A batata-doce é uma das fontes de alimento mais importantes do mundo, sendo muito cultivada no Brasil por agricultores tradicionais. Os caiçaras, habitantes do litoral do Sudeste brasileiro, têm exercido enorme influência na manutenção da diversidade genética em muitas culturas, incluindo a batata-doce. Como os processos de mudanças socioeconômicas e agrícolas nesta região são muito rápidos e têm provocado alterações constantes nesses sistemas agroecológicos, pretendeu-se capturar o nível de diversidade genética mantida por estes agricultores, por meio da morfometria geométrica e caracteres morfoagronômicos, além de avaliar o potencial da cultura para a produção de etanol. Assim, 71 acessos coletados no litoral Norte e do Vale do Ribeira mais seis acessos de um antigo banco de germoplasma e três variedades comerciais de um produtor de Piracicaba foram utilizados nestas avaliações. Para a caracterização morfoagronômica, os acessos foram submetidos às avaliações, com base em 10 descritores quantitativos e 27 qualitativos. Nas avaliações quantitativas, o método de Tocher e UPGMA apresentaram concordância, indicando a produtividade como caráter fundamental na formação dos grupos, por outro lado, não existiu consistência na formação dos grupos entre os métodos ADCP e UPGMA, com base nos caracteres qualitativos. A maior parte da variabilidade encontrada ficou entre os acessos e não se observou qualquer estruturação espacial da varibilidade. A análise elíptica de Fourier (AEF) realizada em 1.437 folhas permitiu a extração dos seis primeiros componentes principais para explicar a maior parte da variabilidade existente nas amostras. A reconstrução do contorno foliar indicou que os dois primeiros componentes principais descreveram as variações quanto ao índice de lobação do limbo e as diferenças na profundidade do seio peciolar, sendo estes caracteres provavelmente de herança qualitativa e quantitativa, respectivamente. A análise multivariada de variância (MANOVA) revelou diferenças significativas entre os acessos avaliados, indicando a presença de variabilidade genética. O método UPGMA demonstrou a existência de grupos com folhas cordiformes, com três lóbulos e com cinco ou mais lóbulos. Na identificação do potencial de etanol foram avaliados os caracteres teor de amido, produtividade (t.ha-1), rendimento de amido, rendimento de etanol em litros por hectare (L.ha-1) e rendimento de etanol em litros por tonelada (L.t-1). O método de Tocher possibilitou a formação de nove grupos. Os acessos mais dissimilares e com média elevada para os caracteres indicaram a possibilidade de seleção de genótipos superiores. Os resultados obtidos nestas avaliações permitem inferir que (1) existe uma alta diversidade genética mantida pelos caiçaras, (2) a AEF pode ser utilizada com sucesso na avaliação da diversidade nesta espécie e (3) a batata-doce apresenta-se como fonte alternativa para geração de bioetanol. / Sweet potato is one of the most important food sources in the world and is widely cultivated in Brazil by traditional farmers. The native human population of the southeastern Brazilian coast, has exerted enormous influence in maintaining genetic diversity in many crops, including sweet potato. As the processes of socioeconomic and agricultural change in this region are very fast and have caused constant changes in their agroecological system, it was intended to capture the genetic diversity level maintained by these farmers through the geometric morphometrics and morphological traits, to evaluate the potential of the crop for the production of ethanol. Thus, 71 accessions collected in the Northern Coast of São Paulo State and in the coast of the Ribeira Valley region, in Southern São Paulo State, plus six accessions from a former germplasm bank and three commercial varieties from a farm in Piracicaba, SP, were used in these assessments. For morphoagronomic characterization, accessions were subjected to evaluation using 10 quantitative and 27 qualitative descriptors. In quantitative assessments, Tocher and UPGMA method showed agreement, indicating productivity as fundamental in the formation of groups. On the other hand, there was no consistency in the groups between the DAPC and UPGMA methods, based on qualitative characters. Most of the variability was found among the accessions and the genetic variability had no spatial structure. The elliptical Fourier analysis (EFA) performed on 1,437 leaves allowed the extraction of the first six principal components and explained most of the variability of the samples. The reconstruction of the leaf outline indicated that the first two principal components described the variation in the leaf blade lobation index and the differences in the depth of the petiole sinus, and these characters probably have qualitative and quantitative inheritance, respectively. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed significant differences among accessions, indicating the presence of genetic variability. The UPGMA method showed the existence of groups with heart-shaped leaves, both with three lobes and five or more lobes. The potential for ethanol production was evaluated through the starch content, starch yield (t.ha-1), ethanol yield in liters per hectare (L.ha-1) and ethanol yield in liters per tonne (L.t-1). Tocher\'s method made possible the formation of nine groups. The most dissimilar accessions with high average for the traits indicated the possibility of selection of superior genotypes. The results obtained in these assessments allow us to infer that (1) there is a high genetic diversity maintained by the native population, (2) EFA can be successfully used in the evaluation of diversity in this species and (3) the sweet potato is presented as an alternative source to generate bioethanol.

Orientador: Cláudio Cabello / Banca: Waldemar Gastoni Venturini Filho / Banca: Manoel Lima Menezes / Banca: Magali Leonel / Banca: Simone Damasceno / Resumo: Neste trabalho fez-se uma avaliação da utilização da batata-doce como substrato para a produção de uma bebida destilada. No sentido de promover uma alternativa tecnologicamente viável, traçou-se um planejamento experimental que minimizasse as operações de preparo, definindo as condições mais adequadas para o processo fermentativo. A batata-doce do tipo Brazilândia Roxa foi caracterizada e a partir desta matéria-prima foram produzidos 100 kg de farinha. Os ensaios para a produção de hidrolisados utilizando farinha batata-doce, foram estudados utilizando um planejamento experimental fatorial completo 22 com duas variáveis independentes (as enzimas alfa-amilase e amiloglucosidase). O hidrolisado obtido foi utilizado seguindo um planejamento experimental completo 23 com pontos centrais e axiais, sendo que as variáveis independentes foram a concentração de açúcares redutores, concentração de leveduras viáveis e temperatura da fermentação e os compostos secundários álcool isoamílico, n-butanol, terc-butanol, álcool butírico, isopropanol, acetato de etila, metil éster, acetonitrila, acetaldeído, benzaldeído, hidroximetil furfural, butiraldeído, valeraldeído, heptaldeído, formaldeído, acetona e butanona. As variáveis independentes foram quantificadas por cromatografia líquida e gasosa. Foram testadas em planta piloto as condições: concentração de levedura em número de células viáveis 1 x 108, açúcares redutores 13,5% e temperatura 340C. A sazonalidade da matéria seca foi significativa para esta cultivar Brazilândia roxa, durante o período amostrado (outubro 2006 - fevereiro 2007). Essa variação tornou-se um obstáculo para a otimização de um processo industrial baseado na matéria-prima in natura, sendo necessária a padronização da matéria-prima, e neste sentido foram testadas algumas técnicas de secagem e moagem. Verificou-se que... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: In this work, the use of sweet potato as a substrate for distilled beverage production was evaluated. In order to provide a technologically viable alternative, the experimental design was developed to minimize the preparation procedures, defining the most suitable conditions for the fermentation process. Sweet potato type "Brazilândia Roxa" was characterized and from such raw material 100 kg flour was produced. The assays for hydrolysate production using sweet potato flour involved a 22 complete factorial design including two independent variables (the enzymes alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidase). The obtained hydrolysate was employed by following a 23 complete experimental design including central and axial points, and the independent variables were reducing sugar concentration, viable yeast concentration and fermentation temperature, besides the secondary compounds isoamyl alcohol, n-butanol, tert-butanol, butyric alcohol, isopropanol, ethyl acetate, methyl ester, acetonitrile, acetaldehyde, benzaldehyde, hydroxymethylfurfural, butyraldehyde, valeraldehyde, heptaldehyde, formaldehyde, acetone and butanone. The independent variables were quantified through liquid and gas chromatography. A pilot plant was used to test the following conditions: yeast concentration as number of viable cells 1 x 108, reducing sugars 13.5% and temperature 340C. Dry matter seasonality was significant for this cultivar "Brazilândia roxa" during the sampling period (October 2006 - February 2007). Such variation became an obstacle to optimize an industrial process based on raw material "in natura", requiring the raw material standardization; thus, some drying and grounding techniques were tested. Sweet potato flour was the best form of using such raw material as substrate in the processes. Suspensions with 18% dry matter were obtained. The enzyme concentrations for a better yield in the hydrolysis... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

No contexto energético o bioetanol tem recebido considerável atenção, por questões ambientais e também pela redução da dependência dos combustíveis de origem fóssil. Embora o Brasil seja o segundo maior produtor mundial de etanol, a produção está concentrada em determinadas regiões, enquanto o Rio Grande do Sul é basicamente um importador. Para mudar tal situação, a batata-doce é uma matéria-prima atrativa, por ser rica em amido e possuir características agronômicas vantajosas. Visando colaborar para a viabilização em maior escala da produção de etanol a partir de batata-doce, o presente trabalho reúne estudos sobre este tema. De trabalhos anteriores desenvolvidos no GIMSCOP, ficou o desafio da obtenção de teores de etanol no vinho entre 10 – 12% (v/v), o que foi alcançado neste trabalho com o aumento da concentração batata: água para 1,5 kg: 1 L. A enzima comercial Stargen 002, recomendada pelo fabricante para o amido granular, foi utilizada para a hidrólise. Em ensaios amido granular vs. batata pré-aquecida em banho-maria (a 76oC), foi obtido um teor de etanol de 9,25% (v/v) em 24 h com o aquecimento prévio, enquanto que com a batata-doce crua o teor foi de 6,13% (v/v) em 58 h. Portanto, o método com a batata pré-aquecida foi selecionado, onde após o pré-aquecimento três processos são conduzidos em única etapa: hidrólise, fermentação e redução da viscosidade. Como resultado de um planejamento composto central, a temperatura e o tempo do processo apresentaram efeitos significativos, com maior sensibilidade à temperatura do que ao tempo. Como a temperatura praticada já estava em torno do ótimo (34oC), o maior ganho foi na redução do tempo, de 24h para 19h. Objetivando aumentar a eficiência de conversão, foi avaliado o efeito do pré-aquecimento em micro-ondas e também do amadurecimento da batata pós-colheita (atuação das próprias amilases ao longo do tempo). O amadurecimento foi positivo, o pico na produção de etanol foi em 25 dias após a colheita. Não foi observado ganho no pré-aquecimento com micro-ondas. Na estimativa de custos do processo, a levedura e a matéria-prima implicaram nas maiores frações do custo total. Visando um futuro processo de destilação com injeção de CO2, é apresentado um estudo teórico-experimental sobre o equilíbrio da mistura água-etanol-CO2 incluindo o estudo experimental de injeção de CO2 em um vinho de batata-doce. Viu-se que são necessários aperfeiçoamentos no modelo e no aparato experimental. Contudo, os resultados experimentais mostraram que se conseguem maiores concentrações de etanol no condensado nas menores vazões de CO2. Foi identificada uma relação linear entre a umidade da batata-doce e o teor de açúcares redutores totais (ART), resultando em uma proposta de estimativa interessante pela praticidade, mas se aconselha que a curva seja construída com dados de um tipo de batata e de fontes controladas. Também, um bom ajuste de curva requer que o método analítico empregado na produção dos pontos seja confiável. Foi iniciado um estudo comparativo de métodos, que deve ser continuado a fim de maximizar a quantificação de glicose com o menor custo de análise. / In the energy context ethanol has received considerable attention due to environmental issues and also by reducing the fossil fuels dependence. Although Brazil is the second largest ethanol producer in the world, the production is concentrated in certain regions, whereas Rio Grande do Sul state is practically an exclusive importer. To change this situation, sweet potato is a very attractive feedstock, because it is rich in starch and has favorable agronomic characteristics. Aiming to contribute to the viability of ethanol production from sweet potato in larger scale, this work brings studies upon this topic. In GIMSCOP's previous works, there was the challenge of obtaining ethanol concentration in wine between 10 – 12% (v/v), which was achieved in this work, by increasing the concentration potato: water to 1.5 kg: 1 L. The commercial enzyme Stargen 002 was used for hydrolysis, the manufacturer indicates it to the granular starch. In experiments: granular starch vs. potato preheated in water bath (at 76oC), was obtained an ethanol content 9.25% (v/v) in 24 h when applying the preheating, whereas with raw sweet potato the ethanol content was 6.13% (v/v) in 58 h. Therefore, the preheating method was selected, where after preheating three processes are conducted in a single stage: hydrolysis, fermentation and reduction of viscosity. A central composite design was carried out, the temperature and process time showed significant effects, with higher sensitivity to temperature than time. However, the practiced temperature was already around the optimum (34oC), the most important gain was the time reducing, from 24 h to 19 h. In order to increase conversion efficiency, was evaluated the effect of pre-heating in microwave and also sweet potato ripening over post-harvest (action of own amylases over time). The ripening was positive, the ethanol production peak was at 25 days after harvest. There was no gain in the preheating with microwave. In the process's costs estimation, the yeast and feedstock resulted in the largest fraction of total cost. Aiming a future process of distillation with CO2 injection, this work presents a theoretical and experimental study of the mixture water-ethanol-CO2 equilibrium, also there is an experimental study of CO2 injection through a sweet potato wine. It was seen that improvement is needed in the model and the experimental apparatus. However, experimental results showed that higher ethanol concentrations can be obtained in the condensate with lower CO2 flows. A linear relationship was found between the sweet potato moisture and the total reducing sugars (TRS), resulting in an interesting proposal for estimating due to practicality, but it is advisable that the curve be constructed with data from a kind of sweet potato with controlled sources. Also, a good curve fitting requires a reliable analytical method when obtaining the experimental points. A comparative study between methods was initiated, and it must be continued, in order to maximize the glucose quantification with lower cost analysis.

Thesis (M.Agric. (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / Meloidogyne incognita race 2 is internationally recognised as one of the most aggressive Meloidogyne species and it is also widely distributed in Limpopo Province, where it occurs alone or as mixed populations with other Meloidogyne species. Traditionally, Meloidogyne species had been managed using synthetic chemical nematicides, most of these products had been withdrawn from agro-chemical markets due to their environment-unfriendliness. Following the withdrawal of synthetic chemical nematicides, nematode resistance had been the most preferred strategy for managing high nematode population densities. The availability of nematode resistant genotypes in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) would enhance the use of resistance in managing Meloidogyne species and races in Limpopo Province. Generally, should post-infectional nematode resistance be available in the test sweet potato cultivars, the information would be relayed to plant breeders for use as source of introgression in various commercial cultivars where nematode-resistant genotypes do not exist. The objectives of the study, were to determine: (1) Host-status and host-sensitivity in sweet potato cv. ʹBopheloʹ, ʹBosbokʹ and ʹMvuvheloʹ to M. incognita race 2. (2) the existing nematode resistance mechanism in any of the test cultivars that had resistance to M. incognita race 2. For achieving Objective 1, eight treatments namely, 0, 25, 50, 125, 250, 625, 1250 and 3125 eggs and second stage-juveniles (J2) M. incognita race 2 were used under greenhouse trials for each cultivar. To achieve Objective 2, sweet potato plants were inoculated with 100 J2 with four plants harvested every other day for 30 days counting to 15 harvesting times. At 56 days after inoculation, cv. ʹBopheloʹ had reproductive factor (RF) values above unity for M. incognita race 2 and plant growth variables were reduced. Therefore, the cultivar was a susceptible host to M. incognita race 2 and mechanism trial was not conducted for this cultivar. Meloidogyne incognita race 2 failed to reproduce on cultivars ʹBosbokʹ and ʹMvuvheloʹ whereas nematode infection did not affect plant growth and therefore, the two cultivars were resistant to M. incognita race 2. Mechanisms of resistance to M. incognita race 2 on cultivars ʹBosbokʹ and ʹMvuvheloʹ demonstrated significance existence of (1) necrotic spots, (2) poorly developed giant cells, (3) formation of rootlet interferences (4) absence of root galls and (5) non-detectable J2 in roots. All these features suggested the existence of post-infectional nematode resistance in the two cultivars to M. incognita race 2. In conclusion, cultivar ʹBopheloʹ was susceptible to M. incognita race 2, whereas cultivars ʹBosbokʹ and ʹMvuvheloʹ were resistant to M. incognita race 2, with the evidence of post-infectional nematode resistance to the nematode species

Ethephon treatment caused SPCP3 gene expression (Chen et al., 2006), reduction of chlorophyll content, decrease of Fv/Fm value, increase of H2O2 amount, and more cell death, and accelerated leaf senescence in detached sweet potato leave. Exogenous application of modulators such as reduced glutathione, EGTA or cycloheximide delay leaf senescence and cell death caused by ethephon. These data suggest that oxidative stress, calcium influx and de novo synthesized protein may influence ethephon-mediated leaf senescence and cell death. When ethephon induced leaf senescence and cell death, granulin-containing cysteine protease SPCP3 gene was induced. Transgenic Arabidopsis system was used to explore the possible physiological role and function of SPCP3. The results showed that ectopic expression of SPCP3 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants caused earlier flowering, less rosette leaves when flowering, higher yellowing silique percentage during harvest, and lower germination percentage than that in control. During drought treatment, transgenic plants also exhibited reduction of Fv/Fm value and relative water content, but an increase in H2O2 content and cell death. These data suggest that ecopic expression of SPCP3 caused altered developmental characteristics and drought stress sensitivity. Previous report suggests that granulin-like domain may play a role in regulating enzymatic activity of granulin-containing cysteine protease (Yamada et al., 2001). In this report we demonstrate that pre-removal of granulin-like domain of SPCP3 does not affect significantly drought stress sensitivity compared to full-length SPCP3 in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Based on these data we conclude that oxidative stress, calcium influx, and de novo synthesized proteins may be involved in ethylene signaling leading to leaf senescence and SPCP3 gene expression in detached sweet potato leaves, and ectopic SPCP3 expression in transgenic Arabidopsis plants caused altered developmental characteristics and enhanced drought sensitivity. Granulin-like domain may have no significant influence on SPCP3-mediated effect on drought stress sensitivity.

A major sweet potato leaf-type catalase was detected and identified from fullyexpandedmature leaves using in-gel activity staining assay with native- andSDS-PAGEs. The putative catalase activity band was inhibited by a catalaseinhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole. The major leaf-type catalase activity wasoptimal over 8, and was significantly repressed by £]-mercaptoethanol. However,its activity was much less affected by temperature within the range of 5 to 450C.Temporal and spatial expression showed that it was specifically detected inleaves, but not in roots and stems. Its activity increased from the immature L2leaves, and reached the maximal at the fully-expanded mature L3 leaves, thenslightly decreased in partial yellowing senescent L4 leaves, and was almost notdetected in completely yellowing L5 leaves similar to folding unopenedimmature L1 leaves. The catalase level showed approximately inversecorrelation with the H2O2 amounts in leaves of different developmental stages.Dark and ethephon, an ethylene-releasing compound, also temporarily enhancedthe catalase activities from 6 h to 24 h, however, the enhanced activitydecreased from 24 h to 48 h in detached leaves after treatment. The catalaselevel also showed approximately negative correlation with the H2O2 amounts intreated leaves. The major leaf-type catalase activity was repressed by EGTA,and the repression can be reversed by exogenous CaCl2. The major leaf-typecatalase activity was also repressed by calmodulin inhibitor chlorpromazine,and the repression can be reversed by exogenous purified SPCAM calmodulinfusion protein. Chlorpromazine-treated leaves also elevated H2O2 amount.Based on these data we conclude that a major leaf-type catalase with maximalactivity in L3 leaf was identified in sweet potato. Its activity was temporarilyenhanced by dark and ethephon, and was modulated by external calcium ion(Ca2+) and calmodulin. A possible physiological role and function in associationwith cellular H2O2 homeostasis in cope with developmental and environmentalcues in sweet potato leaves is suggested.

In 2004, lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan. Many studies demonstrate that vitamin A plays a crucial role in the prevention of lung cancer. However, few epidemiologic studies have examined the association of dietary vitamin A/precursors and lung cancer in Taiwan. Therefore, a case-control study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the consumption of local common foods that are rich in vitamin A/precursors and the risk of lung cancer. The cases were 301 newly diagnosed patients with histopathologically confirmed primary lung cancer. Two control groups were recruited: 602 hospital controls and 602 neighborhood controls. The consumption of 13 food items and vitamin supplements was estimated with the use of a structured food-frequency questionnaire in face-to-face interviews. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were evaluated with controlling for potential confounders, using the conditional logistic regression model. It was found that reduced risk for lung cancer was associated with increased intakes of vitamin A, a-carotene, or b-carotene from various food groups except fruits. However, inverse associations were not observed for vitamin A, a-carotene, or b-carotene intake from various food items, except garland chrysanthemum and sweet potato leaves. On the other hand, retinol intake from food groups or items was not correlated with lung cancer development. Additionally, more servings of vegetables (AOR for the highest versus the lowest quartile = 0.67-0.70, 95% CI = 0.42-1.08, plinear trend = 0.04), garland chrysanthemum (AOR for the highest versus the lowest tertile = 0.58-0.74, 95% CI = 0.37-1.14, plinear trend = 0.01-0.04) and sweet potato leaves (AOR for the highest versus the lowest tertile = 0.43-0.65, 95% CI = 0.28-0.96, plinear trend £ 0.03) were associated with the reduced risk for lung cancer. In conclusion, there were protective effects of dietary intake of vitamin A, a-carotene and b-carotene. The vegetables provided higher potential protection against development of lung cancer than the fruits, especially for garland chrysanthemum and sweet potato leaves. Therefore, our findings suggest that more consumption of garland chrysanthemum and sweet potato leaves might reduce the risk of lung cancer in Taiwan.

According to our previous results, ethephon-induced sweet potato leaf senescence and senescence-associated gene SPCP1 expression was affected by reduced glutathione, EGTA, and cycloheximide (Chen et al., 2009). These data suggest that calcium influx, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and de novo synthesized proteins can affect ethephon-mediated effects. Therefore, PCR-selective substractive hybridization and RACE-PCR methods were used to clone 5 full-length cDNAs encoded putative calmodulin (SPCAM), catalase (SPCATA), anionic peroxidase (SPPA), ACC oxidase (SPACO), and DSS1-like protein (SPDSS1) from mixed samples of ethephon-treated leaves for 6 and 24 hours. The ORF of SPCAM contains 450 nucleotides and encodes 149 amino acids. There are 4 putative EF-motifs in the deduced protein structure. SPCAM exhibited amino acid sequence identity with isolated Arabidopsis calmodulins from 48% to 100%, and was completely the same as CaM7 calmodulin. The ORF of SPCATA contains 1479 nucleotides and encodes 492 amino acids. SPCAM exhibited high amino acid sequence identity with other plant catalases from 71.2% to 80.9%, and had the highest identity with mangrove catalase. The ORF of SPPA contains 1068 nucleotides and encodes 355 amino acids. SPPA exhibited amino acid sequence identity with other published sweet potato peroxidase isoforms from 28.7% to 97.5%, and had the highest identity with anionic peroxidase SWPA4. The ORF of SPACO contains 930 nucleotides and encodes 309 amino acids. SPACO exhibited high amino acid sequence identity with other plant ACC oxidases from 62.3% to 81.5%, and had the highest identity with tobacco ACC oxidase. The ORF of SPDSS1 contains 228 nucleotides and encodes 75 amino acids. SPDSS1 exhibited amino acid sequence identity with other DSS1 from 25.2% to 62.3%, and had the highest identity with maize DSS1. The chlorophyll contents and Fv/Fm values were significantly reduced, however, the isolated gene expression was remarkably enhanced in natural senescent leaves. DAB staining showed that H2O2 amount was remarkably elevated at S3 senescent leaves compared to leaves of the other developmental stages. Evan blue staining also demonstrated that S3 senescent leaf had more cell death compared to S0 young leaves. In addition ethephon-induced leaf senescence exhibited similar results. The chlorophyll contents and Fv/Fm values were significantly reduced, however, the isolated gene expression was remarkably enhanced in ethephon-treated leaves compared to dark control. DAB staining showed that H2O2 amount was remarkably elevated at 72 hours in ethephon-treated leaves compared to dark control. Evan blue staining also demonstrated that ethephon-treated leaf for 72 hours had more cell death compared to dark control. Based on these data we conclude that SPCAM, SPCATA, SPPA, SPACO and SPDSS1 gene expression were significantly increased in natural and ethephon-induced senescent leaves. The possible functions of these isolated genes in association with events in ethephon-induced leaf senescence, including calcium influx, ROS elevation or scavenge, and following signaling will be discussed.

Sweet potato is one of the 15 most important food crops worldwide. At least 30 different virus species, belonging to different taxonomic groups affect sweet potato. Little is known about the viruses present in sweet potato crops in Central America, which is the primary origin of sweet potato. The objective of this study was to design and implement primers for use in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) to identify and survey the diversity of plant viruses infecting sweet potato in Honduras and Guatemala. Primers were designed and used to amplify, clone, and sequence a taxonomically informative fragment of the coat protein (CP) gene for whitefly-transmitted geminiviruses (herein, sweepoviruses) and potyviruses, and of the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) for the Crinivirus, Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV). The partial genome sequences were used for identification based on phylogenetic relationships with reference sequences available in the GenBank database. All three of the plant virus groups identified in this study were found to occur either in single or in multiple infections. Results of the sequence analyses indicated that the genomic regions amplified in this study were capable of discriminating among potyvirus species, and strains of SPCSV. With respect to potyvirus, all isolates were identified as Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) species, except for two, which grouped phylogenetically with Sweet potato virus G (SPVG) and Sweet potato virus C (SPVC). All sweepoviruses detected in sweet potato plants belonged to a single phylogenetically, well-supported group that contains all other previously described geminiviruses (sweepoviruses) associated with sweet potato or closely related host species. These results demonstrate that the primers designed for amplification of plant virus species commonly recognized to infect sweet potato, effectively detected the viruses singly and in mixtures from symptomatic plants, and that the resultant fragment, when subjected to cloning and DNA sequenced, was phylogenetically informative at the species and/or strain levels, depending on the virus group.

No contexto energético o bioetanol tem recebido considerável atenção, por questões ambientais e também pela redução da dependência dos combustíveis de origem fóssil. Embora o Brasil seja o segundo maior produtor mundial de etanol, a produção está concentrada em determinadas regiões, enquanto o Rio Grande do Sul é basicamente um importador. Para mudar tal situação, a batata-doce é uma matéria-prima atrativa, por ser rica em amido e possuir características agronômicas vantajosas. Visando colaborar para a viabilização em maior escala da produção de etanol a partir de batata-doce, o presente trabalho reúne estudos sobre este tema. De trabalhos anteriores desenvolvidos no GIMSCOP, ficou o desafio da obtenção de teores de etanol no vinho entre 10 – 12% (v/v), o que foi alcançado neste trabalho com o aumento da concentração batata: água para 1,5 kg: 1 L. A enzima comercial Stargen 002, recomendada pelo fabricante para o amido granular, foi utilizada para a hidrólise. Em ensaios amido granular vs. batata pré-aquecida em banho-maria (a 76oC), foi obtido um teor de etanol de 9,25% (v/v) em 24 h com o aquecimento prévio, enquanto que com a batata-doce crua o teor foi de 6,13% (v/v) em 58 h. Portanto, o método com a batata pré-aquecida foi selecionado, onde após o pré-aquecimento três processos são conduzidos em única etapa: hidrólise, fermentação e redução da viscosidade. Como resultado de um planejamento composto central, a temperatura e o tempo do processo apresentaram efeitos significativos, com maior sensibilidade à temperatura do que ao tempo. Como a temperatura praticada já estava em torno do ótimo (34oC), o maior ganho foi na redução do tempo, de 24h para 19h. Objetivando aumentar a eficiência de conversão, foi avaliado o efeito do pré-aquecimento em micro-ondas e também do amadurecimento da batata pós-colheita (atuação das próprias amilases ao longo do tempo). O amadurecimento foi positivo, o pico na produção de etanol foi em 25 dias após a colheita. Não foi observado ganho no pré-aquecimento com micro-ondas. Na estimativa de custos do processo, a levedura e a matéria-prima implicaram nas maiores frações do custo total. Visando um futuro processo de destilação com injeção de CO2, é apresentado um estudo teórico-experimental sobre o equilíbrio da mistura água-etanol-CO2 incluindo o estudo experimental de injeção de CO2 em um vinho de batata-doce. Viu-se que são necessários aperfeiçoamentos no modelo e no aparato experimental. Contudo, os resultados experimentais mostraram que se conseguem maiores concentrações de etanol no condensado nas menores vazões de CO2. Foi identificada uma relação linear entre a umidade da batata-doce e o teor de açúcares redutores totais (ART), resultando em uma proposta de estimativa interessante pela praticidade, mas se aconselha que a curva seja construída com dados de um tipo de batata e de fontes controladas. Também, um bom ajuste de curva requer que o método analítico empregado na produção dos pontos seja confiável. Foi iniciado um estudo comparativo de métodos, que deve ser continuado a fim de maximizar a quantificação de glicose com o menor custo de análise. / In the energy context ethanol has received considerable attention due to environmental issues and also by reducing the fossil fuels dependence. Although Brazil is the second largest ethanol producer in the world, the production is concentrated in certain regions, whereas Rio Grande do Sul state is practically an exclusive importer. To change this situation, sweet potato is a very attractive feedstock, because it is rich in starch and has favorable agronomic characteristics. Aiming to contribute to the viability of ethanol production from sweet potato in larger scale, this work brings studies upon this topic. In GIMSCOP's previous works, there was the challenge of obtaining ethanol concentration in wine between 10 – 12% (v/v), which was achieved in this work, by increasing the concentration potato: water to 1.5 kg: 1 L. The commercial enzyme Stargen 002 was used for hydrolysis, the manufacturer indicates it to the granular starch. In experiments: granular starch vs. potato preheated in water bath (at 76oC), was obtained an ethanol content 9.25% (v/v) in 24 h when applying the preheating, whereas with raw sweet potato the ethanol content was 6.13% (v/v) in 58 h. Therefore, the preheating method was selected, where after preheating three processes are conducted in a single stage: hydrolysis, fermentation and reduction of viscosity. A central composite design was carried out, the temperature and process time showed significant effects, with higher sensitivity to temperature than time. However, the practiced temperature was already around the optimum (34oC), the most important gain was the time reducing, from 24 h to 19 h. In order to increase conversion efficiency, was evaluated the effect of pre-heating in microwave and also sweet potato ripening over post-harvest (action of own amylases over time). The ripening was positive, the ethanol production peak was at 25 days after harvest. There was no gain in the preheating with microwave. In the process's costs estimation, the yeast and feedstock resulted in the largest fraction of total cost. Aiming a future process of distillation with CO2 injection, this work presents a theoretical and experimental study of the mixture water-ethanol-CO2 equilibrium, also there is an experimental study of CO2 injection through a sweet potato wine. It was seen that improvement is needed in the model and the experimental apparatus. However, experimental results showed that higher ethanol concentrations can be obtained in the condensate with lower CO2 flows. A linear relationship was found between the sweet potato moisture and the total reducing sugars (TRS), resulting in an interesting proposal for estimating due to practicality, but it is advisable that the curve be constructed with data from a kind of sweet potato with controlled sources. Also, a good curve fitting requires a reliable analytical method when obtaining the experimental points. A comparative study between methods was initiated, and it must be continued, in order to maximize the glucose quantification with lower cost analysis.