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Pueraria candollei var. mirifica produces and accumulates various phytoestrogen compounds in its tuberous roots, including daidzein and genistein. Plant cell culture methods have been established to alleviate the problems associated with producing valuable phytochemicals from natural or field-cultivated plants, and hairy root culture is one of the most promising methods for the in vitro production of plant secondary metabolites. Thus, this study aimed to produce daidzein and genistein from hairy root cultures of P. candollei var. mirifica. The influences of cultivation parameters, including the culture medium, light conditions, sugar content in the culture medium, incubation temperature, and agitation speed, on biomass and daidzein and genistein production in hairy root cultures of this medicinal plant were investigated. The results revealed that the optimal cultivation conditions for biomass and bioactive compound production were Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium, a sucrose concentration of 30 g/L, a 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod, an incubation temperature of 26 °C, and an agitation speed of 90 rpm. The highest biomass and daidzein and genistein contents achieved in this study were 17.76 g/L, 6.85 mg/g DW, and 0.96 mg/g DW, respectively. Interestingly, the daidzein and genistein contents obtained from hairy roots were approximately 45.7- and 12.0-fold greater than those obtained from normal roots, respectively, suggesting that hairy root culture is a suitable method for the sustainable production of phytoestrogen, daidzein, and genistein from this medicinal plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple yam (Dioscorea trifida) has high agricultural productivity in the Amazon region but has not been much investigated. Multivariate strategies were employed to optimize the method to obtain a food extract rich in functional compounds. The optimal conditions showed that the combination of 0.2 g of dried purple yam with 15 mL of citric acid (1%) under agitation in a water bath at 36 °C for 4 min yields an extract with a high content of peonidin-3-O-glucoside-5-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-feruloylglycosideum-5-O-glycosideum, peonidin-3-Op-coumaroylglycosideum-5-O-glycoside, quinic acid, apigenin 8-C-xyloside-6-C-glycoside (vicenin 3), quinic acid, apigenin 6-C-xyloside-8-C-glycoside (vicenin 1), and isorhamnetin-O-dihexoside. Our extract also presented 56.91 ± 0.76 mg 100 g−1 of total anthocyanins, 417.05 ± 11.37 mg 100 g−1 total carotenoids, and 493.09 ± 6.38 mg GAE 100 g−1 of total phenolic compounds. In a Galleria mellonella, in vivo model consumption safety was for up to 150 g by 70 kg of body weight. In addition, it inhibited the growth of Gram-negative bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli). The simple, fast, and ecofriendly extraction conditions, combined with the biological effects of our extract, gives us a great potential for its application in food or packaging technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coleus forskohlii, an Indian-origin medicinal plant is the sole natural source of the labdane terpenoid forskolin (C22H34O7), with growing demand. Forskolin emerged as an industrially important bioactive compound, with many therapeutic applications in human health. It has established potential effects in the treatment of various diseases and conditions such as glaucoma, asthma, obesity, allergies, skin conditions and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, clinical trials against different types of cancers are progressing. The mechanism of action of forskolin mainly involves activating adenylyl cyclase and elevating cAMP, thereby regulating different cellular processes. For the extraction of forskolin, tuberous roots of C. forskohlii are used as they contain the highest concentration of this metabolite. Approximately 2500 tonnes of the plant are cultivated annually to produce a yield of 2000–2200 kg ha−1 of dry tubers. The forskolin content of the root is distributed in the range of 0.01–1%, which cannot meet the increasing commercial demands from industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dietary supplements, food and beverages. Hence, various aspects of micropropagation with different culture methods that employ precursors or elicitors to improve the forskolin content have been explored. Different extraction and analytical methods are also introduced to examine the yield and purity of forskolin. This review discusses the significance, clinical importance, mechanism of action and different approaches used for mass production including tissue culture for the lead compound forskolin to meet market needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental - Agriambi is the property of Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agricola e Ambiental and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pueraria candollei var. mirifica produces and accumulates various phytoestrogen compounds in its tuberous roots, including daidzein and genistein. Plant cell culture methods have been established to alleviate the problems associated with producing valuable phytochemicals from natural or field-cultivated plants, and hairy root culture is one of the most promising methods for the in vitro production of plant secondary metabolites. Thus, this study aimed to produce daidzein and genistein from hairy root cultures of P. candollei var. mirifica. The influences of cultivation parameters, including the culture medium, light conditions, sugar content in the culture medium, incubation temperature, and agitation speed, on biomass and daidzein and genistein production in hairy root cultures of this medicinal plant were investigated. The results revealed that the optimal cultivation conditions for biomass and bioactive compound production were Murashige & Skoog (MS) medium, a sucrose concentration of 30 g/L, a 16/8 h light/dark photoperiod, an incubation temperature of 26 °C, and an agitation speed of 90 rpm. The highest biomass and daidzein and genistein contents achieved in this study were 17.76 g/L, 6.85 mg/g DW, and 0.96 mg/g DW, respectively. Interestingly, the daidzein and genistein contents obtained from hairy roots were approximately 45.7- and 12.0-fold greater than those obtained from normal roots, respectively, suggesting that hairy root culture is a suitable method for the sustainable production of phytoestrogen, daidzein, and genistein from this medicinal plant.

Ranunculus asiaticus L. is an ornamental geophyte. In commercial practice, it is mainly propagated by rehydrated tuberous roots. Vernalization before planting is a common practice to overcome the natural dormancy of tuberous roots; however, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the plant's response to low temperatures. We investigated the influence of three preparation procedures of tuberous roots, only rehydration (control, C), and rehydration plus vernalization at 3.5 °C for 2 weeks (V2) and for 4 weeks (V4), on plant growth, leaf photosynthesis, flowering, and metabolism in plants of two hybrids, MBO (early flowering, pale orange flower) and MDR (medium earliness, bright orange flower), grown in pots in an unheated greenhouse. We reported the responses observed in the aerial part in a previous article in this journal. In this paper, we show changes in the underground organs in carbohydrate, amino acids, polyphenols, and protein levels throughout the growing cycle in the different plant stages: pre-planting, vegetative growth, and flowering. The metabolic profile revealed that the two hybrids had different responses to the root preparation procedure. In particular, MBO synthesized GABA and alanine after 2 weeks and sucrose after 4 weeks of vernalization. In contrast, MDR was more sensitive to vernalization; in fact, a higher synthesis of polyphenols was observed. However, both hybrids synthesized metabolites that could withstand exposure to low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Mandevilla calcicola, endemic to limestone formations in Goiás state, Brazil, is described. A key and photos for all Mandevilla species reported in Goiás and Distrito Federal, Brazil, are included. This new species is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). A short note on the occurrence of geophytes in rauvolfioids and apocynoids (focused on Mandevilla) and its taxonomic value is included.

The tuberous roots of Holostemma annulare are utilized as the drug Jivanti in Ayurvedic medicine system. There is a huge demand of root tubers of this plant by pharmacies. Conversely, there are reports concerning adulteration in market samples of Jivanti resulting in damaging effect on the quality of drug formulations. Till now there is no significant study to relate the source plants available in markets as Jivanti. A meticulous phytochemical profiling especially of the roots is still a lacuna and no studies have been carried out yet regarding this. We focused on this concept and analyzed the antiinflammatory activity by means of proteinase inhibition assay, as well as COX and LOX inhibition assays in the root samples collected from homestead cultivation (HS) and from an authenticated trade shop in Thiruvananthapuram (TS). Among the two samples, TS exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory activity to HS which further confirms the authenticity of the genuine drug in the preparation of Ayurvedic formulations. The study provides a scientific rationale in using Holostemma roots in traditional drug preparations for diseases linked with inflammation and also throw light in fortifying molecular approaches in validating elite raw drugs in order to supplement genuine samples for pharma needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tubers and tuberous root crops are essential carbohydrate sources and staple foods for humans, second only to cereals. The developmental phase transition, including floral initiation and underground storage organ formation, is controlled by complex signaling processes involving the integration of environmental and endogenous cues. FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TERMINAL FLOWER 1/CENTRORADIALIS (TFL1/CEN), members of the phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) gene family, play a central role in this developmental phase transition process. FT and FT-like proteins have a function to promote developmental phase transition, while TFL1/CEN act oppositely. The balance between FT and TFL1/CEN is critical to ensure a successful plant life cycle. Here, we present a summarized review of the role and signaling network of PEBP in floral initiation and underground storage organ formation, specifically in tubers and tuberous root crops. Lastly, we point out several questions that need to be answered in order to have a more complete understanding of the PEBP signaling network, which is crucial for the agronomical improvement of tubers and tuberous crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In Argentina, cassava (Manihot esculenta) production does not meet the national demand. The aim of this work was to analyze the effects of two planting systems of the stem cuttings (horizontal and vertical), two plant densities (10,000 and 20,000 plant ha-1) and two cassava genotypes (cv. Palomita and Blanca de Santa Catarina) on biometric variables and on root and starch yields by means of a field experiment carried out in Corrientes, Argentina. Eight treatments were distributed following a randomized complete block design. The following variables were evaluated: cutting sprouting percentage, plant height, percentage of intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (PARi); total, shoot and root fresh weight per hectare and/or per plant; starch production per hectare and weed dry biomass. Blanca de Santa Catarina (BSC) demonstrated the best yield potential. Vertical planting determined higher sprouting percentages, plant length and PARi, consequently greater conversion into biomass and starch. Higher plant density was associated with lower weed dry biomass and with lower root yield per plant. In conclusion, in cassava producing areas, such as Corrientes, which has sandy soils, the vertical planting system at a density of 10,000 plant ha-1 with the cv. BSC could be recommended to increase cassava yield without additional costs.

The already marked tendency for functional food consumption, low in calories, and with biologically active properties, has been increasing. In this scenario, yacon tuberous roots, with high levels of nutraceutical fructooligosaccharides, gain importance. However, these nutraceutical properties depend on fertilization management. Thus, our study aims to evaluate different doses of potassium fertilization on the physicochemical characteristics of yacon roots. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with 4 replications and 5 treatments: four doses of potassium fertilization (50%; 100%; 150%; 200%) of the reference value, corresponding to 178.7 kg.ha-1; 357.4 kg.ha-1; 536.1 kg.ha-1; 714.8 kg.ha-1 of potassium chloride – (KCl), and a control (soil without fertilization). The chemical features evaluated were pH, total titratable acidity, soluble solids, conductivity, turbidity, moisture and ashes. The texture profile was analyzed through toughness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, chewability index, elasticity, and gooeyness. Most of the variables were influenced by potassium soil fertilization. Only turbidity, conductivity and gumminess showed no response to the applied doses, not fitting the tested models. Potassium fertilization improved both chemical (higher levels of soluble solids and less acidity) and physical characteristics (less hardness, chewability, cohesiveness, and adhesion) of yacon tuberous roots, bringing greater quality to the final product. Highlights • Yacon is considered a prebiotic food. Several immunostimulatory characteristics promote antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity. • Potassium is associated with root size, shape, texture, color, flavor, acidity, nutrient transport resistance, nutritional value, and even market value. • Texture constitutes an important factor and quality criterion for the sensory acceptance of food. Thus, the results obtained show that potassium fertilization improves both physical and chemical characteristics of yacon roots. • The best results were observed with the maximum dose of potassium fertilization (357.4 kg.ha-1 of KCl).

Ranunculus asiaticus L. is an ornamental geophyte. In commercial practice, it is mainly propagated by rehydrated tuberous roots. Vernalization before planting is a common practice to overcome the natural dormancy of tuberous roots; however, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the plant’s response to low temperatures. We investigated the influence of three preparation procedures of tuberous roots, only rehydration (control, C), and rehydration plus vernalization at 3.5 °C for 2 weeks (V2) and for 4 weeks (V4), on plant growth, leaf photosynthesis, flowering, and metabolism in plants of two hybrids, MBO (early flowering, pale orange flower) and MDR (medium earliness, bright orange flower), grown in pots in an unheated greenhouse. We reported the responses observed in the aerial part in a previous article in this journal. In this paper, we show changes in the underground organs in carbohydrate, amino acids, polyphenols, and protein levels throughout the growing cycle in the different plant stages: pre-planting, vegetative growth, and flowering. The metabolic profile revealed that the two hybrids had different responses to the root preparation procedure. In particular, MBO synthesized GABA and alanine after 2 weeks and sucrose after 4 weeks of vernalization. In contrast, MDR was more sensitive to vernalization; in fact, a higher synthesis of polyphenols was observed. However, both hybrids synthesized metabolites that could withstand exposure to low temperatures.

The already marked tendency for functional food consumption, low in calories, and with biologically active properties, has been increasing. In this scenario, yacon tuberous roots, with high levels of nutraceutical fructooligosaccharides, gain importance. However, these nutraceutical properties depend on fertilization management. Thus, our study aims to evaluate different doses of potassium fertilization on the physicochemical characteristics of yacon roots. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks, with 4 replications and 5 treatments: four doses of potassium fertilization (50%; 100%; 150%; 200%) of the reference value, corresponding to 178.7 kg.ha-1; 357.4 kg.ha-1; 536.1 kg.ha-1; 714.8 kg.ha-1 of potassium chloride - (KCl), and a control (soil without fertilization). The chemical features evaluated were pH, total titratable acidity, soluble solids, conductivity, turbidity, moisture and ashes. The texture profile was analyzed through toughness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, chewability index, elasticity, and gooeyness. Most of the variables were influenced by potassium soil fertilization. Only turbidity, conductivity and gumminess showed no response to the applied doses, not fitting the tested models. Potassium fertilization improved both chemical (higher levels of soluble solids and less acidity) and physical characteristics (less hardness, chewability, cohesiveness, and adhesion) of yacon tuberous roots, bringing greater quality to the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Argentinian Horticulture / Horticultura Argentina is the property of Revista Horticultura Argentina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of starch produced by plants that suffer damage caused by M. fryanus, analyzed by colorimetric and morphological indices. Colorimetric data were composed of luminosity indices, “a” and “b” chroma coordinates and darkening index. For morphological data, the perimeter and area of starch granules extracted from cassava roots were analyzed. The variables were summarized in a principal component analysis and the axes scores retained for interpretation were correlated with the damage caused by the M. fryanus. From these analyses and observing the main effects, linear regression models for the variables were determined, according to the level of damage caused by the pest. The damage caused by M. fryanus in the roots strongly influenced the indices related to starch colorimetry, hence, under conditions of greater damage, the tendency of the chroma coordinates to vary toward red and yellow was observed and a decrease in starch luminosity occurred, inversely proportional to the increase in darkening. Similar to what was observed in the colorimetric data, a drop in the size of starch granules was noted in the roots, which suffered greater damage from the pest.

Tubers and tuberous root crops are essential carbohydrate sources and staple foods for humans, second only to cereals. The developmental phase transition, including floral initiation and underground storage organ formation, is controlled by complex signaling processes involving the integration of environmental and endogenous cues. FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) and TERMINAL FLOWER 1/CENTRORADIALIS (TFL1/CEN), members of the phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PEBP) gene family, play a central role in this developmental phase transition process. FT and FT-like proteins have a function to promote developmental phase transition, while TFL1/CEN act oppositely. The balance between FT and TFL1/CEN is critical to ensure a successful plant life cycle. Here, we present a summarized review of the role and signaling network of PEBP in floral initiation and underground storage organ formation, specifically in tubers and tuberous root crops. Lastly, we point out several questions that need to be answered in order to have a more complete understanding of the PEBP signaling network, which is crucial for the agronomical improvement of tubers and tuberous crops.

Sweetpotato is an emerging food crop that ensures food and nutrition security in the face of climate change. Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) is one of the key factors affecting plant stress tolerance and is also an essential nutrient in humans. In plants, fatty acid desaturase 8 (FAD8) synthesizes ALA from linoleic acid (LA). Previously, we identified the cold-induced IbFAD8 gene from RNA-seq of sweetpotato tuberous roots stored at low-temperature. In this study, we investigated the effect of IbFAD8 on the low-temperature storage ability and ALA content of the tuberous roots of sweetpotato. Transgenic sweetpotato plants overexpressing IbFAD8 (TF plants) exhibited increased cold and drought stress tolerance and enhanced heat stress susceptibility compared with non-transgenic (NT) plants. The ALA content of the tuberous roots of TF plants (0.19 g/100 g DW) was ca. 3.8-fold higher than that of NT plants (0.05 g/100 g DW), resulting in 8–9-fold increase in the ALA/LA ratio in TF plants. Furthermore, tuberous roots of TF plants showed better low-temperature storage ability compared with NT plants. These results indicate that IbFAD8 is a valuable candidate gene for increasing the ALA content, environmental stress tolerance, and low-temperature storage ability of sweetpotato tuberous roots via molecular breeding.

Sweetpotato is an emerging food crop that ensures food and nutrition security in the face of climate change. Alpha-linoleic acid (ALA) is one of the key factors affecting plant stress tolerance and is also an essential nutrient in humans. In plants, fatty acid desaturase 8 (FAD8) synthesizes ALA from linoleic acid (LA). Previously, we identified the cold-induced IbFAD8 gene from RNA-seq of sweetpotato tuberous roots stored at low-temperature. In this study, we investigated the effect of IbFAD8 on the low-temperature storage ability and ALA content of the tuberous roots of sweetpotato. Transgenic sweetpotato plants overexpressing IbFAD8 (TF plants) exhibited increased cold and drought stress tolerance and enhanced heat stress susceptibility compared with non-transgenic (NT) plants. The ALA content of the tuberous roots of TF plants (0.19 g/100 g DW) was ca. 3.8-fold higher than that of NT plants (0.05 g/100 g DW), resulting in 8–9-fold increase in the ALA/LA ratio in TF plants. Furthermore, tuberous roots of TF plants showed better low-temperature storage ability compared with NT plants. These results indicate that IbFAD8 is a valuable candidate gene for increasing the ALA content, environmental stress tolerance, and low-temperature storage ability of sweetpotato tuberous roots via molecular breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) is a prospective food crop that ensures food and nutrition security under the dynamic changes in global climate. Peroxidase (POD) is a multifunctional enzyme involved in diverse plant physiological processes, including stress tolerance and cell wall lignification. Although various POD genes were cloned and functionally characterized in sweetpotato, the role of POD in lignification and low-temperature storage ability of sweetpotato tuberous roots is yet to be investigated. In this study, we isolated the cold-induced lignin forming peroxidase (IbLfp) gene of sweetpotato, and analyzed its physiological functions. IbLfp showed more predominant expression in fibrous roots than in other tissues. Moreover, IbLfp expression was up-regulated in leaves and roots under cold stress, and was altered by other abiotic stresses. Tuberous roots of transgenic sweetpotato lines overexpressing IbLfp (LP lines) showed improved tolerance to low temperature, with lower malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents than non-transgenic sweetpotato plants under cold stress. The enhanced cold tolerance of LP lines could be attributed to the increased basal activity of POD, which is involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging. Moreover, greater accumulation of lignin could also contribute to the enhanced cold tolerance of LP lines, as lignin acts as a protective barrier against invading pathogens, which is a secondary symptom of chilling injury in sweetpotato. Overall, the results of this study enhance our understanding of the function of POD in low-temperature storage of sweetpotato tuberous roots. • A novel peroxidase, Lignin forming peroxidase (Lfp), was isolated in sweetpotato. • Transgenic sweetpotato plants overexpressing IbLfp (LP lines) were generated and characterized. • Tuberous roots of LP lines showed low-temperature tolerant phenotypes compared to NT. • Peroxidase activity and lignin contents were higher in tuberous roots of LP lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arracacha is used by farming families as a fundamental crop for food security because of its caloric content. In Colombia, there are diverse cultivars that have been scarcely studied. The postharvest quality and starch content of seven arracacha cultivars were characterized. A completely randomized design was used with seven treatments, consisting of the cultivars 'yema de huevo', 'paliverde', 'palirrusia', 'yucatana', 'blanca de tarro', 'palinegra' and 'amarilla de tarro'. The results showed that the pH, the total soluble solids, and the maturity ratio increased for all cultivars except for 'palinegra' during the first 8 days after harvest. The total titratable acidity decreased for 'amarilla de tarro'; in the rest of cultivars, there was a slight increase over time. The respiratory rate and firmness increased in all cultivars until day 12, with higher values for 'palinegra'. Starch content, respiratory rate, and firmness decreased, while L* increased. The loss of mass had the highest values in the first 3 days of storage. The color index and the L* and b* parameters increased over time; therefore, increases in luminosity and yellow colorations were observed. 'Paliverde' showed the highest starch content, being the cultivar less suitable for industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is associated with cell wall rigidity, water and solute transport, and resistance to diverse stresses in plants. Lignin consists of polymerized monolignols (p -coumaryl, coniferyl, and sinapyl alcohols), which are synthesized by cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) in the phenylpropanoid pathway. We previously investigated cold-induced IbCAD1 expression by transcriptome profiling of cold-stored tuberous roots of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam). In this study, we confirmed that IbCAD1 expression levels depended on the sweetpotato root type and were strongly induced by several abiotic stresses. We generated transgenic sweetpotato plants overexpressing IbCAD1 (TC plants) to investigate CAD1 physiological functions in sweetpotato. TC plants displayed lower root weights and lower ratios of tuberous roots to pencil roots than non-transgenic (NT) plants. The lignin contents in tuberous roots of NT and TC plants differed slightly, but these differences were not significant. By contrast, monolignol levels and syringyl (S)/guaiacyl (G) ratios were higher in TC plants than NT plants, primarily owing to syringyl unit accumulation. Tuberous roots of TC plants displayed enhanced low-temperature (4 °C) storage with lower malondialdehyde and H 2 O 2 contents than NT plants. We propose that high monolignol levels in TC tuberous roots served as substrates for increased peroxidase activity, thereby enhancing antioxidation capacity against cold stress–induced reactive oxygen species. Increased monolignol contents and/or increased S/G ratios might contribute to pathogen-induced stress tolerance as a secondary chilling-damage response in sweetpotato. These results provide novel information about CAD1 function in cold stress tolerance and root formation mechanisms in sweetpotato. • Transgenic sweetpotato plants overexpressing IbCAD1 were generated and characterized. • IbCAD1 transgenic plants showed enhanced storage ability of tuberous roots under low temperature. • IbCAD1 transgenic plants showed lower levels of malondialdehyde and H 2 O 2 contents than NT plants. • Monolignol amount and S/G ratio were higher in IbCAD1 transgenic plants than NT plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruits and aerial parts of Sechium edule (Jacq.) Sw. (Cucurbitaceae) are a popular cook vegetable being used in different parts of the world with ethnomedicinal and pharmacological values. However, the beneficial health attributes of the tuberous roots have been less exploited. The present study aimed to determine the prebiotic potentiality of the storage carbohydrates from this part. The carbohydrate fractions were harvested by hot‐water, cold‐water, hot‐acid, hot‐alkali, and hot 80% ethanol treatments following the standard protocol. The fractions were tested for in vitro prebiotic efficacy, hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant potentials, and in vivo health attributes in Swiss albino mice. The partial characterization was performed by high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) and spectroscopic analyses by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). The highest prebiotic index was observed in hot‐water and ethanol (Et‐OH) fractions with the antioxidant IC50 values of 35.46 ± 0.33 and 32.56 ± 0.48 µg/ml, respectively. The HPTLC, FT‐IR, and ESI‐MS analyses showed that the hot‐water and Et‐OH carbohydrate fractions are rich in low‐degree polymerizing inulin‐like fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The fractions had a significant prebiotic index, hypocholesterolemic, and antioxidant activities. The synbiotic combination of the fractions with the probiotic LAB improved gut colonization and gut immune enhancement with significantly lowered triglycerides, serum LDL, and serum VLDL cholesterols. A significantly enhanced HDL cholesterol level proves its health beneficial attributes comparable to the commercial inulin prebiotics. Thus, this plant's novel inulin‐like FOS may substitute the high‐cost commercial prebiotics for our daily life. Practical applications: Prebiotics are low‐degree polymerizing oligosaccharide food ingredients having multifaceted health benefits. For this reason, there is an ever‐increasing global demand for such novel prebiotics. Therefore, finding out some novel prebiotic from conventional food sources may provide an alternative dietary source to fulfill the consumer demand. Sechium edule is a famous cook vegetable used by many ethnic communities across the globe. For the first time, the study revealed novel inulin‐like fructooligosaccharides in the tuberous roots having hypocholesterolemic and synbiotic efficacy with GRAS lactic acid bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pachyrhizus ahipa is an unexploited crop known to be rich in proteins compared to other edible roots and tubers. These proteins are not prolamins, thus ahipa represents an interesting new source of ingredients for gluten-free foods. In this work, ahipa proteins (AP) were extracted and partially characterized in pursuit of their use as food ingredients. The effect of ultrasound treatment on protein extraction efficiency was evaluated. AP were characterized by their size, amino acid composition, surface hydrophobicity, intrinsic fluorescence, FTIR spectra, solubility, and thermal and emulsifying properties. AP were efficiently removed from the vegetal tissue using PBS or water, regardless of the use of ultrasound, but not easily recovered by precipitation. This protein fraction was composed of small proteins, with sizes ranging from 9 to 30 kDa, and highly polar. AP resulted particularly rich in aspartic acid (59% of the total amino acid content), for which they can be classified as Asp-rich proteins. Their elevated content of acidic groups was evidenced in the ATR-FTIR spectrum. The amide I band deconvolution as well as the low surface hydrophobicity and denaturation enthalpy indicated that these proteins are mainly unordered structures. The emulsifying properties of AP were enhanced when the concentration was increased from 0.1 to 1% (w/v) but resulted lower than those of soy protein. The high polarity, small size, and low isoelectric point make AP particularly suitable for acidic food matrices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many species from across the vascular plant tree‐of‐life have modified standard plant tissues into tubers, bulbs, corms, and other underground storage organs (USOs), unique innovations which allow these plants to retreat underground. Our ability to understand the developmental and evolutionary forces that shape these morphologies is limited by a lack of studies on certain USOs and plant clades. We take a comparative transcriptomics approach to characterizing the molecular mechanisms of tuberous root formation in Bomarea multiflora (Alstroemeriaceae) and compare these mechanisms to those identified in other USOs across diverse plant lineages; B. multiflora fills a key gap in our understanding of USO molecular development as the first monocot with tuberous roots to be the focus of this kind of research. We sequenced transcriptomes from the growing tip of four tissue types (aerial shoot, rhizome, fibrous root, and root tuber) of three individuals of B. multiflora. We identified differentially expressed isoforms between tuberous and non‐tuberous roots and tested the expression of a priori candidate genes implicated in underground storage in other taxa. We identify 271 genes that are differentially expressed in root tubers versus non‐tuberous roots, including genes implicated in cell wall modification, defense response, and starch biosynthesis. We also identify a phosphatidylethanolamine‐binding protein, which has been implicated in tuberization signalling in other taxa and, through gene‐tree analysis, place this copy in a phylogenetic context. These findings suggest that some similar molecular processes underlie the formation of USOs across flowering plants despite the long evolutionary distances among taxa and non‐homologous morphologies (e.g., bulbs vs. tubers). (Plant development, tuberous roots, comparative transcriptomics, geophytes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Colombia, about seven regional materials are grown in monoculture and occasionally in associate, the cycle is annual and without planting seasonality, allowing harvesting throughout the year. Production is low with yields ranging from 7 to 13 t ha-1 and phytosanitary problems are presented in addition to the presence of commercial roots with unwanted purple pigmentations in the commercialization. In order to offer new genotypes, increase yields and meet the demand for yellow tuberous roots, the variety Agrosavia La 22 is obtained that preserves the color of the root and is the first genotype of this species to be registered in the national register of crops in Colombia. Agrosavia La 22 is the result of the selection of plants from sexual seed that were generated after the process of cross-pollination of accessions preserved in the germplasm bank in Colombia. Qualitative and quantitative descriptors of complete plant, leaf, seed, stem and tuberous root were used, as well as yield variables. After five evaluation cycles the results show that this variety has completely yellow roots, experimental yields of commercial roots of 33.48 t ha-1 and noncommercial of 1.31 t ha-1. On average a plant has nine commercial roots, each with an average weight of 271 g, 15 propagules per plant and tolerance to pests and diseases compared to commonly used genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ranunculus asiaticus is a quantitative long day plant grown for cut flowers and flowering potted plants production. We evaluated the influence of light spectrum of three light sources for end-of-day photoperiodic treatments, with different phytochrome photoequilibria (PPE) induced at plant level, on the metabolic profiling of two hybrids of R. asiaticus L., MBO and MDR, in plants from vernalized tuberous roots. The following treatments were compared with natural day length (NL): white fluorescence lamp (FL, PPE 0.84), light emitting diodes (LEDs) Red:Far Red light at 3:1 ratio (R:FR 3:1, PPE 0.84), and LEDs Red:Far Red light at 1:3 ratio (R:FR 1:3, PPE 0.63). Measurements were carried out to evaluate the time course of carbohydrate, amino acid, and protein levels throughout the growing cycle in tuberous roots and leaves, in relation to the different plant stages (pre-planting, vegetative phase, and flowering). The study of metabolic profiling suggested that the differences between the tuberous root reserves of the two R. asiaticus hybrids could be responsible for the capacity of MBO to exert an early flowering. In particular, the proton-consuming synthesis during the pre-planting of two amino acids, alanine and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), is able to buffer the cytoplasmic acidosis and pH altered by the vernalization process, and GABA itself can efficiently scavenge reactive oxygen species. This fast response to the stress caused by vernalization allows MBO plants to accelerate the process of vegetative development and flowering. Some other changes in metabolites profile were certainly related to the different responses to day length and photoperiodic light quality in the two hybrids, such as dose exerted by low R:FR lighting in both MBO and MDR. However, most of the responses are under a strict genetic control.

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Ranunculus asiaticus is a quantitative long day plant grown for cut flowers and flowering potted plants production. We evaluated the influence of light spectrum of three light sources for end-of-day photoperiodic treatments, with different phytochrome photoequilibria (PPE) induced at plant level, on the metabolic profiling of two hybrids of R. asiaticus L., MBO and MDR, in plants from vernalized tuberous roots. The following treatments were compared with natural day length (NL): white fluorescence lamp (FL, PPE 0.84), light emitting diodes (LEDs) Red:Far Red light at 3:1 ratio (R:FR 3:1, PPE 0.84), and LEDs Red:Far Red light at 1:3 ratio (R:FR 1:3, PPE 0.63). Measurements were carried out to evaluate the time course of carbohydrate, amino acid, and protein levels throughout the growing cycle in tuberous roots and leaves, in relation to the different plant stages (pre-planting, vegetative phase, and flowering). The study of metabolic profiling suggested that the differences between the tuberous root reserves of the two R. asiaticus hybrids could be responsible for the capacity of MBO to exert an early flowering. In particular, the proton-consuming synthesis during the pre-planting of two amino acids, alanine and γ- aminobutyric acid (GABA), is able to buffer the cytoplasmic acidosis and pH altered by the vernalization process, and GABA itself can efficiently scavenge reactive oxygen species. This fast response to the stress caused by vernalization allows MBO plants to accelerate the process of vegetative development and flowering. Some other changes in metabolites profile were certainly related to the different responses to day length and photoperiodic light quality in the two hybrids, such as dose exerted by low R:FR lighting in both MBO and MDR. However, most of the responses are under a strict genetic control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) of waste is a method of increasing methane (CH4) yield and improving biofertilizer quality. This study aimed to evaluate the best AcoD conditions for swine manure (SM) with sweet potato (SP) or cassava (C) in different amounts in semicontinuous biodigesters. Initially, using batch biodigesters, an AcoD test of the SM with SP or C was performed, adopting carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios of 10/1, 13/1, 17/1, and 22/1. Based on the results, a C/N ratio of 10/1 was chosen, which was the proportion that resulted in the highest reduction of volatile solids (VS) and specific biogas production. From these results, the experiment was carried out in semi-continuous biodigesters, consisting of three treatments (control (SM), SP 10/1, and C 10/1) with five replicates and a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 30 days. Total solid (TS) and volatile solid (VS) reductions, biogas and CH4 yields, alkalinity, and volatile acidity were measured. The control treatment differed from the others and resulted in decreased biogas yield (752 LN.kgVSadded-1), CH4 (449 LN.kgVSadded-1), and CH4 content (59.7%). The AcoD treatments (SP and C) did not differ significantly for biogas yield (respectively, 901 and 883 LN.kgVSadded-1) and CH4 (respectively, 590 and 547 LN.kgVSadded-1); however, they differed in CH4 content (65.5% and 61.9% respectively). The treatments showed general reduction averages of 76.1% and 85.9% for TS and VS, respectively, with no statistical difference found between them. The AcoD of the SM with SP or C increased the production and quality of the biogas, increasing the concentration of CH4 therein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inorganic components, especially magnesium, iron, copper and zinc contained in vegetable roots are of major importance, but seldom taken into account, either by general practitioners or by dietitians. The goal of this work is to report on magnesium, iron, copper and zinc in potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, yam and taro produced, and consumed in Campo Grande, the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. After previous determination of humidity, the vegetables were digested with a mixture of HNO3 and H2O2 in the microwave digestion system Speedwave®, Berghof, Germany. The levels of trace elements were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES, iCap 6000® - Thermo Scientific, USA). Most of the elements analyzed occur at levels within the range reported from international and Brazilian sources. However, iron in common potato, sweet potato and cassava was at the lowest level, while magnesium was very low in taro samples. The bioelements studied cannot pose any serious health risks and the edible tuberous roots widely consumed in Mato Grosso do Sul may represent an important source of essential micronutrients. The data show exclusively the population exposure to these minerals, no assumptions made as to their real absorption or bioavailability. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.17807/orbital.v9i3.929

ABSTRACT Water stress is an environmental factor that can regulate growth, limit production and lead to physiological and biochemical changes. Plants present a series of adaptive responses to drought, such as osmotic adjustment, in which carbohydrates play an important role. To evaluate the influence of water deficit on carbohydrates accumulation in V. discolor, the plants were divided into two groups: daily watering and water suppression for 14 days being re-watering after this period. Leaves and roots were collected at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 days, for ecophysiological and biochemical analyzes. Variations in carbohydrate contents in V. discolor showed a close relationship with changes in the plant water status, with higher concentrations of soluble sugars, total fructans, oligosaccharides, reducing sugars coinciding with the lower values of soil moisture and leaf water potentials and relative water content. In the tuberous roots, there is an increase in carbohydrate concentrations after re-watering. The increase of these low molecular weight carbohydrates is involved in osmotic adjustment and therefore acts to protect against dehydration.

Dahlia is used for landscaping parks and gardens as well as cut flower. Because the dahlia comes from Central America (Mexico), it does not tolerate the cold temperatures of the winter. That is why the tuberous roots are planted in April, and removed in October. The tuberous roots are stored for 6 months in a dark and ventilated place where the temperature does not fall below 00C. Recent changes in the agro-climatic environment and preliminary studies have naturally led to the conclusion that it is possible the tuberous roots of to be left without removal and storage. The purpose of this study is to identify damage or lack thereof in overwintering the tuberous roots in the soil. Three cultivars were used -'Vitus', 'White Ball', 'Dark Red'. In overwintering plant the sprouting started with 5-7 days earlier. The growth rate was faster with overwintering plants, the most pronounced being that of the Dark Red cultivar. The wintering plants enter the phenophase beginning and mass flowering 11 to 14 days earlier. Flowering of the individual flower and the whole plant is 38-45% longer in wintering plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inorganic components, especially magnesium, iron, copper and zinc contained in vegetable roots are of major importance, but seldom taken into account, either by general practitioners or by dietitians. The goal of this work is to report on magnesium, iron, copper and zinc in potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava, yam and taro produced, and consumed in Campo Grande, the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. After previous determination of humidity, the vegetables were digested with a mixture of HNO3 and H2O2 in the microwave digestion system Speedwave®, Berghof, Germany. The levels of trace elements were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES, iCap 6000® - Thermo Scientific, USA). Most of the elements analyzed occur at levels within the range reported from international and Brazilian sources. However, iron in common potato, sweet potato and cassava was at the lowest level, while magnesium was very low in taro samples. The bioelements studied cannot pose any serious health risks and the edible tuberous roots widely consumed in Mato Grosso do Sul may represent an important source of essential micronutrients. The data show exclusively the population exposure to these minerals, no assumptions made as to their real absorption or bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to investigate the effect of different weight of planting material and cutting on safed musli cultivation. Tubers were divided into three weight categories (3, 6 and 9 g bulk−1) and were either planted as whole or cut tubers. The plant growth and development were recorded at 60, 90 and 120 days after sprouting (DAS). The results showed that both factors had no interaction for all parameters measured. The sprouting percentage was not significantly different in all the treatments. The weight of planting materials used in the treatments had no influence on the overall plant growth and development. However, there was a significant difference observed between whole tuber and cut tuber treatments. At 90 DAS, tubers subjected to cutting encouraged the plants to produce the higher number of leaves (22.7) with improved total leaf area (642 cm2), fibrous root length (2795 cm) and tuber dry weight (7.8 g). The same pattern was observed at 120 DAS where the cut tubers produced the higher number of tubers (20.7) with increased length (8.6 cm) and diameter (6.6 mm). Consequently, these factors resulted in higher yield, 15.7 as compared to 13.6 g bulk−1in non-cut treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) caused by wounding is one of the main constraints that affect the development of cassava industry. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the PPD are unknown. In the present study the adaptive response to wound stress was analyzed in combination with transcriptome and metabolome in four kinds of PPD phenomenon from cassava tuberous roots. The results indicated that starch, β-carotene, (-)-epigallocatechin, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and L -epicatechin were altered in the wounded tuberous roots. Moreover, the ROS scavenging system was activated at the PPD preliminary stage. Transcriptome analysis further showed that the strongly induced genes were mainly related to carbohydrate metabolism, signal transduction, and polyketide metabolism. Twenty-eight differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the flavonoid pathway were preferably enriched. The relative quantitative analysis of seventeen genes demonstrated that they were responsive to PPD. Fifty-one differential flavonoid metabolites were detected in widely targeted metabolome profile, among which, luteolin, kaempferol, (-) epicatechin, phloretin, and naringenin were enhanced during PPD. The virus-induced gene silencing of MeCHS3 and MeANR showed that tuberous roots changed tolerance to PPD, and the total flavonoid and anthocyanin contents in leaves were changed. Therefore, the candidate genes and metabolites in flavonoid pathways could participate in PPD regulation. In addition, a proposed model was generated to elaborate the response mechanism of flavonoids under wounding stress, thus providing a future direction for breeding PPD-tolerant cultivars of cassava. • 28 DEGs in flavonoid pathways responded to wound were identified from RNA-seq. • 17 major DEGs might be involved in controlling PPD. • Flavonoid accumulation delayed cassava PPD. • MeCHS3 and MeANR are essential genes in PPD regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Várias espécies herbáceas e subarbustivas, nativas do Cerrado no Brasil, são geofitas, ou seja, sobrevivem ao período desfavorável de déficit hídrico e de baixas temperaturas, que muitas vezes coincide com incêndios, mantendo apenas a porção subterrânea. Vernonia oxylepis é uma dessas espécies e o objetivo desse estudo foi descrever a morfoanatomia da raiz tuberosa e a formação das gemas nessa raiz. Tal raiz é constituída de um eixo orientado perpendicularmente no solo, a partir do qual ramos aéreos são formados na porção proximal, situada ao nível do solo, ao longo do ciclo de vida da planta. Na porção proximal da raiz ocorre auto-enxertia da base dos ramos por ela emitidos. A raiz acumula lipídios e frutanos, apresenta ligeira contração e forma gemas reparativas; a formação das gemas adventícias se dá a partir do periciclo proliferado. Tais características poderiam ser associadas ao processo de adaptação da espécie às condições do Cerrado.Several native herbaceous and subshrub species native to the Cerrado in Brazil are geophytes, that is, they survive the unfavorable dry season and low temperatures, that sometimes coincide with fire, with only the underground system intact. Vernonia oxylepis is one of these species and the aim of this study was to describe the morpho-anatomy of the tuberous root and bud formation on this structure. The main axis of this root is perpendicular to the soil surface, and from which aerial shoots arise periodically throughout the life cycle. On the upper portion of the root, self-grafting of the shoots occurs. The root stores lipids and fructans, exhibits contraction and produces reparatory buds; adventitious buds arise from proliferated pericycle. These characteristics may be related to adaptation of this species to conditions in the Cerrado.

The experiment was carried out in the lathhouse of the station research of horticulture and landscaping department, College of Agriculture, Diyala University, for the season 2015-2016, to study the effect of foliar spray with putrescine at concentrations of 100 and 200 mg/l in addition to spray with distilled water as a control treatment, and salicylic acid (SA) at concentrations of 0, 100 and 150 mg/l as well as their combination treatments on vegetative growth, flowering, and tuberous roots qualities of ranunculus plants (Ranunculus asiaticus L.) cv. 'Victoria F1', with flowers in orang color. Plants sprayed twice with the concentrations used in the experiment. The experiment was designed as a factorial experiment (3×3) in accordance with a randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) with three replicates. The results showed that foliar spray with putrescine affected positively in all vegetative growth, flowering and tuberous roots qualities. Treatment with concentration of 200 mg/l gave the best results. Foliar spray with salicylic acid affected positively in most of vegetative growth, flowering and tuberous roots qualities, the best results were obtained at concentration of 150 mg/l for all qualities except flowering date in which the treatment at concentration of 100 mg/l was surpassed. The interaction between the concentrations of putrescine and salicylic acid were significantly affected in improving the studied traits. The interaction treatment of put at 200 × SA at 100 was surpassed in improving the characteristics of leaf area/plant, flowering date, flower diameter, length and diameter of floral stem, percentage of dry matter in flowers, number of tuberous roots/ plant and, while the combination treatment of put at 200 × SA at 150 surpassed in improving total carbohydrates in leaves, number of flowers/plant, tuberous root diameter, percentage of dry matter in roots and content of total carbohydrates in roots. The interaction treatment of put at 100 × SA at 150 was surpassed in improving plant height, leaf number/plant, content of relative chlorophyll in leaves and percentage of dry matter in leaves. This study showed the common cooperative effect between foliar spray with spermidine and salicylic acid in improving the vegetative growth, flowering and tuberous roots qualities of ranunculus plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this work was to characterize the chemical composition and the postharvest quality of sweet potato Topera variety from a semimechanized production with Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The study was conducted at the Laboratory of Primary Processing of Agricultural Products and Food Biochemistry of the Faculty of Agronomy (FAGRO) at the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) in 2014. The methodology allowed to determine some physical and textural characteristics, as well as the chemical composition using the AOAC methods (Association of Official Analytical Chemists). Sweet potatoes with a lower coefficient of weight variability (CV: 20.12%), form (CV: 5.63%), and size (CV: 12.80%) were obtained. This response allowed to establish three categories of quality with a low incidence of defects (2.15%) and physical-mechanical damage (30.25%), the latter is associated to the high resistance of the material (6.25+0.05 Kgf/mm). Sweet potatoes presented 9.88% of reducing sugars, 6.19% fiber, and 4.13% of protein; these nutritional characteristics suggest its use as a food supplement. The semi-mechanized production with the implementation of the BPA techniques allowed to obtain sweet potatoes with important features for the food processing agribusiness IV Gama and, at the level of the consumer, with a homogeneous physical quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of present paper was to study the influence of the planting material (forced and unforced tuberous roots), and of the cultivar on the average soluble dry matter content (%) from Dahlia tuberous roots at harvest. Also, there were determined a series of relationships between soluble dry matter content and main plant characteristics, like average shoots per plant and average weight of the tuberous roots at harvest time. The study was conducted for two years at University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca on seven cultivars of Dahlia hybrida 'cactus' type: 'Kennemerland', 'TsukiYori No Sisha', 'Hayley Jane', 'Purple Gem', 'Star Favourite', 'Park Princess' and 'Friquolet'. Based on the results obtained it can be concluded that the forcing of the tuberous roots affected the accumulation of soluble dry matter content at dahlia tubers, but it also depends on the cultivar. The highest content of soluble dry matter was at following cultivars 'Star Favourite'/forced tuberous roots (25.47%), 'TsukiYori No Sisha'/unforced tuberous roots (24.80%), 'Kennemerland'/unforced tuberous roots (24.27%), 'Hayley Jane'/forced tuberous roots (23.97%), and 'TsukiYori No Sisha'/forced tuberous roots (22.57%). These dahlia cultivars can be recommended for inulin extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Viguiera discolor Baker é uma espécie nativa do cerrado, cuja sobrevivência está ameaçada pela invasão de espécies exóticas. Considerando sua elevada produção e a vasta aplicação de frutanos, o presente trabalho foi conduzido visando à obtenção in vitro dessa espécie e à prospecção desses carboidratos nessas condições. Sementes foram germinadas in vitro, em meio MS modificado, e após cinco semanas de incubação, nós caulinares foram isolados e incubados no mesmo meio adicionado de 0,5 mg L-1 de ANA, regenerando plantas uniformes, raízesnão espessadas, raízes tuberosas e estruturas semelhantes a calo (calo tipo1), formadas na região caulinar basal. Análise desse material evidenciou a presença de frutanos do tipo inulina nas raízes tuberosas e nos calos tipo 1. Na presença de 2,4-D obteve-se a formação de calos friáveis (calo tipo 2), nos quais também foram detectados frutanos e suas enzimas de síntese sacarose: sacarose 1-frutosiltransferase (SST) e frutano: frutano 1-frutosiltransferase (FFT). Embora em concentrações menores às observadas nas plantas cultivadas sob condições naturais, o material produzido in vitro apresentou frutanos do mesmo tipo e razão SST/FFT menor do que um. Em meio de cultura sem hormônios, foi verificada a regeneração de 50% de plantas a partir dos nós caulinares. A propagação de V. discolor in vitro pode viabilizar a multiplicação e a preservação da espécie, bem como a produção de frutanos nessas condições.Viguiera discolor Baker is a herbaceous species, native to cerrado and its survival has been threatened by the invasion of exotic species. Considering its high production and the wide application of fructans, the present work has aimed to establish in vitro culture of this species and to investigate the presence of fructans under these conditions. Seeds were germinated in vitro on modified MS medium and after plant growth, stem nodes were isolated and incubated on the previous culture medium, supplemented with 0.5 mg L-1 NAA, which allowed the production of uniform plants, and formation of non thickened roots, tuberous roots and callus-like structures (callus type 1). Analysis of these materials showed the presence of inulin-type fructans. Incubation of stem nodes in the presence of 2,4-D induced growth of friable callus (callus type 2), in which fructans and their synthesis enzymes sucrose: sucrose 1-fructosyltransferase (SST) and fructan: fructan 1fructosyltransferase (FFT) were detected. Although in lower concentrations, the ratio SST/FFT activities and their fructans were similar to values found in plants cultivated under natural conditions. Stem nodes incubation on hormone-free medium resulted in regeneration of 50% plantlets. In vitro propagation, of V. discolor, may allow large-scale multiplication and conservation of this species, as well as fructan production under this condition.