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.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:31:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-06-19Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:01:55Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 abujamra_lb_dr_botfca.pdf: 2246029 bytes, checksum: 9db67484b79c3cd1a933cf615f284a92 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / 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... / 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)

Master of Science / Food Science Institute - Animal Sciences & Industry / Fadi M. Aramouni / Sweet potatoes are a significant crop and are popular among consumers, particularly as french fries. Because the processing steps of making white potato french fries may be detrimental to the quality of a sweet potato fry, it is important to understand the impact of processing on quality and consumer acceptability. The variety of sweet potatoes can affect the texture, appearance, and consumer preference. Peeling processes have evolved from harsh lye treatments to more quick and efficient methods such as steam peeling. Blanching is one of the most important steps because it deactivates enzymes, including polyphenol oxidase and amylases, that affect texture and appearance. While hot water blanching is used by majority of french fry manufacturers, novel techniques like microwave blanching may be similarly effective and less detrimental to the texture and nutritional composition. Time and temperature of the blanching method can affect the texture and flavor by weakening cell walls and leaching sugars. Drying of sweet potato fries prepares the product prior to frying. Drying drives moisture off and allows the starch on the surface of the fries to gelatinize. Many types of dryers, including vacuum, hot air, and fluidized bed, have been evaluated for the rate of moisture loss and final product texture. Drying should not be done too quickly because case hardening will occur and make the product have a tough and chewy bite. Frying uses oil at elevated temperatures to develop color, flavor, and a crispy external texture. The type of oil, oil temperature, and time of frying will affect the finished product attributes. Low oil temperature may lead to higher oil uptake into the sweet potato fries. Vacuum frying compared to deep fat frying can create sweet potato fries with less darkening and less oil uptake, but this method would be difficult in large scale manufacturing. Opportunities in creating high quality sweet potato french fries are directly related to consumer acceptability and manufacturing capability.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:24:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2004-03Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T18:20:59Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 ramos_rf_me_fca.pdf: 518586 bytes, checksum: 8f206daefa13a06dd29f7a1981f354bc (MD5) / Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) / A batata-doce (Ipomoea batatas) é a sexta hortaliça mais plantada no Brasil, e sua importância econômica e social é resultante da sua rusticidade, ampla adaptação climática e elevada capacidade de produção de energia em curto espaço de tempo. Para se avaliar distintas alternativas de sua produção a partir do uso de insumos de baixo custo, que não causem dependência econômica dos agricultores e que não agridam o meio ambiente, foi conduzido experimento cujos resultados possibilitaram informações quanto aos aspectos agronômicos, de pós-colheita, econômicos e energéticos. Neste contexto, a espécie foi submetida a tratamentos de adubação com nitrogênio(N), fósforo (P) e potássio(K) (1000 kg por ha de 4-14-8 - tratamento convencional) e compostos orgânico e biodinâmico, em doses que supriram 20, 30, 40, 50 e 60 kg/ha de N (tratamentos orgânicos e biodinâmicos). Foram avaliadas as características de produção (peso da parte aérea e de raízes), composição, análises econômica e energética comparativas entre os três sistemas de produção. O composto biodinâmico apresentou maiores teores de nutrientes em relação ao orgânico, mesmo tendo sido feito com os mesmos materiais. Não houve diferenças entre os três sistemas de cultivo para produção de parte aérea (folhas) e para produção de raízes, o tratamento que apresentou maior peso foi o biodinâmico 2 (30 kg de N por hectare) e os piores tratamentos foram os orgânicos 1, 2 e 5. O melhor valor nutricional, considerando-se o teor de amido foi proporcionado pelos tratamentos biodinâmicos. Após 30 dias de armazenamento, os melhores foram os orgânicos e biodinâmicos Nos aspectos econômico e energético, os sistemas orgânico e biodinâmico apresentaram maiores rentabilidades, melhores eficiências energéticas e maiores saldos de energia por área, e dependeram menos da energia industrial e mais da biológica. / The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is the sixtieth vegetable cultivated in Brazil and its social and economic importance is the result of its rusticity, further climatic adaptation and high capacity of producing energy in a short space of time. A field trial was carried out to evaluate alternative cropping systems using low inputs, with no economic dependence and not environment damage. This way, the specie was submitted to three fertilizations systems: conventional with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (1000kg/ha 4-14-8), organic and biodynamic utilizing organic and biodynamic composts with nitrogen levels of 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 kg/ha. There were evaluated leaves and roots production, composition, economic and energy analyses among the three cropping systems. The biodynamic compost presented the better nutrients levels, although the original material was the same of the organic one. There weren't differences among the treatments about the leaves weight production. The higher weight roots production was obtained with the biodynamic 2 (30 kg of N/ ha) and the worst ones were organic 1, 2 and 5. The better nutritional value of starch was obtained under the biodynamic treatments and the organics and biodynamics after 30 days of storage. The organic and biodynamic systems should be preferred because of their social and environmental benefits. The organic and biodynamic systems presented higher economical rentabilities, better energetic efficiencies and higher energy rates, with less dependence on industrial energy and more on biological energy.

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.

Au travers d'une approche de génétique des populations et de phylogéographie, basée sur la comparaison des patrons de diversité chloroplastiques et nucléaires, cette étude s'attache à retracer les processus qui ont façonné la diversité de la patate douce depuis sa domestication en Amérique tropicale jusqu'à son introduction et sa diffusion en Océanie. Dans un premier temps, cette étude s'intéresse à l'histoire de la domestication et à l'identification de l'origine botanique et géographique de la patate douce dans son aire d'origine - l'Amérique tropicale. La patate douce est un taxon hexaploïde pour lequel les différents contributeurs sauvages n'ont pas encore été clairement identifiés. Deux hypothèses sont classiquement invoquées: 1) une origine autopolyploide à partir d'un taxon sauvage diploide I. tridida et 2) une origine allopolyploide ayant impliqué l'hybridation de deux espèces distinctes I. trifida et I. triloba. Nos résultats génétiques viennent corroborer le scénario auto-polyploïde. Néanmoins, contrairement à ce qui était avancé auparavant, I. trifida ne peut être considérée comme l'ancêtre sauvage de la patate douce. Des formes sauvages de I. batatas existent, populations à partir desquelles les formes cultivées ont été domestiquées. Par ailleurs, nous révélons l'existence de deux lignées chloroplastiques distinctes au sein des cultivars de patate douce, ce qui laisse penser que plusieurs parents sauvages, différenciés génétiquement mais probablement conspécifiques, sont impliqués dans la formation du génome de I. batatas. Deux scénarios (non exclusifs) peuvent alors être envisagés: i) I. batatas résulte de l'hybridation de plusieurs lignées distinctes (conspécifiques ou proches); ii) I. batatas est un complexe autopolyploïde avec une origine multiple. La caractérisation génétique des cultivars de patate douce met en lumière l'existence de deux groupes génétiques différenciés et géographiquement structurés: l'un correspond aux variétés d'Amérique centrale et caribéenne et l'autre aux variétés de la région du Pérou et de l'Equateur. Ce patron de diversité suggère fortement une domestication multi-locale - en Amérique centrale et en Amérique du Sud - et renforce l'hypothèse d'une origine autopolyploïde multiple dans ces deux régions. Dans un deuxième temps, notre étude nous conduit en Océanie, une aire d'introduction de la patate douce. La distribution de la patate douce dans le Pacifique s'explique par une (des) introduction(s) pré-historique(s) en Polynésie en provenance d'Amérique du Sud (par les polynésiens eux-mêmes) et des introductions historiques dans le Pacifique Ouest, en provenance du Mexique et des Caraïbes. Il s'agit là d'une hypothèse élaborée par des linguistes, ethnobotanistes et archéologues, mais qui à ce jour manquait de preuves génétiques. En combinant un échantillonnage de variétés traditionnelles contemporaines et des spécimens d'herbiers datant du 18ième au début du 20ième siècle, nous avons pu retracer l'évolution temporelle et spatiale de la diversité dans le Pacifique. Nous montrons que les variétés de patate douce présentes jusqu'au début du 20ième siècle en Polynésie ont clairement une signature génétique sud-américaine, c'est-à-dire qu'elles dérivent directement des variétés de la région Pérou-Equateur. Ainsi nos données génétiques apportent une preuve supplémentaire à l'existence d'au moins une connexion préhistorique entre la Polynésie et l'Amérique du Sud. A l'Ouest du Pacifique, les cultivars de patate douce ont une origine principalement centraméricaine. Nous montrons également qu'il y a eu un remaniement de la base génétique au fil des nouvelles introductions, effaçant progressivement la signature des introductions d'origine. En revanche, les phénotypes reconnus par les cultivateurs et les noms associés - c'est-à-dire les déterminants « culturels » des variétés - ont probablement été maintenus. La patate douce est essentiellement propagée par voie clonale par les cultivateurs. / Following a population genetics and phylogeography approach, based on the comparison of chloroplastic and nuclear diversity patterns, this study aims at describing the processes which built sweet potato diversity from its domestication in tropical America to its introduction and diffusion into Oceania. We first studied the history of sweet potato domestication and identified its botanic and geographic origin in the area from which it originates - tropical America. Sweet potato is a hexaploid taxa of which the wild parents still remain to be identified. Two hypothesis are classically refered to: 1) an autopolyploid origin deriving from a wild diploid I. tridida and 2) an allopolyploid origin implying the hybridization between I. trifida et I. triloba. Our genetic results corroborate the autopolyploid scenario. However, in contrast to what was previously anticipated, I. trifida cannot be considered the wild ancestor of sweet potato. Wild forms of I. batatas do exist, these are populations from which cultivated forms were domesticated. In addition, we highlighted the existence of two distinct chloroplastic lineages within sweet potato cultivars, suggesting that several wild parents, genetically differenciated but probably conspecifics are involved in the formation of the I. batatas genome.Two scenari (non exclusive) are to be envisaged: i) I. batatas would result from the hybridization of several independent lines (conspecific or near); ii) I. batatas is an autoploid complex with multiple origin. The genetic characterization of sweet potato cultivars highlight the existence of two genetically differentiated and geographically structured groups: one includes central american and caribbean varieties while the other is made of varieties from Peru and Equador region. This diversity pattern is strongly suggestive of multilocal domestication events - in Central America and in South America - and strengthens the hypothesis of a multiple autopolyloid origin in these two regions.Next, we investigated Oceania as area of introduction of sweet potato. The sweet potato distribution in the Pacific can be explained by pre-historic introductions in Polynesia originating from South America (brought by Polynesians), and historical introductions in West-Pacific originating from Mexico and the Caribbean islands.This is a hypothesis originally proposed by linguists, ethnobotanists and archeologists, but which was lacking until now of genetic proves. Combining the sampling of contemporary traditional varieties and herbarium specimens dating from the 18th to the early 20st century, we were able to refine the temporal and spatial evolution of sweet potato diversity in the Pacific. We demonstrate that sweet potato varieties present until the early 20th century in Polynesia clearly harbor a south-american genetic signature, indicating that they directly derive from varieties found in the Peru-Ecuador area. Thus our genetic data provide an additional prove to the existence of at least one prehistoric connection between Polynesia and South America. On the west side of Pacific, sweet potato cultivars mainly display a central-american origin. We also demonstrate that a reshuffling of the genetic base happened in line with the occurrence of new introductions, progressively erasing the signature of original introductions. In contrast, phenotypes and associated names known by farmers, i.e. cultural determinants of these varieties - were probably maintained over time. Sweet potato is essentially propagated clonally by farmers. However, it also maintained active sexual reproduction. Our genetic data demonstrate that the impressive numbers of cultivars found nowadays in Oceania mainly derive from independent recombination events and from the local selection of true-seed plants. In some regions, this diversification process even lead to the emergence of secondary diversity centers, as exemplified by New Guinea highlands.

Orientador: Jorge de Lucas Junior / Resumo: As demandas por energia e alimento aumentarão com as projeções do crescimento populacional mundial. O Brasil está entre os países com o desafio de atender essas demandas. O tratamento dos resíduos gerados na agropecuária tem potencial para produção de biogás e biofertilizante por meio de biodigestores, insumos essenciais para alavancar a produção de alimentos e o desenvolvimento sustentável. Com isso, analisou-se a viabilidade técnica e econômica da codigestão de cama de frango com batata doce ou mandioca visando aumentar a produção de energia e reciclagem de nutrientes dos resíduos da produção de frangos. A utilização de culturas energéticas para codigestão anaeróbia é uma inovação para geração de energia renovável em propriedades rurais e tem ganhado atenção em economias emergentes, que tem como desafio suportar a produção de alimentos com sustentabilidade. O ensaio foi realizado com três tratamentos, cama de frango, cama de frango com batata doce e cama de frango com mandioca. A codigestão com as culturas energéticas foram mais eficientes que a monodigestão. A mandioca superou a batata doce em 17,09% no rendimento médio de biogás diário e reduziu 12 e 3,32% mais sólidos totais e voláteis, respectivamente. No entanto, o potencial de biogás da batata doce 0,449 m3 kg-1SVad e da mandioca 0,457 m3 kg-1SVad não apresentaram diferença significativa, assim como os teores de metano com 61,92 e 61,79%, respectivamente, demonstrando o potencial equivalente das duas culturas na geraç... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Demand for energy and food will increase with projections of world population growth. Brazil is among the countries with the challenge of meeting these demands. The treatment of waste generated in agriculture has the potential to produce biogas and biofertilizer through biodigesters, essential inputs to leverage food production and sustainable development. With this, the technical and economic feasibility of codigestion of chicken with sweet potatoes or manioc was analyzed in order to increase energy production and recycling nutrients from chicken production residues. The use of energy crops for anaerobic codigestion is an innovation for the generation of renewable energy in rural properties and has gained attention in emerging economies, which have the challenge of supporting sustainable food production. The trial was carried out with three treatments, chicken bed, chicken bed with sweet potato and chicken bed with cassava. Codigestion with energy crops was more efficient than monodigestion. Cassava exceeded sweet potatoes by 17.09% in the average daily biogas yield and reduced 12 and 3.32% more total and volatile solids, respectively. However, the biogas potential of sweet potato 0.449 m3 kg-1SVad and cassava 0.457 m3 kg-1SVad did not show any significant difference, as well as the methane contents with 61.92 and 61.79%, respectively, demonstrating the equivalent potential of both cultures in the generation of bioenergy. In addition to the generation of renewable energy, th... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Doutor

Thesis (M.Sc. Agriculture (Agronomy) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Most sweet potato-producing regions in South Africa are heavily infested by the root knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes, which are difficult to manage since the withdrawal of the highly effective fumigant synthetic chemical nematicides. Prior to the withdrawal, the management of Meloidogyne species was not a priority in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production since methyl bromide was highly effective in suppressing nematodes. The withdrawal resulted in the introduction of various alternative nematode management strategies, with nematode resistance being the most preferred. However, progress in the use of nematode resistance had been hindered by limited information on accurate species identification since Meloidogyne species have a wide host range and some biological races. The objectives of the study were (1) to determine the degree of nematode resistance in sweet potato cv. 'Mafutha' to M. javanica, M. incognita races 2 and M. incognita race 4 and (2) to investigate the mechanism of resistance in sweet potato cv. 'Mafutha' to M. javanica, M. incognita race 2 and M. incognita race 4. A total of six Experiments were conducted. In each, treatments comprised 0, 25, 50, 125, 250, 625, 1250, 3125 and 5250 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2), arranged in a randomised complete block design (RCBD), with six replications. Uniform rooted sweet potato cuttings were transplanted in 20-cm-diameter plastic pots filled with steam pasteurised (300˚C for 1 hour) loam soil and Hygromix-T mixed at 3:1 (v/v) ratio. At 56 days after inoculation, plant variables and nematodes in roots were collected. Meloidogyne javanica inoculum levels in Experiment 1 had highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) effects on dry shoot mass and, stem diameter, contributing 74% and 50% in total treatment variation (TTV) of the respective variables, whereas under M. incognita race 2 inoculum levels contributed 70% and 56% in TTV of dry root mass and dry shoot mass, respectively. Meloidogyne incognita race 4 inoculum levels contributed 65% xx and 58% in TTV of stem diameter and dry shoot mass, respectively. In Experiment 2, M. javanica treatment levels contributed 56% in TTV of dry root mass, whereas M. incognita race 2 inoculum levels had no significant effect on any plant variable. In contrast, M. incognita race 4 contributed 51% in TTV of vine length. In Experiment 1, the nematode levels had significant effects on reproductive potential (RP) values, with treatments contributing 96%, 86% and 76% in TTV of RP values in M. javanica, M. incognita race 2 and M. incognita race 4, respectively. In Experiment 2, treatments contributed 79%, 46% and 61% in TTV of RP values in the respective Meloidogyne species. Results of the study suggested that growth of sweet potato cv. 'Mafutha' was affected by nematode infection, whereas the test nematodes were able to reproduce and develop on the test potato cultivar. In conclusion, sweet potato cv. 'Mafutha' was susceptible to M. javanica, M. incognita race 2 and M. incognita race 4 and therefore, the cultivar should not be included in crop rotation programmes intended to manage tropical Meloidogyne species and races in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Since the cultivar was susceptible to the test nematodes, the study did not evaluate the mechanism of resistance. / Agricultural Research Council (ARC), National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Land Bank Chair of Agriculture

Thesis (M.A. Agriculture. (Plant Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Root-knot (Meloidogyne species) nematodes are host to most plant species, with the success of most crops being dependent upon proper nematode management tactics. Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is highly susceptible to root-knot nematodes, with physical damage being visible on roots. The withdrawal of highly effective fumigant synthetic nematicides from the agrochemical markets resulted in a need to investigate alternative strategies for managing high nematode population densities, with the use of nematode resistance being the most preferred strategy. The objectives of this study were (1) to establish whether sweet potato cv. 'Blesbok' would be resistant to M. javanica under greenhouse conditions, (2) to investigate whether cucurbitacin containing phytonematicides would be comparable to Velum synthetic nematicide in suppressing Meloidogyne species. For Objective 1, treatments comprised 0, 5, 25, 125, 625, 3125 and 15625 eggs and second-stage juveniles (J2), had six replications and validated in time. Uniform sweet potato cuttings were transplanted in 20-cm diameter plastic pots, filled with steam pasteurised (300°C for 1 hour) loam soil. At 56 days after inoculation, plant growth, plant nutrient and nematode variables were assessed using analysis of variance and subjected to lines of the best fit. Treatments had significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on eggs and highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) effects on J2, final nematode population densities (Pf) and the reproductive factor (RF), contributing 39, 45, 42 and 92% in total treatment variation (TTV) of the respective variables. Treatments did not have significant effects on plant variables. Calcium, K, Mg and Fe versus M. javanica levels each exhibited negative quadratic relations, with the models being explained by associations from 59 to 96%. In contrast, Zn versus M. javanica levels exhibited positive quadratic relation, with the model being explained by 80 and 98% association and optimised at 125 M. javanica units. For Objective 2, four treatments, namely, untreated control, Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide, Nemafric-BL phytonematicide and Velum had 10 replications and also validated in time. The plantlets with well-developed root system were transplanted under field conditions. Data for Object 2 did not comply with the requirements for ANOVA and were therefore subjected to Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Nemafric-BL phytonematicide treatment in both experiments reduced eggs, J2 in roots and J2 in soil and RP of Meloidogyne species, with the results being comparable to those of Velum synthetic nematicide. Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide reduced J2 in roots and in soil of Meloidogyne species, without affecting eggs in roots and RP. Nemafric-BL phytonematicide and Velum each increased plant growth variables in Experiment 1 and Experiment 2, whereas Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide did not have significant effects on plant growth variables. Velum chemical nematicide stimulated the accumulation of most essential nutrient elements in leaf tissues of the test cultivar, followed by Nemafric-BL phytonematicide, whereas Nemarioc-AL phytonematicide had no significant effects on the accumulation of essential nutrient elements. The study had two major outcomes, namely, (1) that the efficacy of Nemafric-BL phytonematicide was comparable to that of Velum chemical nematicide in suppression of population densities of Meloidogyne species in cv. ′Blesbok′ under field conditions and (2) that cv. ′Blesbok′ was tolerant to M. javanica and therefore, it was not necessary to investigate the mechanisms of nematode resistance. / Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and National Research Foundation (NRF)

Global food and nutritional insecurities, public health challenges of diet-linked non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs), and rapid climate change-linked agricultural production challenges are interconnected and require urgent attention. Therefore, to address these complex and interconnected challenges, it is essential to advance robust and resilient strategies based on sustainable agricultural production practices, wider integration of nutritionally-balanced plant-based foods in the diet, improvement of human health-targeted nutritional qualities, post-harvest preservation qualities and food processing optimization. Therefore, food plants that are climate resilient and rich source of human health protective nutritional bioactives, such as sweet potato are ideal dietary targets for advancing global food and nutritional security solutions, while also addressing emerging NCD-linked health challenges. Sweet potatoes are rich source of stress protective phenolic bioactives with dual functional benefits relevant for resilience to climate change and countering diet-linked NCD challenges. However, the phenolic bioactive compounds and associated health protective functionalities of sweet potatoes vary widely between different flesh color and cultivars, due to different pre-harvest production practices, post-harvest storage conditions, and with different food processing strategies. Therefore, the aim of this dissertation was to screen sweet potato cultivars of different flesh color (off-white, orange, purple) and optimizing different food processing strategies based on optimum phenolic bioactive-linked antioxidant, anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive properties using metabolically-targeted in vitro assay models. Overall, high soluble phenolic-linked antioxidant activity was observed in purple-fleshed cultivar, while high type 2 diabetes relevant anti-hyperglycemic and anti-hypertensive properties were observed in orange and white-fleshed sweet potatoes. Additionally, improvement in stability and retention of phenolic bioactives and associated functionalities were present in bio-transformed sweet potatoes after fermentation with beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Furthermore, food processing (deep-frying, baking, steaming, and boiling) optimization studies revealed optimum food processing conditions (cooking temperature, cooking time, and sweet potato sample size) based on higher retention of phenolics and associated antioxidant and anti-hyperglycemic functionalities. We also advanced metabolically-driven elicitation strategy based on the conceptual foundation of dual functional benefits of phenolic compounds to improve wound-healing in bruised potato tubers through stimulation of redox-linked pathway (pentose phosphate pathway) regulation associated with stress-protective phenolic biosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme responses.