Effect of cyanide-utilizing bacteria and sulfur on feed utilization, microbiomes, and cyanide degradation in cattle supplemented with fresh cassava root.

This study aimed to compare the effects of adding cyanide-utilizing bacteria (CUB) and sulfur on rumen fermentation, the degradation efficiency of hydrogen cyanide (HCN), feed utilization, and blood metabolites in beef cattle fed two levels of fresh cassava root (CR). A 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design was used to distribute four male purebred Thai native beef cattle (2.5-3.0 years old) with an initial body weight (BW) of 235 ± 15.0 kg. Factor A was Enterococcus faecium KKU-BF7 oral direct fed at 108 CFU/ml and 3% dry matter (DM) basis of pure sulfur in concentrate diet. Factor B was the two levels of CR containing HCN at 300 and 600 mg/kg on DM basis. There was no interaction effect between CUB and sulfur supplementation with CR on feed utilization (p > 0.05). Similarly, CUB and sulfur supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) DM intake and apparent nutrient digestibility. However, the high level of CR supplementation increased (p < 0.05) feed intake and neutral detergent fiber digestibility. The ruminal pH, microbial population, ammonia-nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen, and blood thiocyanate concentrations were unaffected by the addition of CUB and sulfur at two CR concentrations (p > 0.05). The addition of CUB or sulfur had no effect on the efficiency of HCN degradation in the rumen (p > 0.05). However, cattle given CR with HCN at 600 mg/kg DM had considerably higher degradation efficiency than those fed CR containing HCN at 300 mg/kg DM (p < 0.05). The group fed CUB had a considerably greater CUB population (p < 0.05) than the sulfur group. Cyanide-utilizing bacteria or sulfur supplementation with CR had no interaction effect between total VFAs and their profiles (p > 0.05). However, the study observed a significant positive correlation between the amount of CR and the concentration of propionate in the rumen (p < 0.05). The levels of nitrogen absorption and nitrogen retention did not differ significantly among the treatments (p > 0.05). Hence, it may be inferred that the administration of a high concentration of CR at a dosage of 600 mg/kg DM HCN could potentially provide advantageous outcomes when animals are subjected to oral CUB incorporation.

Antineoplastic effects of cassava-cyanide extract on human glioblastoma (LN229) cells.

Several natural compounds reduce tumour cell growth and metastasis by inducing programmed cell death. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) contains cyanogenic glycosides such as, linamarin and lotaustralin, can be enzymatically cleaved by linamarase to release hydrogen cyanide (HCN), which can have therapeutic benefits against hypertension, asthma, and cancer. We have developed a technology for isolating bio-active principles from cassava leaves.The present study is designed to analyze the cytotoxic effect of cassava cyanide extract (CCE) against human glioblastoma cells (LN229). The treatment of CCE demonstrated a dose dependent toxicity on glioblastoma cells. At higher concentration tested, the CCE (400 µg/mL) was found to be cytotoxic, reducing the cell viability to 14.07 ± 2.15% by negatively influencing the mitochondrial activity, and lysosomal and cytoskeletal integrity. Coomassie's brilliant blue staining confirmed cells' morphological aberration after 24 h of treatment with CCE. Moreover, DCFH-DA assay and Griess reagent showed an increase in ROS but a decrease in RNS production at a concentration of CCE. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that CCE interfered with G0/G1, S, and G2/M stages of the cell cycle of glioblastoma, and Annexin/PI staining indicated a dose-dependent increase in cell death, confirming the toxic nature of CCE on LN229 cells. These findings suggest that cassava cyanide extract has potential as an antineoplastic agent against glioblastoma cells, which is an aggressive and difficult-to-treat type of brain cancer. However, it is important to note that the study was conducted in vitro, and further research is necessary to assess the safety and efficacy of CCE in vivo. Additionally, it is essential to establish the optimal dose and potential side effects before considering its use as a therapeutic agent.

Feed utilization efficiency and ruminal metabolites in beef cattle fed with cassava pulp fermented yeast waste replacement soybean meal.

The purpose of this study was to see how substituting cassava pulp fermented yeast waste (CSYW) for soybean meal (SBM) in a concentrate affected feed intake, digestibility, and rumen fermentation in Thai native beef cattle. In this study, four male Thai native beef cattle with an average age of 15.0 ± 25.0 months and body weights of 140 ± 5.0 kg were used. The experimental design was a 4 × 4 Latin squared design, with dietary treatments of CSYW replacing SBM at 0, 33, 67, and 100% in the concentrate mixture. It was discovered that the presence of CSYW had no negative impact on feed intake, nutritional intake, or apparent digestibility (p > 0.05). CSYW had no significant effects on ruminal pH or temperature (p > 0.05). When the amount of CSYW in the diet increased, the rumen ammonia-nitrogen concentration increased (p < 0.05). Blood urea nitrogen was not affected by CSYW (p > 0.05). The total bacterial population increased when the diet's CSYW amount was increased (p < 0.05). Feeding CSYW to beef cattle had no influence on total volatile fatty acid, acetic acid (C2), or butyric acid (C4) proportions (p > 0.05). The concentration of propionic acid (C3) and the C2:C3 ratio increased when the amount of CSYW in the diet was increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CSYW can completely replace SBM in a concentrate diet for beef cattle with no adverse effects on feed utilization or rumen fermentation while the total bacterial population and C3 concentration increase.

Ethanol treatment enhances drought stress avoidance in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz).

External application of ethanol enhances tolerance to high salinity, drought, and heat stress in various plant species. However, the effects of ethanol application on increased drought tolerance in woody plants, such as the tropical crop "cassava," remain unknown. In the present study, we analyzed the morphological, physiological, and molecular responses of cassava plants subjected to ethanol pretreatment and subsequent drought stress treatment. Ethanol pretreatment induced a slight accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA) and stomatal closure, resulting in a reduced transpiration rate, higher water content in the leaves during drought stress treatment and the starch accumulation in leaves. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ethanol pretreatment upregulated the expression of ABA signaling-related genes, such as PP2Cs and AITRs, and stress response and protein-folding-related genes, such as heat shock proteins (HSPs). In addition, the upregulation of drought-inducible genes during drought treatment was delayed in ethanol-pretreated plants compared with that in water-pretreated control plants. These results suggest that ethanol pretreatment induces stomatal closure through activation of the ABA signaling pathway, protein folding-related response by activating the HSP/chaperone network and the changes in sugar and starch metabolism, resulting in increased drought avoidance in plants.

Laccase production by Pleurotus ostreatus using cassava waste and its application in remediation of phenolic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated lignocellulosic biorefinery wastewater.

The treatment of contaminants from lignocellulosic biorefinery effluent has recently been identified as a unique challenge. This study focuses on removing phenolic contaminants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from lignocellulosic biorefinery wastewater (BRW) applying a laccase-assisted approach. Cassava waste was used as a substrate to produce the maximum yield of laccase enzyme (3.9 U/g) from Pleurotus ostreatus. Among the different inducers supplemented, CuSO4 (0.5 mM) showed an eight-fold increase in enzyme production (30.8 U/g) after 240 h of incubation. The catalytic efficiency of laccase was observed as 128.7 ± 8.47 S-1mM-1 for syringaldazine oxidation at optimum pH 4.0 and 40 °C. Laccase activity was completely inhibited by lead (II) ion, mercury (II) ion, sodium dodecyl sulphate, sodium azide and 1,4 dithiothretiol and induced significantly by manganese (II) ion and rhamnolipid. After treating BRW with laccase, the concentrations of PAHs and phenolic contaminants of 1144 µg/L and 46160 µg/L were reduced to 96 µg/L and 16100 µg/L, respectively. The ability of laccase to effectively degrade PAHs in the presence of different phenolic compounds implies that phenolic contaminants may play a role in PAHs degradation. After 240 h, organic contaminants were removed from BRW in the following order: phenol >2,4-dinitrophenol > 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol > 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol > acenaphthene > fluorine > phenanthrene > fluoranthene > pyrene > anthracene > chrysene > naphthalene > benzo(a)anthracene > benzo(a)pyrene > benzo(b)fluoranthene > pentachlorophenol > indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene > benzo(j) fluoranthene > benzo[k]fluoranthène. The multiple contaminant remediation from the BRW by enzymatic method, clearly suggests that the laccase can be used as a bioremediation tool for the treatment of wastewater from various industries.

Leafy vegetables fortification enhanced the nutritional profile and reduced the glycemic index of yellow cassava pasta.

Food-to-food fortification of yellow cassava flour with leafy vegetable powders (Amaranthus and Telfairia occidentalis) was employed in this study to develop cassava-vegetable spaghetti-like pasta products (YP, YPA5, YPA10, YPU5, YPU10, YPA5O). The nutritional profile, micronutrient retention, bioaccessibility, starch digestibility and in vitro glycemic index were assessed. The incorporation of leafy vegetable powder enhanced the nutritional quality of the yellow cassava pasta (YCP) products. The fortification increased (up to 3-fold) the protein in fortified YCP, increased the fibre (11%), doubled the ash and increased the beta-carotene (about 7-fold), iron (72%) and zinc contents by 10%. The phenolic content of fluted pumpkin leaf-fortified pasta with 10% leaf powder inclusion (YPU10) was 1100 µg GAE g-1, almost four times higher than that of the unfortified YCP. Leaf powders in the cassava pasta also favoured the retention of micronutrients during cooking and slowed down the starch digestibility. The retention during cooking was up to 91% in YPU10 for beta-carotene with no loss in iron, while the bioaccessibility of beta-carotene was impeded, the zinc retention was high and became significantly more bioaccessible with leaf addition and cooking. The estimated glycemic index of YCP was reduced by 19% and 15% in YPU10 and YPA10, respectively. The inclusion of the vegetables also reduced the glycemic index of the fortified YCP. Thus, adding leafy vegetable powder up to 10% into YCP is a promising approach to both valorise yellow provitamin A biofortified cassava and enhance the nutritional value.

Sulfur, fresh cassava root and urea independently enhanced gas production, ruminal characteristics and in vitro degradability.

BACKGROUND: Total fresh cassava root (FCR) production was 275 million tonnes in 2018 which equals 61.1 % of the total production, and Thailand produced 10.7 % FCR of the total production. FCR is one of the main energy source for ruminant. The limitation of FCR utilization is due to the presence of hydrogen cyanide (HCN). The study aimed to evaluate the effect of sulfur, urea and FCR at various levels on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation and in vitro degradability. The study hypothesized that: (1) sulfur, urea and FCR have no interaction effect and (2) effect of FCR and urea is related to sulfur addition. RESULTS: The study aimed to elucidate the optimum level of elemental sulfur, fresh cassava root (FCR) and urea and their effect on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation, thiocyanate concentration, and in vitro degradability. A 3 × 2 × 4 in a completely randomized design were conducted. Factor A was level of sulfur at 0 %, 1 and 2 % of concentrate dry matter (DM), factor B was level of urea at 2 and 4 % of concentrate DM, and factor C was level of the FCR at 0, 200, 300 and 400 mg DM of the total substrate. The study found that elemental sulfur, urea and FCR had no interaction effect on the kinetics of in vitro gas, ruminal fermentation, HCN and in vitro degradability. Elemental sulfur supplementation (P < 0.05) significantly increased the in vitro gas produced from an insoluble fraction (b), in vitro DM degradability and either neutral detergent fiber (NDF) or acid detergent fiber (ADF) degradability and propionate (C3) concentration while decreased the ruminal HCN concentration. Urea levels showed a (P < 0.05) significant increase of the potential extent of in vitro gas production, ruminal ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA). Fresh cassava root supplementation (P < 0.05) significantly increased the in vitro gas produced from an immediate soluble fraction (a), in vitro gas produced from insoluble fraction, in vitro gas production rate constant, total VFA, C3 concentration and HCN while decreased ruminal pH, acetate and butyrate concentration. It could be concluded that 2 % elemental sulfur, 4 % urea and 300 mg FCR showed a greater effect on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation and HCN reduction. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that elemental sulfur, urea, and FCR had no interaction effect on the kinetics of in vitro gas, total in vitro gas, ruminal fermentation, and HCN concentration. It could be concluded that 2 % elemental sulfur, 4 % urea, and 300 mg FCR showed a greater effect on in vitro gas production, ruminal fermentation, and HCN reduction.

Novel application of biofortified crops: consumer acceptance of pasta from yellow cassava and leafy vegetables.

BACKGROUND: Newly developed yellow biofortified cassava has been adjudged as a cost-effective solution to vitamin A deficiency in low- and middle-income countries with high cassava intake such as Nigeria. In this study, yellow cassava was developed into a novel pasta enriched with amaranth vegetable and tested among consumers. Attitudes, perception, motives for consumption and perceived barriers were ascertained using focus group discussions and randomised face-to-face interviews, while liking, preference and ranking of the novel food were established through consumer sensory perception. RESULTS: Willingness to consume the new food, low food neophobia (32%), a health-driven consumption pattern, as well as an appreciable acceptance for the developed pasta, was established among the consumers. Ugwu (Telfairia occidentalis) was found to be the most preferred leafy vegetable. The yellow cassava pasta was ranked better than the conventional white cassava. CONCLUSION: This study shows new avenues to valorise yellow cassava by which nutrition security can be improved in low- and middle-income countries of Africa. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Quality improvement of saliva by chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks: a randomized experimental trial: (Study on salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) and calcium (Ca) levels).

Background: Bubble tea drinks contain tea and tapioca pearls. Chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks may increase salivary components. Because of its proteins, inorganic components, and enzymes, saliva plays an important role in the body's defense against bacteria and viruses. This study aims to analyze the effect of chewing tapioca pearls in bubble tea drinks on salivary C-reactive protein (CRP) and calcium (Ca) levels. Methods: The inclusion criterion was 18-25 years of age. The exclusion criteria were receiving medication, using dentures, a history of dry mouth, smoking and systemic disease. In the first week of the experiment, subjects drank bubble tea with tapioca pearls for three days (intervention week). In the second week, the same subjects drank tea without pearls for three days (control week). Each subject drank the bubble tea for 5 minutes per day over 3 days. Saliva samples were collected on the first day before bubble tea consumption (pretest) and on the third day after tea consumption (posttest). Saliva collection was performed in the morning (09:00 am-12:00 pm) for 1 minute. Sixty saliva samples were collected from 15 subjects. Salivary CRP levels were measured using a commercial ELISA kit, and Ca levels were determined using semi-quantitative test strips. Results: Salivary CRP decreased significantly on the third day in the intervention group but showed no significant difference with the control group. Calcium levels increased significantly on the third day in both groups. Conclusion: Bubble tea drinks could improve the quality of saliva by decreasing salivary CRP and increasing Ca levels. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04670341 (17 th December 2020).

Solid-State Fermentation of Cassava Roots Using Cellulolytic-Type Alkaliphilic Bacillus spp. Cultures to Modify the Cell Walls and Assist Starch Release.

To improve cassava starch extraction by wet milling, solid-state fermentation of ground roots using cellulolytic-type alkaliphilic Bacilli spp., Bacillus akibai, B. cellulosilyticus and B. hemicellulosilyticus was investigated. Enzyme assay and scanning electron microscopy indicated that Bacillus spp. production of extracellular cellulase and polygalacturonase caused the formation of micropores through the root parenchyma cell walls and exposed the embedded cellulosic network. Gas chromatography data of the cell wall constituent sugars remaining after fermentation and Fourier transform infrared data indicated that the Bacillus treatments reduced the levels of pectin and, hemicellulose and to lesser extent cellulose. Wide-angle X-ray scattering data indicated that the Bacillus spp. cell wall degrading enzymes had partially hydrolysed the amorphous fractions of the cell wall polysaccharides. All the Bacillus spp. treatments improved starch extraction by 17-23% compared to fermentation with endogenous microflora. B. cellulosilyticus was most effective in disintegration of large root particles and as result, released marginally the most starch, probably due to it having the highest cellulase activity. Solid-state fermentation using cellulolytic-type Bacillus spp. is, therefore, promising to technology to improve the efficiency of cassava wet milling cell wall disintegration and consequent starch yield without use of commercial cell wall degrading enzymes or polluting chemicals.

A simple fluorophore-imine ensemble for colorimetric and fluorescent detection of CN- and HS- in aqueous solution.

Colorimetric and fluorescent detection of cyanide and hydrogen sulfide ions has been effected using a simple organic probe in H2O:DMSO (20:80, v/v) medium. The probe exhibits a colour change from pale-yellow to red upon addition of these analytes under normal light and fluorescent change from green to red under UV lamp. Other competitive ions show no observable colour or fluorescence change. The binding constants of cyanide and hydrogen sulfide ions with the probe determined using fluorescence titration data are found to be 2.1 × 104 and 1.6 × 104 M-1, respectively. The probe fluorimetrically detects the analytes in a wide pH range (4-10). 1H and 13C NMR studies suggest that the probe senses cyanide ion through deprotonation and nucleophilic addition mechanism and hydrogen sulfide ion via deprotonation mechanism. Detection limits of cyanide and hydrogen sulfide are determined to be 0.15 and 1 µM, respectively. The practical utility of the probe has been demonstrated by same dual mode detection of cyanide in food materials like bitter almond, cassava flour and sprouting potato.

Effects of dietary inclusion of Zymomonas mobilis degraded cassava sifting on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, ileal digesta viscosity, and economy of feed conversion of broiler chickens.

A study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of Zymomonas mobilis degraded cassava sifting (ZDCS) on growth response, apparent nutrient digestibility, and ileal digesta viscosity of broiler chickens. Five diets containing undegraded and degraded cassava sifting were formulated to replace wheat offal at 0, 50, and 100% levels. Two hundred and forty (240) one-day-old Marshall broiler chickens were randomly allotted to the five dietary treatments in a completely randomized design (CRD); significant means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test at p < 0.05. The biodegradation of cassava sifting with Zymomonas mobilis significantly increased crude protein content by 44.59% while crude fiber and neutral detergent fiber significantly decreased by 23.08% and 6.38%, respectively. The results showed that birds fed 50% ZDCS had the best (p > 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) at the starter phase. The replacement of wheat offal with 100% ZDCS improved (p < 0.05) the crude fiber digestibility at both starter and finisher phases. Also, the birds fed 100% ZDCS had the lowest (p < 0.05) value of ileal digesta viscosity. The birds fed 50% ZDCS had the highest (p < 0.05) values of gross revenue, gross profit, rate of return on investment, and economic efficiency while the least values for gross profit, rate of return on investment, and economic efficiency were obtained in 100% ZDCS. The study concluded that replacement of wheat offal with 50% ZDCS in the ration of broiler chickens improved FCR, crude fiber digestibility (CFD), and rate of return on investment and economic efficiency.

Switching to a "turn-on" fluorescent probe for selective monitoring of cyanide in food samples and living systems.

A fluorescent probe (TPA-BTD-MT) was designed to monitor cyanide ions (CN-) with a "turn-on" response, changing from "turn-off" behavior due to the structural change. TPA-BTD-MT exhibited high selectivity for sensing CN- in several food samples and was successfully used for imaging CN- in living cells and animals with strong "turn-on" fluorescence.

Improving the nutritive value of cassava bioethanol waste using fermented yeast as a partial replacement of protein source in dairy calf ration.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)-fermented cassava bioethanol waste (YECAW) on feed utilization, ruminal fermentation, and microbial population in dairy calves fed a concentrate diet at 1% body weight (BW). Four male Holstein Friesian crossbred calves with an initial BW of 109 ± 6.23 kg were used in this research. The experimental design was a 4 × 4 Latin squared design and the dietary treatments were four levels of YECAW supplementation at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 20% concentrate mixture. The YECAW product contained CP at 25.1% dry matter (DM) and NDF and ADF at 65.2 and 40.6% DM, respectively. Inclusion of YECAW did not alter feed intake of rice straw, total intake, nutrient intake, and digestion coefficients (P > 0.05). Ruminal pH and temperature, ruminal ammonia-nitrogen, and blood urea-nitrogen (BUN) were not significant by YECAW levels supplementation (P > 0.05). Increasing YECAW levels did not adversely affect the population of bacteria, protozoa, and fungi and values ranged from 6.5 to 7.0 × 1012, 3.2 to 4.0 × 105, and 6.9 to 7.4 × 103 cells/ml, respectively (P > 0.05). Feeding of YECAW to dairy calves did not affect the total VFA, acetic acid (C2), propionic acid (C3), or butyric acid (C4) proportion (P > 0.05) which ranged from 102.6 to104.6 mmol/l, 70.7 to 72.0, 17.8 to 20.2, and 9.1 to 10.3 mol/ 100 mol, respectively. Therefore, feeding of YECAW is recommended because no adversely affect the utilization of feed and rumen characteristics and might be alternative protein source for ruminants.

Soil-to-cassava plant transfer factor of natural radionuclides on a mining impacted soil in a tropical ecosystem of Nigeria.

The transfer factors (TFs) of naturally occurring radionuclides, 238U and 232Th from soil to different cassava plant compartments were calculated. Cassava is widely cultivated in Nigeria and contributes significantly to the food supply of the nation. There is sparsity of data on the TFs in Nigeria, and no TF data from any African country were included in the International Atomic Energy Agency's compilation of TFs for the tropical ecosystem. Samples of tin tailings and soil samples from virgin land were used to formulate three soil groups; group-A (soil from virgin land only), group-B (tailings only) and group-C (equal dry mass combination of tailings and soil from virgin land). Pot experiments were set up to determine the TFs of 238U and 232Th. The activity concentrations of 238U and 232Th in the dried samples of the soil and plant compartments were determined using a sodium iodide detector. The TF of 238U ranged from below detection limit (BDL) to 0.01 in the tuber samples, BDL to 0.23 in the stem samples and BDL to 0.90 in the leaf samples, while the TF of 232Th ranged between 0.006 and 0.49 for tuber samples, 0.03 and 0.65 in stem samples and 0.03 and 1.54 in the leaf samples. There were significant difference in the TF of 238U and 232Th between the soil groups. The leaf compartment generally had most of the highest TF values while the tuber samples had most of the lowest TF values for both radionuclides.

Effects of earthworms and effective microorganisms on the composting of sewage sludge with cassava dregs in the tropics.

The present study revealed the role of earthworm-effective microorganisms (EM) in converting sewage sludge and cassava dregs into a valuable product. Sewage sludge was toxic to earthworm, therefore it was mixed with cassava dregs in 80:20 proportions (dry weight). Treatments included mixed substrate inoculated versus not inoculated with EM and treated with or without earthworms. The pH, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and C:N ratio decreased from the initial measurements in the range of 17.43-18.46%, 25.48-33.82%, 19.60-25.37%, and 6.68-14.05% respectively; but electrical conductivity and available phosphorus increased in the range of 113.47-158.16% and 42.42-57.58%, respectively. In addition, they interactively increased total phosphorus from 19.84-63.01% and potassium from 16.41-50.78%, and decreased the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons content of substrate from 21.17% to 32.14% with an increase in earthworms from 51.71 to 57.69, respectively. Earthworms and EM could be used together as an efficient method for co-composting sewage sludge plus cassava dregs in the tropics. This could be expected to result in stabilization of waste, increase in nutrients, and reduction of pollutant content. Implications: The first reports of interaction of earthworms and effective microorganisms in the treatment of sewage sludge and cassava dregs in the tropics. Co-composting was an efficient technology for treating sewage sludge and cassava dregs at the same time, in the tropics. The survival rate of the earthworms both> 95%, the highest number of cocoons (640.33) and hatchlings (4694.33) both in EW+EM (Earthworms added and EM inoculated) treatment. Earthworms and EM (Only EM inoculated) interactively increased total phosphorus and potassium content, and decreased the PAH content of substrate with increase in earthworms.

Potential of cassava clones enriched with ß-carotene and lycopene for zinc biofortification under different soil Zn conditions.

BACKGROUND: Zinc (Zn) deficiency is a major human health concern worldwide, and biofortification (genetic and agronomic) is a complementary solution for increasing micronutrient contents, including Zn. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) has been used for Zn biofortification because it is an important staple crop in most countries affected by malnutrition and Zn deficiency. Thus studies on biofortification of this crop can improve its nutritional quality. Zn content in cassava clones enriched with ß-carotene or lycopene and cultivated under different areas and soil managements was investigated to evaluate the influence of genotypic variation and agronomic management on Zn status in the plant. RESULTS: A clone-specific response to total Zn content in the soil was found, with clones 26, 215, and 240 (ß-carotene enriched) and clones 341 and 395 (lycopene enriched) being the most responsive. For both experiments, there was a positive interaction between total soil Zn and Zn content in the roots. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, by combining plant breeding and agronomic strategies, it is possible to enrich cassava roots with both zinc and ß-carotene or lycopene. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of feeding fresh cassava root with high-sulfur feed block on feed utilization, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites in Thai native cattle.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of feeding fresh cassava root (CR) along with a feed block containing high was to sulfur (FBS) on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and blood thiocyanate concentration in Thai native beef cattle. Four Thai male native beef cattle, initial body weight (BW) of 130 + 20.0 kg, were used in this study. The experiments were randomly assigned according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The main factors were supplemented fresh CR levels (1.0 and 1.5% BW) and across to a feed block supplemented with sulfur added 2% (FBS-2) and 4% (FBS-4). Intakes of rice straw, concentrate diets, and FBS were not affected by treatments. Intakes of CR, sulfur, and total intake were significantly altered by the FBS treatment. The apparent dry matter and organic matter digestibility coefficient were significantly higher in animals fed FBS-4 than in those fed FBS-2. The ruminal ammonia nitrogen concentration was not affected by treatment and ranged from 15.6 to 17.6 mg/dl. Populations of protozoa and fungal zoospores were similar across treatments, whereas the bacterial population was significantly different between sulfur levels in the feed block. Feeding CR with FBS did not change total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations and VFA profiles except for the propionic acid concentration, which was higher in the group with CR supplementation at 1.5% BW. Cattle fed CR with FBS showed similar blood urea nitrogen concentration at various feeding times and overall. In contrast, CR supplementation at 1.5% BW with FBS-2 increased blood thiocyanate concentrations. Therefore, supplementation of FBS-2 was beneficial to Thai native beef cattle fed with 1.5% BW fresh CR as it improved digestibility and rumen fermentation presumed, because HCN from fresh cassava root was converted into thiocyanate, which is nontoxic to farm animals.

Provitamin A biofortification of cassava enhances shelf life but reduces dry matter content of storage roots due to altered carbon partitioning into starch.

Storage roots of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), a major subsistence crop of sub-Saharan Africa, are calorie rich but deficient in essential micronutrients, including provitamin A ß-carotene. In this study, ß-carotene concentrations in cassava storage roots were enhanced by co-expression of transgenes for deoxy-d-xylulose-5-phosphate synthase (DXS) and bacterial phytoene synthase (crtB), mediated by the patatin-type 1 promoter. Storage roots harvested from field-grown plants accumulated carotenoids to ≤50 µg/g DW, 15- to 20-fold increases relative to roots from nontransgenic plants. Approximately 85%-90% of these carotenoids accumulated as all-trans-ß-carotene, the most nutritionally efficacious carotenoid. ß-Carotene-accumulating storage roots displayed delayed onset of postharvest physiological deterioration, a major constraint limiting utilization of cassava products. Large metabolite changes were detected in ß-carotene-enhanced storage roots. Most significantly, an inverse correlation was observed between ß-carotene and dry matter content, with reductions of 50%-60% of dry matter content in the highest carotenoid-accumulating storage roots of different cultivars. Further analysis confirmed a concomitant reduction in starch content and increased levels of total fatty acids, triacylglycerols, soluble sugars and abscisic acid. Potato engineered to co-express DXS and crtB displayed a similar correlation between ß-carotene accumulation, reduced dry matter and starch content and elevated oil and soluble sugars in tubers. Transcriptome analyses revealed a reduced expression of genes involved in starch biosynthesis including ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase genes in transgenic, carotene-accumulating cassava roots relative to nontransgenic roots. These findings highlight unintended metabolic consequences of provitamin A biofortification of starch-rich organs and point to strategies for redirecting metabolic flux to restore starch production.