Optimizing sweet potato production: insights into the interplay of plant sanitation, virus influence, and cooking techniques for enhanced crop quality and food security.

This study investigates the impact of sweet potato plant sanitation on the yield and external and internal quality root storage exploring the nutritional content affected by various cooking methods (raw, boiled, and oven-cooked). The presence of viruses, and concretely of the sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV), in sweet potato propagation material is shown to significantly reduce yield and modify storage root quality. Notably, the research reveals a substantial improvement in crop yield and external quality, reinforcing the efficacy of plant sanitation methods, specifically apical meristem culture, in preserving the overall productivity of sweet potato crops. Furthermore, the investigation identifies a noteworthy decrease in starch content, suggesting a dynamic interaction between plant sanitation and starch metabolism in response to viral diseases. The study also delves into the alteration of mineral absorption patterns, shedding light on how plant sanitation influences the uptake of essential minerals in sweet potato storage roots. While the health status of the plants only slightly affected magnesium (Mg) and manganese (Mn) accumulation, indicating a potential resilience of mineral balance under virus-infected conditions. Moreover, the research identifies significant modifications in antioxidant levels, emphasizing the role of plant sanitation in enhancing the nutritional quality of sweet potatoes. Heat-treated storage roots, subjected to various cooking methods such as boiling and oven-cooking, exhibit notable differences in internal quality parameters. These differences include increased concentrations of total soluble solids (SS) and heightened levels of antioxidant compounds, particularly phenolic and flavonoid compounds. The observed increase in antioxidant capacity underscores the potential health-promoting benefits associated with plant sanitation practices. Overall, the study underscores the critical importance of plant sanitation in enhancing sweet potato production sustainability, contributing to food security, and supporting local agricultural economies. The results emphasize the need for further research to optimize plant sanitation methods and promote their widespread adoption globally, providing valuable insights into the complex relationships in food quality.

Effects of wood biochar and potassium fertilizer on soil properties, growth and yield of sweet potato (Ipomea batata).

Studies on integrating biochar with potassium (K) fertilizer is not common. Hence, experiments were conducted in 2020 and 2021 to evaluate the sole and combined applications of biochar and K fertilizer on soil properties and performance of sweet potato. It was hypothesized that the effects of combined applications of biochar and K fertilizer on the growth, and yield of sweet potato will be more than their individual applications. The study each year consisted of a 3 × 3 factorial experiment with three levels (0, 10, and 20 t ha-1) of wood biochar and three levels (0, 70, and 120 kg ha-1) of K fertilizer (potassium chloride). The 9 treatment combinations have three replications and follow a randomized complete block design. Results revealed that biochar alone or in combination with K fertilizer improved soil physical and chemical properties, growth, and yield of sweet potato relative to the control and K fertilizer alone. The interaction of biochar and K (biochar × K fertilizer) fertilizer was significant for growth and yield parameters. The addition of K fertilizer to biochar improved the performance of sweet potato compared with sole applications of K fertilizer or biochar. 20 t ha-1 biochar +70 kg ha-1 K fertilizer and 20 t ha-1 biochar +120 kg ha-1 K fertilizer increased growth and yield relative to 10 t ha-1 biochar +70 kg ha-1 K fertilizer and 10 t ha-1 biochar +120 ha-1 kg K fertilizer. Since 20 t ha-1 biochar +120 kg ha-1 K fertilizer and 20 t ha-1 biochar +70 kg ha-1 K fertilizer were statistically similar, for this experiment, 20 t ha-1 biochar +70 kg ha-1 K fertilizer would be recommended for sweet potato production. Therefore, the addition of 70 kg K fertilizer with biochar has reduced the cost of increasing the rate to 120 kg ha-1 which would have been economical in view of the high price and lack of K fertilizer in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries.

Recapsoma®: A Novel Mixture Based on Bergamot, Ipomoea Batatas, Policosanol Extracts and Liposomal Berberine for the Treatment of Hypercholesterolemia.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is considered one of the major causes of mortality worldwide. Epidemiological studies have shown that regular consumption of phenols is inversely associated with cardiovascular disease, and the use of nutraceuticals and functional foods can provide protective, preventive, and possibly curative effects in CVD. A novel mixture of different natural substances named Recapsoma® (bergamot, liposomal berberine, Ipomoea batatas, oleuropein, polycosanols, and vitamin E) has been produced, and its anti-dyslipidaemic efficacy has been tested, specifically studying the in vitro effects on the mechanisms of action underlying cholesterol synthesis, triglycerides, and LDL-cholesterol oxidation. The work has demonstrated the ability of this herbal extract mixture to inhibit the action of PCSK, ACAT, PAP, and HMGR and to increase the LDL receptor (LDLR), underlying the synergistic effect of the mixture over the single components. Such results suggest that the Recapsoma® mixture could be used as a tool for controlling hypercholesterolemia, and an alternative to statins, especially for those patients with metabolic syndrome.

Role of different earthworm species in nullifying the toxicity of Ipomea carnea and enhancing its utility as a phytoremediator.

The dreaded weed ipomea (Ipomea carnea), has shown promise as a versatile phytoremediator. But I. carnea plants exude several alkaloids and phenols which are harmful to plants as well as animals. Due to this, the weed imparts as much or more toxicity to the soil as it remediates. These authors have earlier found that upon being vermicomposted by Eisenia fetida ipomea loses its toxicity and becomes a benign organic fertilizer with pest repellant attributes. These findings open up the possibility of using earthworms in those segments of land which are sought to be phytoremediated by ipomea so that the earthworms can keep converting the dead ipomea plants and the debris of live plants to fertilizer. The present work has aimed to determine whether the extent and nature of earthworm impact differs from species to species or is similar across different species. It has revealed that the action of each of the four different earthworm species deployed by the authors caused the C:N ratio of ipomea to change drastically ̶ from 28.20 to 15.95 ± 0.75, bringing the vermicomposts to the category of fertilizers fit for horticulture. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed that all the species caused a breakdown of the alkaloids and the phenolic compounds present in ipomea, resulting in the weed's detoxification. The earthworms also effected partial degradation of the lignocellulosic content of ipomea to simpler and more soil-friendly constituents like humic acids. Thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy corroborated these findings. The influence exerted by the four species of earthworms was similarly beneficial in nature and extent.

First-ever study which establishes the general applicability of earthworms in nullifying the toxic impacts caused by ipomea during its use in phytoremediation, thereby greatly enhancing ipomea's value as a phytoremediator. The studies also provide an avenue for the utilization of the otherwise worthless ipomea harvested after phytoremediation or from natural stands.

Tremorgenic syndrome caused by Ipomoea pes caprae in cattle / Síndrome tremorgênica causada pela ingestão de Ipomoea pes caprae em bovinos

Poisonous plants are a significant cause of death among adult cattle in Brazil. Plants that affect the central nervous system are widely spread throughout the Brazilian territory and comprise over 30 toxic species, including the genus Ipomoea, commonly associated with a lysosomal storage disease and a tremorgenic syndrome in livestock. We describe natural and experimental Ipomoea pes caprae poisoning in cattle from a herd in the Northside of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Affected cattle presented episodes of severe ataxia, abnormal posture followed by falling, muscular tremor, contraction, and spasticity, more prominent in the limbs, intensified by movement and forthcoming, and recumbence. Grossly, a substantial amount of leaves and petioles were found in the rumen. Histopathological examination showed degenerative neuronal changes, mostly in cerebellar Purkinje cells, which were confirmed with Bielschowsky silver. The characteristic clinical changes and mild histological lesion strongly suggested a tremorgenic syndrome. Lectin- immunohistochemistry evaluation reinforced this hypothesis; all lectins tested failed to react with affect neurons and Purkinje cells, which ruled out an underlying lysosomal storage disease. One calf given I. pes caprae leaves experimentally developed clinical signs similar to natural cases. On the 28th day of the experiment, the plant administration was suspended, and the calf recovered within four days. I. pes caprae's spontaneous tremorgenic syndrome in cattle is conditioned to exclusive feeding for several months. We were able to experimentally reproduce toxic clinical signs 12 days following the ingestion.(AU)

A intoxicação por plantas tóxicas está entre as três causas de morte mais importantes em bovinos adultos no Brasil. O grupo das plantas que causam alterações neurológicas, muito bem representada no país, encerra mais de trinta espécies tóxicas, entre as quais do gênero Ipomoea, amplamente distribuídas no território brasileiro. As plantas tóxicas desse gênero podem causar doenças do armazenamento ou síndrome tremorgênica. Descrevem-se a intoxicação natural e reprodução experimental por Ipomoea pes caprae em bovinos, verificada no norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foram observados episódios de intensa ataxia locomotora, postura anormal seguida de queda, incapacidade de levantar-se, tremores, contrações, espasticidades musculares nos membros, intensificados após estimulação ou a simples aproximação e decúbito. Nos bovinos afetados há mais de 6 meses, os sinais clínicos tornavam-se permanentes. À necropsia havia apenas significativa quantidade de folhas e pecíolos da planta no rúmen. O estudo histopatológico evidenciou lesões neuronais degenerativas principalmente nos neurônios de Purkinje. A impregnação argêntica pela técnica de Bielschowsky ratificou esses achados microscópicos. As lesões histológicas sutis associadas ao quadro clínico indicam que trata-se de intoxicação tremorgênica. O fato de não haver nenhum armazenamento intracitoplasmático, confirmado pelo resultado do estudo lectino-histoquímico (não houve afinidade das lectinas Con-A, WGA e sWGA e de outras lectinas empregadas aos neurônios de Purkinje e outros neurônios afetados), é suficiente para descartar a possibilidade de tratar-se de doença do armazenamento. No bezerro intoxicado experimentalmente verificaram-se sinais clínicos semelhantes, entretanto, com a interrupção do fornecimento da planta no 28º dia, os sinais clínicos desapareceram após quatro dias. I. pes caprae causa síndrome tremorgênica espontânea em bovinos, quando ingerida como alimentação exclusiva durante períodos prolongados (muitos meses). Experimentalmente, os primeiros sinais clínicos da intoxicação foram reproduzidos após 12 dias de ingestão da planta.(AU)

Selection on intra-individual variation in stigma-anther distance in the tropical tree Ipomoea wolcottiana (Convolvulaceae).

It is well known that animals can exert strong selective pressures on plant traits. However, studies on the evolutionary consequences of plant-animal interactions have mainly focused on understanding how these interactions shape trait means, while overlooking its potential direct effect on the variability among structures within a plant (e.g. flowers and fruits). The degree of within-plant variability can have strong fitness effects but few studies have evaluated its role as a potential target of selection. Here we reanalysed data on Ipomoea wolcottiana stigma-anther distance to test alternate mechanisms driving selection on the mean as well as on intra-individual variance in 2 years. We found strong negative selection acting on intra-individual variation but not on mean stigma-anther distance, suggesting independent direct selection on the latter. Our result suggests that intra-individual variance has the potential to be an important target of selection in nature, and that ignoring it could lead to the wrong characterisation of the selection regime. We highlight the need for future studies to consider patterns of selection on the mean as well as on intra-individual variance if we want to understand the full extent of plant-animal interactions as an evolutionary force in nature.

Hematological effects of Ipomoea batatas (camote) and Phyllanthus niruri (sampa-sampalukan) from Philippines in the ICR mice (Mus musculus)

Objective: To analyze the hematological effects of administering Ipomoea batatas (I. batatas) and Phyllanthus niruri (P. niruri) in the ICR mice. Methods: Powdered leaves of I. batatas and P. niruri were fed to mice for 4 weeks. A total of six groups were used to determine the effect of the plants to the complete blood count of the mouse. Group A (blank control) mice were feed with pellets only; Group B (negative control) mice were fed with pellets coated with honey; Group C (low dosage) mice were fed with honey-coated pellets and powdered leaves of I. batatas at 10 g/kg body weight of the mouse; Group D (high dosage) mice were fed with honey-coated pellets and powdered leaves of I. batatas at 20 g/kg body weight of the mouse; Group E (low dosage) mice were fed with honey-coated pellets and powdered leaves of P. niruri at 10 g/kg body weight of the mouse; and Group F (high dosage) mice were fed with honey-coated pellets and powdered leaves of P. niruri at 20 g/kg body weight of the mouse. Complete blood count was performed on Days 0, 14 and 28. Results: It was shown that I. batatas can increase the values of hematocrit and hemoglobin on both the low dose and high dose at Day 28 and red blood cells (RBC) on both Days 14 and 28 of testing. On the other hand, P. niruri can increase RBC, hematocrit and hemoglobin on Day 28 with only the low dose. There were no significant differences with white blood cell, absolute granulocyte, lymphocyte and monocyte, and platelet counts observed for both plant samples. Conclusions: I. batatas and P. niruri have effects on the hematocrit, RBC and hemoglobin levels in mice.

Effect of Ipomea carnea Jacq. flowers on hematological changes in toluene diisocyanate-induced inflammation in Wistar rats.

AIM: To investigate the active chloroform fraction of the ethanol extract of Ipomoea carnea flowers on hematological changes in toluene diisocyanate-induced inflammation in Wistar rats. METHOD: Except for the control group, all of the rats were sensitized with intranasal application of 5 µL of 10% toluene diisocyanate (TDI) for 7 days. One week after second sensitization, all of the rats were provoked with 5 µL of 5% TDI to induce airway hypersensitivity. After the last challenge, blood and bronchoalvelor lavage (BAL) fluid were collected and subjected to total and differential leucocytes count. Flash chromatography was performed on the most active chloroform fraction to isolate an individual component. RESULTS: Treatment with the ethanolic extract and its chloroform fraction at an oral dose of 200 mg·kg⁻¹ showed a significant decrease in circulating neutrophil and eosinophil in blood and BAL as compared with standard dexamethasone (DEXA). The structure of the compound obtained from chloroform fraction of Ipomea carnea was elucidated as stigmast-5, 22-dien-3ß-ol on the basis of spectral data analysis. CONCLUSION: The chloroform fraction was found to be more effective to suppress airway hyper reactivity symptoms, and decreased count of both total and differential inflammatory cells.

Novel sensor technologies towards environmental health monitoring in urban environments: a case study in the Niger Delta (Nigeria).

The Niger Delta (Nigeria) is an exemplar of a legacy of environmental pollution. Limited knowledge on spatial and temporal pollutant distributions in the region highlights the need for biomonitoring approaches to study impacts on sentinel organisms. This study evaluated whether infrared (IR) spectroscopy and multivariate analysis could detect alterations in biomolecules in samples in differing exposure scenarios, i.e., spatial and temporal using African catfish (Heterobranchus bidorsalis) or water spinach (Ipomea aquatica). Significant spectral differences between tissues isolated from African catfish based on site or season were observed; in a region where fish appeared not to be present, water spinach was used as a surrogate sentinel organism. Using one-way ANOVA, the spectral categories were significant (P < 0.0001). The applicability of IR spectroscopy to detect subtle changes in target biological molecules within sentinel organisms along with its low-cost yet high-throughput potential suggests that biospectroscopy permits real-time evaluation of environmental exposure effects.

Effect of Ipomea carnea Jacq. flowers on hematological changes in toluene diisocyanate-induced inflammation in Wistar rats / 中国天然药物

AIM@#To investigate the active chloroform fraction of the ethanol extract of Ipomoea carnea flowers on hematological changes in toluene diisocyanate-induced inflammation in Wistar rats.@*METHOD@#Except for the control group, all of the rats were sensitized with intranasal application of 5 μL of 10% toluene diisocyanate (TDI) for 7 days. One week after second sensitization, all of the rats were provoked with 5 μL of 5% TDI to induce airway hypersensitivity. After the last challenge, blood and bronchoalvelor lavage (BAL) fluid were collected and subjected to total and differential leucocytes count. Flash chromatography was performed on the most active chloroform fraction to isolate an individual component.@*RESULTS@#Treatment with the ethanolic extract and its chloroform fraction at an oral dose of 200 mg·kg⁻¹ showed a significant decrease in circulating neutrophil and eosinophil in blood and BAL as compared with standard dexamethasone (DEXA). The structure of the compound obtained from chloroform fraction of Ipomea carnea was elucidated as stigmast-5, 22-dien-3β-ol on the basis of spectral data analysis.@*CONCLUSION@#The chloroform fraction was found to be more effective to suppress airway hyper reactivity symptoms, and decreased count of both total and differential inflammatory cells.

Evaluation of intestinal transit time of root and leaves of Ipomea sepiaria.

Ipomoea sepiaria Koenig Ex. Roxb is considered to be one of the source plants of the classical herb Lakshmana. In folklore, the herb is well known for its laxative activity. This plant belongs to Convolvulaceae family. It is observed that the plants of this family especially the species of Ipomoea are rich in purgative resins. The present experimental study was carried out to evaluate the effect of leaf and root of I. sepiaria on intestinal transit time on Swiss albino mice and the test drugs were administered in dose of 400 mg/kg. Evaluation of intestinal transit time was carried out by adopting Kaolin expulsion test and latency of onset of kaolin expulsion in fecal matter. The results shows that both root and leaf samples of I. sepiaria have marked intestinal motility enhancing property, among which leaf sample is found to be better. Hence, for the therapeutic purpose leaf can be preferred to get better activity profile and also to prevent destructive harvesting of the plant.

Antimutagenic and Anticarcinogenic Effect of Methanol Extracts of Sweetpotato (Ipomea batata) Leaves.

The present study was conducted to investigate the antimutagenic potential of the methanolic extract from the leaves of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas, IB) with the SOS chromotest (umu test) and Salmonella typhimurium TA 98 and TA 100. The anticarcinogenic effects were also studied by calculation of the IC50 on human cancer cell lines and investigating the function of gap junction in rat liver epithelial cells. The IB extract inhibited dose-dependently the ß-galactosidase activity induced spontaneously at concentration of more than 200 mg/ml in S. typhimurium TA 1535/pSK 1002, and decreased significantly (p < 0.01) the ß-galactosidase activities induced by mutagen 6-chloro-9-[3- (2-chloroethylamino) proylamino]-2-methoxyacridine dihydrochloride (ICR) at dose of more than 0.4 mg/0.1 ml. The IB extract showed no effect on the spontaneous reversions of S. typhimurium TA 98 and 100 but benzo (α) pyrene (BaP) -stimulated reversions were decreased dose-dependently (p < 0.01) at the concentration of more than 100 mg/ml. The IC50 value of stomach cancer cells was lower than that of normal rat liver epithelial cells, but the values of colon and uterine cancer cell lines were similar to those of normal rat liver epithelial cells. The transfer of dye through gap junctions was not affected by treatment of the IB extracts at any concentration during treatment periods. The simultaneously treatment of IB extract and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) effectively prevented the inhibition of dye transfer induced by TPA 1 hour after treatment at all exposed concentrations. The number of gap junctions was significantly (p < 0.01) increased by the treatment with IB extract at concentrations of more than 40 µg/ml. The inhibition of the expression of gap junction proteins by TPA (0.01 µg/ml) was recovered dose dependently by the simultaneous treatment of IB extracts. Our data suggest that Ipomea batatas has antimutagenic and anticarcionogenic activity in vitro.

Embryotoxic effects of prenatal treatment with Ipomoea carnea aqueous fraction in rats / Efeitos embriotóxicos do tratamento pré-natal com extrato aquoso de Ipomoea carnea em ratos

The embryotoxic effects of prenatal daily exposure to 0.0, 0.7, 3.0 or 15.0 mg/kg of the aqueous extract (AQE) from Ipomoea carnea (I. carnea) dried leaves on gestational days 5û21 were studied in rats. Maternal reproductive performance, skeletal and visceral abnormalities, and malformations were evaluated. Moreover, anatomopathological findings in dams following the treatment were recorded. Regarding the dams, our results show that body weight, weight gain, food and water consumption, and reproductive performance were all unaffectedby exposure to the different doses of the AQE. Nonetheless, dams treated with AQE presented a dose-dependent cytoplasmic vacuolation in the liver, kidneys, thyroid and adrenal glands. Fetal examination did not show external abnormalities or malformations. Evidences of several skeletal and visceral abnormalities were found, particularly after the higher dose of AQE. A reduced ossification centers were also detected. The present data show that prenatal ingestion of the I. carnea AQE in rats induces embryotoxicity. These effects are attributed to an active principle from I. carnea acting on maternal homeostasis, or directly in the conception.

Os efeitos embriotóxicos da exposição diária pré-natal a 0,0, 0,7, 3,0 ou 15,0mg/kg do extrato aquoso da I. carnea nos dias 5 a 21 de gestação foram estudados. Foram avaliados a performance reprodutiva materna, anormalidades esqueléticas e viscerais e malformações. Além disso, após o tratamento foram encontrados achados anatomopatológicos. Em relação às ratas mães, nossos resultados mostraram que a exposição às diferentes doses não afetou o peso corporal, ganho de peso, consumos de água e ração e performance reprodutiva. Apesar disso, apresentaram vacuolização citoplasmática de forma dose-dependente em fígado, rins, tireóide e glândula adrenal. Exames fetais não mostraram anormalidades externas ou malformações, sendo somente encontradas evidências de anormalidades esqueléticas e viscerais após altas doses do extrato. Foi observada redução dos centros de ossificação. Os presentes dados mostram que a ingestão prenatal do extrato de I. carnea induz embriotoxicidade. Estes efeitos são atribuídos à ação na homeostase maternal ou diretamente na concepção.

Survey of crop losses in response to phytoparasitic nematodes in the United States for 1994.

Previous reports of crop losses to plant-parasitic nematodes have relied on published results of survey data based on certain commodities, including tobacco, peanuts, cotton, and soybean. Reports on crop-loss assessment by land-grant universities and many commodity groups generally are no longer available, with the exception of the University of Georgia, the Beltwide Cotton Conference, and selected groups concerned with soybean. The Society of Nematologists Extension Committee contacted extension personnel in 49 U.S. states for information on estimated crop losses caused by plant-parasitic nematodes in major crops for the year 1994. Included in this paper are survey results from 35 states on various crops including corn, cotton, soybean, peanut, wheat, rice, sugarcane, sorghum, tobacco, numerous vegetable crops, fruit and nut crops, and golf greens. The data are reported systematically by state and include the estimated loss, hectarage of production, source of information, nematode species or taxon when available, and crop value. The major genera of phytoparasitic nematodes reported to cause crop losses were Heterodera, Hoplolaimus, Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Rotylenchulus, and Xiphinema.