding programmes. Improvements in food processing and accessibility of credit should be prioritized to generate more income for farmers and encourage production in Togo. Keywords: Agriculture, Colocasia esculenta , constraints, farmers, preferences, production, Togo, Xanthosoma mafaffa

Effect of particulates generated from asphalt production on the morphological and leaf epidermal traits of some common plants

A comparative study was carried out to ascertain the effects of particulate matter on the gross morphological and leaf epidermal features of some tropical plants. Two populations of Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott, Chromolaena odorata (L.) King and Robinson, and Ageratum conyzoides (L.) were collected; one from an unpolluted area and the other from a polluted environment (generated from an asphalt production industry). Plants from the polluted area show marked reduction in leaf size and area, and reduced chlorophyll content in leaves. There were chlorotic and necrotic leaf spots on the species from polluted area and an average leaf area of 94.81 cm2, 15.81 cm2, and 17.29 cm2 for X. mafaffa, C. odorata and A. conyzoides respectively while the non-polluted species had no leaf spots and an average leaf area of 181.95cm2, 36.75 cm2, and 32.11cm2 for X. mafaffa, C. odorata and A. conyzoides respectively. Length and width of stomatal pore of leaves from polluted area had increased number of stomata, but the length and width of stomata were reduced by -12.89% and -08.42%, -19.54% and -28.60% and -27.50% and -37.86% in the length and width of X. mafaffa, C. odorata and A. conyzoides respectively, as compared to the leaf samples from unpolluted area. Also, epidermal cells decreased compared to the leaves from unpolluted area, while the density of epidermal cells per unit area increased. These suggest that these plants are under air pollution stress and the results are adaptive and compensated mechanism to the adverse effects of the particulate matter.

Antibacterial and antibiotic-modifying activities of three food plants (Xanthosoma mafaffa Lam., Moringa oleifera (L.) Schott and Passiflora edulis Sims) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria.

BackgroundThe present study was designed to investigate the antibacterial activities of the methanol extract of three edible plants, namely Xanthosoma mafaffa, Moringa oleifera and Passiflora edulis and their synergistic effects with some commonly used antibiotics against MDR Gram-negative bacteria expressing active efflux pumps.MethodsBroth microdilution method was used to determine the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the extracts, as well as those of antibiotics in association with the extracts.ResultsThe phytochemical test indicate that all tested crude extracts contained polyphenols, triterpenes and steroids whilst other phytochemical classes were selectively distributed. Extracts showed antibacterial activities with minimum inhibitory concentrations ranging from 128-1024 μg/mL on the majority of the 19 tested Gram-negative bacterial strains. Extract from the pericarp of P. edulis inhibited the growth of 89.5 % of the 19 tested bacterial strains, the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 128 μg/mL being recorded against Escherichia coli AG100 strain. In the presence of Phenylalanine-Arginine β-Naphtylamide (PAβN)], an efflux pump inhibitor (EPI), the activity of the extract from X. mafaffa increased on 40 % of tested strains. In combination with antibiotics, extracts of X. mafaffa, M. oleifera and pericarp of P. edulis showed synergistic effects with some antibiotics against more than 75 % of the tested bacteria.ConclusionThe results of the present study indicate that the tested plants may be used in the treatment of bacterial infections including the multi-resistant bacteria.

Evaluation of nutritional and anti‐nutritional compounds from tania (Xanthosoma Schott) corms

PurposeTuber crops are extremely important for humans, being extensively used in many cultures and mainly in poor and developing countries. Tanias (Xanthosoma Schott) belong to the Aracea family and have been commonly used as a staple food since pre‐Columbian times. Nowadays, tanias are integrated in the staple diet of several countries in the Americas, West Africa, Asia and the Pacific. In order to shed light on their potential and possible risks for human nutrition, nutritional and anti‐nutritional evaluations of different compounds synthesized by tania corms were carried out by using seven tropical species.Design/methodology/approachClassical analyses for non‐structural carbohydrates and nitrogenated compounds as well inhibitory assays towards α‐amylases and proteases were employed.FindingsTests for quantitation of reducing sugars, soluble polysaccharides, free amino acid content and total protein amounts presented variable scores among studied species. Nevertheless, the amounts of non‐starchy polysaccharides and sugars were less than those observed in other tuber crops, such as potato, cassava, sweet potato and yam. Otherwise, when anti‐nutritional compounds were evaluated, no digestive enzyme inhibitory activity was detected in performed assays. Moreover, Xanthosoma atrovirens, Xanthosoma brasiliense and Xanthosoma mafaffa showed agglutination activity towards blood type B, probably due to the presence of lectins.Research limitations/implicationsIn summary, data here presented suggest that it is not possible to indicate a single tania candidate as the best choice for human consumption.Originality/valueThe paper presents a pioneer comparison of nutritional and antinutritional compounds between different species of tania corms.

The effect of packaging material and storage method on shelf life and post harvest loses of cocoyam cormels (Xanthosoma mafaffa) Schott

Poor harvesting, packaging, and storage practices harm cocoyam ( Xanthosoma spp) cormels resulting in short shelf life and post harvest loses. Packaging materials namely, jute sack and woven polypropylene sack, and storage methods namely, storage in moistened ‘wawa’ sawdust and on platform in open-air were employed in the storage of cocoyam cormels, purchased from the open markets in the Greater Accra Region, to determine the packaging material(s) and storage method(s) most efficient and ideal for prolonging shelf life and reducing post harvest loses of cocoyam cormels. Most of the fungal species encountered were wound pathogens, belonging to five different genera: Aspergillus, Fusarium, Cladosporium, Penicillium, and Lasiodiplodia . The resident mycoflora in the cormels increased from an initial 3.0 - 3.5 log10 CFU to 4.2 – 5.3 log10 CFU/g in 30 days. Of all the Aspergillus species encountered, only A. fumigates failed to colonize the cormels upon inoculation. The presence of these fungi on the cocoyam cormels varied according to the type of packaging material and storage method employed. Packaging in woven polypropylene sack and storage on platform in open-air recorded higher mycoflora population, and were also less suitable for prolonging shelf life and reducing post harvest loses of cocoyam cormels. Jute sack, and moistened ‘wawa’ sawdust were the better packaging material and storage method respectively. Storage in moistened ‘wawa’ sawdust for 50 days, did not significantly affect the texture and the nutritional status of the cormels. Overall, the red cocoyam variety stored better than the white variety.

Nutrição mineral do mangarito num Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo

Com o objetivo de caracterizar as limitações nutricionais para a produção de matéria seca do mangarito [(Xanthosoma mafaffa (L.) Schott)], conduziu-se um experimento em casa de vegetação com amostras da camada de 0-20 cm de um Latossolo Vermelho Amarelo sob vegetação de cerrado, coletado no município de Montes Claros, MG. O cultivo foi realizado em vasos de 3 L de capacidade. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em treze tratamentos, com três repetições. Os tratamentos foram baseados na técnica do elemento faltante (em que se omite a calagem e cada um dos macronutrientes e micronutrientes). A ordem decrescente dos tratamentos que mais afetaram a produção de matéria seca da parte aérea foi: -Calagem> -P > -S > testemunha > -B > -Calagem+Ca+Mg > -N > -K. A omissão de Ca, Mg, Zn e Cu não afetaram a produção de matéria seca da parte aérea. A ordem decrescente dos tratamentos que mais afetaram a produção de matéria seca de raízes foi: -B > -Mg > -Calagem+Ca+Mg > -K > -N > -Zn > -Calagem > -S > -Cu > -Ca > -Cu > -Ca > testemunha > -P.

Tamanho de rizomas-semente e fileiras de plantas no canteiro na produção do mangarito cv. Comum

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a capacidade produtiva do mangarito, cv. Comum (Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott), proveniente de rizomas-semente secundários de tamanhos diferentes, cultivados sob três ou quatro fileiras de plantas no canteiro. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pela combinação do número de fileiras de plantas no canteiro e do plantio de quatro tamanhos de rizomas-semente secundários (massa fresca, em grama, e diâmetro, em milímetro, respectivamente, de T1= 2,96 e 8,77, T2= 1,33 e 6,05, T3= 1,13 e 5,68 e T4= 0,78 e 4,83, médias de 300 rizomas de cada tamanho), como fatorial 2 x 4, no delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. A colheita foi realizada aos 300 dias após o plantio. As produções de massa fresca dos rizomas, total, rizomas-mãe e rizomas-filho, foram influenciadas significativamente pela interação número de fileiras de plantas no canteiro e tamanho dos rizomas-semente. As médias dos diâmetros, comprimentos e massas frescas dos rizomas-mãe (43,13 mm; 21,36 mm e 13,21 g) e dos rizomas-filho, nas classes grande (37,15 mm; 18,57 mm e 9,60 g), média (30,71 mm; 14,18 mm e 4,14 g) e pequena (19,72 mm; 9,46 mm e 1,07 g), apresentaram variações significativas dependentes da interação entre número de fileiras no canteiro e tamanho de rizomas-semente, dentro de cada característica avaliada nos rizomas. As maiores produções totais (11,48 t ha-1) e de rizomas comerciais (4,51 t ha-1) foram do tratamento três fileiras de plantas e rizomas-semente T1 e as de rizomas não-comerciais foram do tratamento quatro fileiras de plantas e rizomas-semente T2 (7,41 t ha-1). As menores produções totais (0,96 t ha-1), líquida (0,86 t ha-1) e de rizomas comerciais (0,60 t ha-1) e não-comerciais (0,26 t ha-1) foram do tratamento três fileiras de plantas e plantio de rizomas T4.

EFEITO DO TAMANHO DO RIZOMA-SEMENTE, DA ÉPOCA E DO LOCAL DE PLANTIO, NA PRODUÇÃO DE RIZOMAS DE MANGARÁ

As características culinárias peculiares dos rizomas de mangará ( Xanthosoma mafaffa Schott ), mais conhecido como mangarito, fazem com que seja muito apreciado pela popu-lação rural paulista que o produz. Pode, no entanto, popularizar-se como produto hortigrangeiro nacional, caso haja aumento da produção e da qualidade comercial de seus rizomas mediante progresso tecnológico. Neste trabalho, estudou-se o efeito de dois tama-nhos de rizoma-semente (grande e pequeno, 5 e 2 g respectivamente), de três épocas de plantio (início, meado e fim de outubro de 1985), em três locais do Estado de São Paulo, sem a utilização de irrigação complementar. Serra Negra, com solo aluvial e produtividade média de 17,1 t/ha, ofereceu as melhores condições para o desenvolvimento da planta, seguida de Monte Alegre do Sul, que alcançou 10,2 t/ha em um Podzólico Vermelho-Amarelo orto. Nesses dois locais, as produções decresceram na medida em que se atrasou o plantio. Em Itu, num solo Podzólico Vermelho-Amarelo variação Laras, não houve produção por deficiência hídrica. Em geral, os rizomas-semente do tipo grande superaram os pequenos em termos de produção e houve interações entre o tamanho dos rizomas- -semente e a época de plantio; observou-se que o efeito do tamanho da muda foi sempre mais evidenciado na primeira época de plantio.

Enrichment of Cocoyam (Xanthosoma mafaffa) with Legumes for Sustainable Development

ABSTRACT Cocoyani (Xanthosoma mafaffa)was soaked and enriched with indigenous legume flour of cowpea {Vigna unguiculata)and jackbean (Canavalia ensiformis).The results showed no significant amounts of Bacillus (4.1 × 103, 8.0 × 103) after 24 fars. and 48 fars. soaking, respectively. Soaking enhanced flavour, protein and mineral content of the flour. The chemical composition of the food products prepared from a mixture of the tuber: legume (2/3 : 1/3 ratio) mixture was enhanced. The protein content increased from 2.1% in the single product to 16% in the mixed products, ranging 10% to 16% in all prepared food products. Overall acceptability of the products was highly rated by the sensory panel. The food products could be used as nutritious snacks for pre-school and school children to increase and enrich their food base.