The regulation mechanism of ethephon-mediated delaying of postharvest physiological deterioration in cassava storage roots based on quantitative acetylproteomes analysis.

Ethylene plays diverse roles in post-harvest processes of horticultural crops. However, its impact and regulation mechanism on the postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) of cassava storage roots is unknown. In this study, a notable delay in PPD of cassava storage roots was observed when ethephon was utilized as an ethylene source. Physiological analyses and quantitative acetylproteomes were employed to investigate the regulation mechanism regulating cassava PPD under ethephon treatment. Ethephon was found to enhance the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system, resulting in a significant decrease in H2O2 and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The comprehensive acetylome analysis identified 12,095 acetylation sites on 4403 proteins. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that ethephon can regulate the acetylation levels of antioxidant enzymes and members of the energy metabolism pathways. In summary, ethephon could enhance the antioxidant properties and regulate energy metabolism pathways, leading to the delayed PPD of cassava.

Biochemical characterisation of a cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) diversity panel for post-harvest physiological deterioration; metabolite involvement and environmental influence.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) produces edible roots, a major carbohydrate source feeding more than 800 million people in Africa, Latin America, Oceania and Asia. Post-harvest physiological deterioration (PPD) renders harvested cassava roots unpalatable and unmarketable. Decades of research on PPD have elucidated several genetic, enzymatic and metabolic processes involved. Breeding populations were established to enable verification of robust biomarkers for PPD resistance. For comparison, these PPD populations have been cultivated concurrently with diversity population for carotenoid (ß-carotene) content. Results highlighted a significant variation of the chemotypes due to environmental factors. Less than 3% of the detected molecular features showed consistent trends between the two harvest years and were putatively identified as phenylpropanoid derived compounds (e.g. caffeoyl rutinoside). The data corroborated that ∼20 µg ß-carotene/g DW can reduced the PPD response of the cassava roots to a score of ∼1. Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation of ß-carotene content at harvest to PPD response (R2 -0.55). However, the decrease of ß-carotene over storage was not significantly correlated to initial content or PPD response. Volatile analysis observed changes of apocarotenoids derived from ß-carotene, lipid oxidation products (alkanes, alcohols and carbonyls and esters) and terpenes. The majority of these volatiles (>90%) showed no significant correlation to ß-carotene or PPD. Observed data indicated an increase (∼2-fold) of alkanes in varieties with ß-carotene >10 µg/g DW and a decrease (∼60%) in varieties with less ß-carotene. Fatty acid methyl esters with a chain length > C9 were detected solely after storage and show lower levels in varieties with higher ß-carotene content. In combination with correlation values to PPD (R2 ∼0.3; P-value >0.05), the data indicated a more efficient ROS quenching mechanism in PPD resistant varieties.

Carbon usage in yellow-fleshed Manihot esculenta storage roots shifts from starch biosynthesis to cell wall and raffinose biosynthesis via the myo-inositol pathway.

Cassava is a crucial staple crop for smallholder farmers in tropical Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Although high yield remains the top priority for farmers, the significance of nutritional values has increased in cassava breeding programs. A notable negative correlation between provitamin A and starch accumulation poses a significant challenge for breeding efforts. The negative correlation between starch and carotenoid levels in conventional and genetically modified cassava plants implies the absence of a direct genomic connection between the two traits. The competition among various carbon pathways seems to account for this relationship. In this study, we conducted a thorough analysis of 49 African cassava genotypes with varying levels of starch and provitamin A. Our goal was to identify factors contributing to differential starch accumulation. Considering carotenoid levels as a confounding factor in starch production, we found that yellow- and white-fleshed storage roots did not differ significantly in most measured components of starch or de novo fatty acid biosynthesis. However, genes and metabolites associated with myo-inositol synthesis and cell wall polymer production were substantially enriched in high provitamin A genotypes. These results indicate that yellow-fleshed cultivars, in comparison to their white-fleshed counterparts, direct more carbon toward the synthesis of raffinose and cell wall components. This finding is underlined by a significant rise in cell wall components measured within the 20 most contrasting genotypes for carotenoid levels. Our findings enhance the comprehension of the biosynthesis of starch and carotenoids in the storage roots of cassava.

Comparative study of pb(II) and cr(VI) removal using Cassava peel (Manihot Esculenta Crantz).

The present study investigated the capability of cassava peel (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) in Pb(II) and Cr(VI) removal. The comparative study was conducted using batch method observing some parameters. The results indicated that the optimum adsorption of Pb(II) occurred at pH 5, initial concentration of 1000 mg/L, and contact time of 50 min. On the other hand, the optimal adsorption of Cr(VI) was achieved at pH 2, initial concentration of 1200 mg/L, and contact time of 70 min. The adsorption isotherms of both metals tended to follow the Langmuir model, while the adsorption kinetics suited to pseudo-second-order model. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the adsorption process was spontaneous (ΔG° negative), endothermic (ΔH° positive), and exhibited surface dispersion on the biosorbent (ΔS° positive). Characterization using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Thermogravimetry (TGA) provided evidence of both physical and chemical adsorption. The adsorption capacity of cassava peel was also tested on samples collected approximately 30 m from the bay shoreline, resulting in a removal percentage of 94.67% for Pb(II) and 82.28% for Cr(VI) under optimal pH and contact time conditions.

Assessment of the chemical composition of buriti (Mauritia flexuosa Liliopsida) and cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) residues and their possible application in the bioproduction of coconut aroma (6 pentyl-α-pyrone).

This work aimed to define strategies to increase the bioproduction of 6 pentyl-α-pyrone (bioaroma). As first strategy, fermentations were carried out in the solid state, with agro-industrial residues: Mauritia flexuosa Liliopsida. and Manihot esculenta Crantz in isolation, conducting them with different nutrient solutions having Trichoderma harzianum as a fermenting fungus. Physicochemical characterizations, centesimal composition, lignocellulosic and mineral content and antimicrobial activity were required. Fermentations were conducted under different humidification conditions (water, nutrient solution without additives and nutrient solutions with glucose or sucrose) for 9 days. Bioaroma was quantified by gas chromatography, assisted by solid-phase microextraction. The results showed the low production of this compound in fermentations conducted with sweet cassava (around 6 ppm (w/w)). The low bioproduction with sweet cassava residues can probably be related to its starch-rich composition, homogeneous substrate, and low concentration of nutrients. Already using buriti, the absence of aroma production was detected. Probably the presence of silicon and high lignin content in buriti minimized the fungal activity, making it difficult to obtain the aroma of interest. Given the characteristics presented by the waste, a new strategy was chosen: mixing waste in a 1:1 ratio. This fermentation resulted in the production of 156.24 ppm (w/w) of aroma using the nutrient solution added with glucose. This combination, therefore, promoted more favorable environment for the process, possibly due to the presence of fermentable sugars from sweet cassava and fatty acids from the buriti peel, thus proving the possibility of an increase of around 2500% in the bioproduction of coconut aroma.

Determination of genomic regions associated with early storage root formation and bulking in cassava.

Early cassava storage root formation and bulking is a medium of escape that farmers and processors tend to adopt in cases of abiotic and biotic stresses like drought, flood, and destruction by domestic animals. In this study, 220 cassava genotypes from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), local farmers (from farmer's field), and NextGen project were evaluated in three locations (Umudike, Benue, and Ikenne). The trials were laid out using a split plot in a randomized incomplete block design (alpha lattice) with two replications in 2 years. The storage roots for each plant genotype were sampled or harvested at 3, 6, 9, and 12 month after planting (MAP). All data collected were analyzed using the R-statistical package. The result showed moderate to high heritability among the traits, and there were significant differences (p< 0.05) among the performances of the genotypes. The genome-wide association mapping using the BLINK model detected 45 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers significantly associated with the four early storage root bulking and formation traits on Chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 17, and 18. A total of 199 putative candidate genes were found to be directly linked to early storage root bulking and formation. The functions of these candidate genes were further characterized to regulate i) phytohormone biosynthesis, ii) cellular growth and development, and iii) biosynthesis of secondary metabolites for accumulation of starch and defense. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) also revealed the presence of four pleiotropic SNPs, which control starch content, dry matter content, dry yield, and bulking and formation index. The information on the GWAS could be used to develop improved cassava cultivars by breeders. Five genotypes (W940006, NR090146, TMS982123, TMS13F1060P0014, and NR010161) were selected as the best early storage root bulking and formation genotypes across the plant age. These selected cultivars should be used as sources of early storage root bulking and formation in future breeding programs.

Integrated analysis of DNA methylome and transcriptome revealing epigenetic regulation of CRIR1-promoted cold tolerance.

BACKGROUND: DNA methylation contributes to the epigenetic regulation of nuclear gene expression, and is associated with plant growth, development, and stress responses. Compelling evidence has emerged that long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) regulates DNA methylation. Previous genetic and physiological evidence indicates that lncRNA-CRIR1 plays a positive role in the responses of cassava plants to cold stress. However, it is unclear whether global DNA methylation changes with CRIR1-promoted cold tolerance. RESULTS: In this study, a comprehensive comparative analysis of DNA methylation and transcriptome profiles was performed to reveal the gene expression and epigenetic dynamics after CRIR1 overexpression. Compared with the wild-type plants, CRIR1-overexpressing plants present gained DNA methylation in over 37,000 genomic regions and lost DNA methylation in about 16,000 genomic regions, indicating a global decrease in DNA methylation after CRIR1 overexpression. Declining DNA methylation is not correlated with decreased/increased expression of the DNA methylase/demethylase genes, but is associated with increased transcripts of a few transcription factors, chlorophyll metabolism and photosynthesis-related genes, which could contribute to the CRIR1-promoted cold tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, a first set of transcriptome and epigenome data was integrated in this study to reveal the gene expression and epigenetic dynamics after CRIR1 overexpression, with the identification of several TFs, chlorophyll metabolism and photosynthesis-related genes that may be involved in CRIR1-promoted cold tolerance. Therefore, our study has provided valuable data for the systematic study of molecular insights for plant cold stress response.

A Coiled-Coil Nucleotide-Binding Domain Leucine-Rich Repeat Receptor Gene MeRPPL1 Plays a Role in the Replication of a Geminivirus in Cassava.

Disease resistance gene (R gene)-encoded nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat proteins (NLRs) are critical players in plant host defence mechanisms because of their role as receptors that recognise pathogen effectors and trigger plant effector-triggered immunity (ETI). This study aimed to determine the putative role of a cassava coiled-coil (CC)-NLR (CNL) gene MeRPPL1 (Manes.12G091600) (single allele) located on chromosome 12 in the tolerance or susceptibility to South African cassava mosaic virus (SACMV), one of the causal agents of cassava mosaic disease (CMD). A transient protoplast system was used to knock down the expression of MeRPPL1 by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats-CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR-Cas9). The MeRPPL1-targeting CRISPR vectors and/or SACMV DNA A and DNA B infectious clones were used to transfect protoplasts isolated from leaf mesophyll cells from the SACMV-tolerant cassava (Manihot esculenta) cultivar TME3. The CRISPR/Cas9 silencing vector significantly reduced MeRPPL1 expression in protoplasts whether with or without SACMV co-infection. Notably, SACMV DNA A replication was higher in protoplasts with lower MeRPPL1 expression levels than in non-silenced protoplasts. Mutagenesis studies revealed that protoplast co-transfection with CRISPR-MeRPPL1 silencing vector + SACMV and transfection with only SACMV induced nucleotide substitution mutations that led to altered amino acids in the highly conserved MHD motif of the MeRPPL1-translated polypeptide. This may abolish or alter the regulatory role of the MHD motif in controlling R protein activity and could contribute to the increase in SACMV-DNA A accumulation observed in MeRPPL1-silenced protoplasts. The results herein demonstrate for the first time a role for a CNL gene in tolerance to a geminivirus in TME3.

Three cassava A20/AN1 family genes, Metip3 (5, and 7), can bestow on tolerance of plants to multiple abiotic stresses but show functional convergence and divergence.

A20/AN1 zinc-finger domain-containing genes are very promising candidates in improving plant tolerance to abiotic stresses, but considerably less is known about functions and mechanisms for many of them. In this study, Metip3 (5, and 7), cassava (Manihot esculenta) A20/AN1 genes carrying one A20 domain and one AN1 domain, were functionally characterized at different layers. Metip3 (5, and 7) proteins were all located in the nucleus. No interactions were found between these three proteins. Metip3 (5, and 7)-expressing Arabidopsis was more tolerant to multiple abiotic stresses by Na, Cd, Mn, Al, drought, high temperature, and low temperature. Metip3- and Metip5-expressing Arabidopsis was sensitive to Cu stress, while Metip7-expressing Arabidopsis was insensitive. The H2O2 production significantly decreased in all transgenic Arabidopsis, however, O2·- production significantly decreased in Metip3- and Metip5-expressing Arabidopsis but did not significantly changed in Metip7-expressing Arabidopsis under drought. Metip3 (5, and 7) expression-silenced cassava showed the decreased tolerance to drought and NaCl, presented significant decreases in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and proline content, and displayed a significant increase in malondialdehyde content under drought. Taken together with transcriptome sequencing analysis, it is suggested that Metip5 gene can not only affect signal transduction related to plant hormone, mitogen activated protein kinases, and starch and sucrose metabolism, DRE-binding transcription factors, and antioxidants, conferring the drought tolerance, but also might deliver the signals from DREB2A INTERACTING PROTEIN1, E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases to proteasome, leading to the drought intolerance. The results are informative not only for further study on evolution of A20/AN1 genes but also for development of climate resilient crops.

Wound Dressing Based on Cassava Silk-Chitosan.

The application prospects of composite sponges with antibacterial and drug-carrying functions in the field of medical tissue engineering are extensive. A solution of cassava silk fibroin (CSF) was prepared with Ca(NO3)2 as a solvent, which was then combined with chitosan (CS) to create a sponge-porous material by freeze-drying. The CSF-CS composite sponge with a mesh structure was successfully fabricated through hydrogen bonding. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared absorption (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed to investigate the appearance and structure of the cassava silk's fibroin materials, specifically examining the impact of different mass percentages of CS on the sponge's structure. The swelling rate and mechanical properties of the CSF-CS sponge were analyzed, along with its antibacterial properties. Furthermore, by incorporating ibuprofen as a model drug into these loaded sponges, their potential efficacy as efficient drug delivery systems was demonstrated. The results indicate that the CSF-CS sponge possesses a three-dimensional porous structure with over 70% porosity and an expansion rate exceeding 400% while also exhibiting good resistance against pressure. Moreover, it exhibits excellent drug-carrying ability and exerts significant bacteriostatic effects on Escherichia coli. Overall, these findings support considering the CSF-CS composite sponge as a viable candidate for use in drug delivery systems or wound dressings.

Batch and semi-continuous treatment of cassava wastewater using microbial fuel cells and metataxonomic analysis.

The treatment of agroindustrial wastewater using microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is a technological strategy to harness its chemical energy while simultaneously purifying the water. This manuscript investigates the organic load effect as chemical oxygen demand (COD) on the production of electricity during the treatment of cassava wastewater by means of a dual-chamber microbial fuel cell in batch mode. Additionally, specific conditions were selected to evaluate the semi-continuous operational mode. The dynamics of microbial communities on the graphite anode were also investigated. The maximum power density delivered by the batch MFC (656.4 µW m - 2 ) was achieved at the highest evaluated organic load (6.8 g COD L - 1 ). Similarly, the largest COD removal efficiency (61.9%) was reached at the lowest organic load (1.17 g COD L - 1 ). Cyanide degradation percentages (50-70%) were achieved across treatments. The semi-continuous operation of the MFC for 2 months revealed that the voltage across the cell is dependent on the supply or suspension of the organic load feed. The electrode polarization resistance was observed to decreases over time, possibly due to the enrichment of the anode with electrogenic microbial communities. A metataxonomic analysis revealed a significant increase in bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes, primarily of the genus Enterococcus.

Unveiling genome sequence of Bacillus safensis strain WOB7 KX774196, a linamarin-utilizing bacterium (LUB) isolated from cassava wastewater (CWW) in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Bacillus safensis strain WOB7 is a linamarin-utilizing bacterium (LUB) that was isolated from cassava wastewater obtained from a processing factory. We present here the draft genome sequence of the strain (WOB7). These data provide valuable information on the prospects of the linamarase and other genes of importance associated with cyanogen detoxification.

Recent Trends in the Pre-Drying, Drying, and Post-Drying Processes for Cassava Tuber: A Review.

Cassava tuber is an essential staple crop in tropical regions with versatile applications in the food, feed, and industrial sectors. However, its high moisture content and perishable nature necessitate efficient preservation methods to extend its shelf life and enhance its value. Pre-drying, drying, and post-drying processes play pivotal roles in maintaining the quality and usability of cassava products. This review comprehensively examines the current status and future directions in the pre-drying, drying, and post-drying processes of cassava tuber. Various pre-drying or pretreatment methods and drying techniques are evaluated for their impacts on drying kinetics and product quality. Additionally, challenges and limitations in achieving high-quality processing of cassava flour are identified. Future directions in cassava drying methods emphasize the integration of combined pre-drying and drying techniques to optimize resource utilization and processing efficiency. Furthermore, the adoption of advanced online measurement and control technologies in drying equipment is highlighted for real-time monitoring and optimization of drying parameters. The importance of optimizing existing processes to establish a comprehensive cassava industrial chain and foster the development of the cassava deep-processing industry is emphasized. This review provides valuable insights into the current trends and future prospects in cassava drying technologies, aiming to facilitate sustainable and efficient utilization of cassava resources for various applications.

Current and future scenarios of suitability and expansion of cassava brown streak disease, Bemisia tabaci species complex, and cassava planting in Africa.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is among the most important staple crops globally, with an imperative role in supporting the Sustainable Development Goal of 'Zero hunger'. In sub-Saharan Africa, it is cultivated mainly by millions of subsistence farmers who depend directly on it for their socio-economic welfare. However, its yield in some regions has been threatened by several diseases, especially the cassava brown streak disease (CBSD). Changes in climatic conditions enhance the risk of the disease spreading to other planting regions. Here, we characterise the current and future distribution of cassava, CBSD and whitefly Bemisia tabaci species complex in Africa, using an ensemble of four species distribution models (SDMs): boosted regression trees, maximum entropy, generalised additive model, and multivariate adaptive regression splines, together with 28 environmental covariates. We collected 1,422 and 1,169 occurrence records for cassava and Bemisia tabaci species complex from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and 750 CBSD occurrence records from published literature and systematic surveys in East Africa. Our results identified isothermality as having the highest contribution to the current distribution of cassava, while elevation was the top predictor of the current distribution of Bemisia tabaci species complex. Cassava harvested area and precipitation of the driest month contributed the most to explain the current distribution of CBSD outbreaks. The geographic distributions of these target species are also expected to shift under climate projection scenarios for two mid-century periods (2041-2060 and 2061-2080). Our results indicate that major cassava producers, like Cameron, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria, are at greater risk of invasion of CBSD. These results highlight the need for firmer agricultural management and climate-change mitigation actions in Africa to combat new outbreaks and to contain the spread of CBSD.

Nutritional Quality Assessment of Miscellaneous Cassava Tubers Using Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis.

Cassava is a staple crop in developing countries because its starchy roots provide essential dietary carbohydrates. The aim of this research was to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and scientific evaluation of the nutritional value of cassava tubers. Eight nutritional characteristics were examined in native and imported cassava variants: starch, reduced sugar, anthocyanins, protein, dietary fiber, quinic acid, vitamin C, and dry matter content. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to minimize the dimensionality of the nutritional markers. A scientific assessment technique was developed to calculate a composite score for the various cassava samples. Analysis of the data revealed noticeable variance among the samples' nutritional indicators, suggesting varying degrees of association. Starch had a substantial positive link with lower sugar, protein, and dry matter content (p < 0.01). Anthocyanins and quinic acid interacted favorably (p < 0.05), and a positive link between protein and dry matter content was observed (p < 0.05); however, protein and dietary fiber interacted negatively (p < 0.05). The contribution rate of the top three PCA factors was over 76%, demonstrating that these factors incorporated the primary information acquired from the eight original nutritional indices, while maintaining excellent representativeness and impartiality. The experimental results showed a preliminary nutritional grade for 22 cassava tuber samples. The top five types were Guangxi Muci, Gui Cassava 4, Glutinous Rice Cassava, Huifeng 60, and Dongguan Hongwei. In the cluster analysis, the levels of similarity between the data showed that the 22 types of cassava tubers could be grouped into five categories, each with their own set of nutrients. This study promotes the directed breeding of cassava species and offers a theoretical foundation for creating and using various cassava varieties. Furthermore, this work lays the groundwork for a systematic and dependable technique for the quality assessment, comprehensive evaluation, and reasonable classification of cassava species and similar crops.

Biodegradable starch foams reinforced by food-chain side streams.

Biodegradable starch foam trays offer an eco-friendly substitute for petroleum-based single-use packaging, notably polystyrene foams. However, they lack flexibility, tensile strength, and water-sensitivity, addressable through lignocellulosic reinforcement. This study aimed to develop biodegradable starch foam trays filled with different food-chain side streams for sustainable alternative packaging. Corncob, soybean straw, cassava peel, araucaria seed hull, yerba mate stalks and yerba mate leaves petiole were collected, dried and ground to <250 µm. The trays were filled with 13 % (w/w) of each food-chain side streams and produced by hot molding. The trays morphology, moisture, water activity (aw), thickness, bulk density, tensile strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus, bending strength, maximum deflection, and sorption isotherms were investigated. Reinforcements slightly increased the foams bulk density, reduced the tensile strength and maximum deflection and while bending strength increased from 0.20 MPa to 1.17-1.80 MPa. The elasticity modulus decreased by adding any filling, that resulted in ductility improvement; however, these packaging have moisture-sensitive material especially for aw higher than 0.52, which drives the use recommendation for dry products storage or shipping/transport. The biodegradable starch foam trays filled with side streams were successfully produced and offer excellent alternative to petroleum-based packaging low-density material with bending strength improved.

Corrigendum: A promoter toolbox for tissue-specific expression supporting translational research in cassava (Manihot esculenta).

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1042379.].

Evaluation of a low-cost staining method for improved visualization of sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) eggs on multiple crop plant species.

BACKGROUND: The sweet potato whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) is a globally important insect pest that damages crops through direct feeding and by transmitting viruses. Current B. tabaci management revolves around the use of insecticides, which are economically and environmentally costly. Host plant resistance is a sustainable option to reduce the impact of whiteflies, but progress in deploying resistance in crops has been slow. A major obstacle is the high cost and low throughput of screening plants for B. tabaci resistance. Oviposition rate is a popular metric for host plant resistance to B. tabaci because it does not require tracking insect development through the entire life cycle, but accurate quantification is still limited by difficulties in observing B. tabaci eggs, which are microscopic and translucent. The goal of our study was to improve quantification of B. tabaci eggs on several important crop species: cassava, cowpea, melon, sweet potato and tomato. RESULTS: We tested a selective staining process originally developed for leafhopper eggs: submerging the leaves in McBryde's stain (acetic acid, ethanol, 0.2% aqueous acid Fuchsin, water; 20:19:2:1) for three days, followed by clearing under heat and pressure for 15 min in clearing solution (LGW; lactic acid, glycerol, water; 17:20:23). With a less experienced individual counting the eggs, B. tabaci egg counts increased after staining across all five crops. With a more experienced counter, egg counts increased after staining on melons, tomatoes, and cowpeas. For all five crops, there was significantly greater agreement on egg counts across the two counting individuals after the staining process. The staining method worked particularly well on melon, where egg counts universally increased after staining for both counting individuals. CONCLUSIONS: Selective staining aids visualization of B. tabaci eggs across multiple crop plants, particularly species where leaf morphological features obscure eggs, such as melons and tomatoes. This method is broadly applicable to research questions requiring accurate quantification of B. tabaci eggs, including phenotyping for B. tabaci resistance.

Development of Analog Rice Made from Cassava and Banana with the Addition of Katuk Leaf (Sauropus androgynous L. Merr.) and Soy Lecithin for Lactating Women.

The development of analog rice, apart from being an effort to diversify food, also has the potential to be developed as a functional food to fulfill the nutrients needed by a community. Katuk leaf is known for its ability to accelerate the breast milk production of lactating women, which is inseparable from sterol in terms of bioactive content. This study aimed to determine the best formulation of analog rice made from cassava flour, banana flour, Katuk leaf powder, and soy lecithin that was sensorily acceptable, in a shape resembling rice, and able to fulfill the nutritional needs of lactating women. Analog rice was produced using an extruder machine before the physical and sensory properties analyses were carried out, followed by the chemical properties analysis. Formulation C (80% cassava flour, 20% banana flour, 3% Katuk leaf powder, and 0.5% soy lecithin) was obtained as the best or most preferred formulation based on sensory analysis. The resulting grain was oval-round in shape and had a green-brownish color, fluffy texture, and distinct aroma and taste derived from the raw material used. Therefore, this research is expected to support the development of analog rice for providing the main staple food to fulfill lactating women's nutrition.

KIN10-mediated HB16 protein phosphorylation and self-association improve cassava disease resistance by transcriptional activation of lignin biosynthesis genes.

Cassava bacterial blight significantly affects cassava yield worldwide, while major cassava cultivars are susceptible to this disease. Therefore, it is crucial to identify cassava disease resistance gene networks and defence molecules for the genetic improvement of cassava cultivars. In this study, we found that MeHB16 transcription factor as a differentially expressed gene in cassava cultivars with contrasting disease resistance, positively modulated disease resistance by modulating defence molecule lignin accumulation. Further investigation showed that MeHB16 physically interacted with itself via the leucine-Zippe domain (L-Zip), which was necessary for the transcriptional activation of downstream lignin biosynthesis genes. In addition, protein kinase MeKIN10 directly interacted with MeHB16 to promote its phosphorylation at Ser6, which in turn enhanced MeHB16 self-association and downstream lignin biosynthesis. In summary, this study revealed the molecular network of MeKIN10-mediated MeHB16 protein phosphorylation improved cassava bacterial blight resistance by fine-tuning lignin biosynthesis and provides candidate genes and the defence molecule for improving cassava disease resistance.