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Steven J R Underhill - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • differential transcription pathways associated with rootstock induced dwarfing in Breadfruit artocarpus altilis scions
    BMC Plant Biology, 2021
    Co-Authors: Yuchan Zhou, Steven J R Underhill
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a traditional staple tree crop throughout the tropics. Through interspecific grafting, a dwarf phenotype with over 50% reduction in plant height was identified when marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus) rootstocks were used. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the rootstock-induced Breadfruit dwarfing is poorly understood. An RNA-sequencing study of Breadfruit scions at 22 months after grafting identified 5409 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of which 2069 were upregulated and 3339 were downregulated in scion stems on marang rootstocks compared to those on self-graft. The DEGs were predominantly enriched for biological processes involved in carbon metabolism, cell wall organization, plant hormone signal transduction and redox homeostasis. The down-regulation of genes encoding vacuolar acid invertases and alkaline/neutral invertases, was consistent with the decreased activity of both enzymes, accompanying with a higher sucrose but lower glucose and fructose levels in the tissues. Key genes of biosynthetic pathways for amino acids, lipids and cell wall were down regulated, reflecting reduction of sucrose utilisation for stem growth on dwarfing rootstocks. Genes encoding sugar transporters, amino acid transporters, choline transporters, along with large number of potassium channels and aquaporin family members were down-regulated in scion stems on marang rootstocks. Lower activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPase, together with the predominance of genes encoding expansins, wall-associated receptor kinases and key enzymes for biosynthesis and re-modelling of cellulose, xyloglucans and pectins in down-regulated DGEs suggested impairment of cell expansion. Signalling pathways of auxin and gibberellin, along with strigolacton and brassinosteroid biosynthetic genes dominated the down-regulated DEGs. Phenylpropanoid pathway was enriched, with key lignin biosynthetic genes down-regulated, and flavonoid biosynthetic genes upregulated in scions on marang rootstocks. Signalling pathways of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene and MAPK cascade were significantly enriched in the upregulated DEGs. Rootstock-induced disruption in pathways regulating nutrient transport, sucrose utilisation, cell wall biosynthesis and networks of hormone transduction are proposed to impair cell expansion and stem elongation, leading to dwarf phenotype in Breadfruit scions. The information provides opportunity to develop screening strategy for rootstock breeding and selection for Breadfruit dwarfing.

  • Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) DELLA genes: gibberellin-regulated stem elongation and response to high salinity and drought
    Plant Growth Regulation, 2017
    Co-Authors: Yuchan Zhou, Steven J R Underhill
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit ( Artocarpus altilis ) is a traditional staple tree crop in the Oceania. Susceptibility to tropical windstorm damage has driven an interest in developing Breadfruit with dwarf stature. Gibberellin (GA) is one of the most important determinants of plant height and DELLA proteins are repressors of GA signalling pathway. As a first step toward understanding the molecular mechanism of growth regulation in the species, we isolated two full-length DELLA cDNAs, AaDELLA1 and AaDELLA2 from Breadfruit. Sequence analysis indicated the deduced proteins encoded by these AaDELLAs bear all the hallmarks of functional DELLA of other species. Transcripts of AaDELLA1 and AaDELLA2 were detected in all plant organs, but the expression was much lower in flowers and fruits. AaDELLA1 showed predominantly higher expression in roots, but AaDELLA2 displayed higher expression in stems and leaves. Expression of both AaDELLA s was not significantly changed by exogenous GA_3 treatment. Under paclobutrazol treatment, the expression of AaDELLA2 was up-regulated, but the expression of AaDELLA1 was not changed significantly. Treatments of high salinity up-regulated the expression levels of both AaDELLA1 and AaDELLA2 . Treatment of drought stress increased the expression of AaDELLA2 , but not that of AaDELLA1 . The function of AaDELLAs is discussed with particular reference to their role in stem elongation and the opportunities of Breadfruit dwarfing.

  • Breadfruit artocarpus altilis gibberellin 2 oxidase genes in stem elongation and abiotic stress response
    Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2016
    Co-Authors: Yuchan Zhou, Steven J R Underhill
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a traditional staple tree crop in the Oceania. Susceptibility to windstorm damage is a primary constraint on Breadfruit cultivation. Significant tree loss due to intense tropical windstorm in the past decades has driven a widespread interest in developing Breadfruit with dwarf stature. Gibberellin (GA) is one of the most important determinants of plant height. GA 2-oxidase is a key enzyme regulating the flux of GA through deactivating biologically active GAs in plants. As a first step toward understanding the molecular mechanism of growth regulation in the species, we isolated a cohort of four full-length GA2-oxidase cDNAs, AaGA2ox1- AaGA2ox4 from Breadfruit. Sequence analysis indicated the deduced proteins encoded by these AaGA2oxs clustered together under the C19 GA2ox group. Transcripts of AaGA2ox1, AaGA2ox2 and AaGA2ox3 were detected in all plant organs, but exhibited highest level in source leaves and stems. In contrast, transcript of AaGA2ox4 was predominantly expressed in roots and flowers, and displayed very low expression in leaves and stems. AaGA2ox1, AaGA2ox2 and AaGA2ox3, but not AaGA2ox4 were subjected to GA feedback regulation where application of exogenous GA3 or gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor, paclobutrazol was shown to manipulate the first internode elongation of Breadfruit. Treatments of drought or high salinity increased the expression of AaGA2ox1, AaGA2ox2 and AaGA2ox4. But AaGA2ox3 was down-regulated under salt stress. The function of AaGA2oxs is discussed with particular reference to their role in stem elongation and involvement in abiotic stress response in Breadfruit.

  • Breadfruit artocarpus altilis gibberellin 20 oxidase genes sequence variants stem elongation and abiotic stress response
    Tree Genetics & Genomes, 2015
    Co-Authors: Yuchan Zhou, Steven J R Underhill
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a traditional staple tree crop throughout the tropics. Susceptibility to windstorm damage is the primary constraint on Breadfruit cultivation. Significant tree loss due to intense tropical windstorm in the past decades has driven an increasing interest in developing dwarf varieties of Breadfruit. As a first step toward understanding the molecular mechanism of growth regulation in the species, we investigated the role of gibberellin and the regulation of GA20-oxidase genes in Breadfruit. We provided first evidence that the stem elongation in Breadfruit could be manipulated by exogenous gibberellin-related growth regulators. We then cloned six GA20-oxidase cDNAs, AaGA20ox1–AaGA20ox6, in full length from Breadfruit. Sequence analysis showed that the predicted proteins of the AaGA20ox1–AaGA20ox3 bear all the hallmarks of functional GA20-oxidase of other species, but predicted AaGA20ox4–AaGA20ox6 as expressed, unprocessed pseudogenes closely related to AaGA20ox2. AaGA20ox1, AaGA20ox3 and AaGA20ox4 were predominantly expressed in green vegetative organs, but displayed different expression pattern in roots and reproductive organs. AaGA20ox2, AaGA20ox5 and AaGA20ox6 were expressed mainly in leaves at low level. AaGA20ox1, AaGA20ox3–AaGA20ox6 were subjected to GA feedback regulation following treatment of exogenous gibberellin and/or gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors. AaGA20ox1 and AaGA20ox3 were down-regulated under drought and salinity stress, but AaGA20ox2 was up-regulated under salt stress. Pseudogenes AaGA20ox4 and AaGA20ox5 were up-regulated under drought or/and salt stress condition. The function of AaGA20oxs is discussed with particular reference to their role in stem elongation and involvement in abiotic stress response in Breadfruit.

  • dwarfing of Breadfruit artocarpus altilis trees opportunities and challenges
    American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 2014
    Co-Authors: Yuchan Zhou, Mary B Taylor, Steven J R Underhill
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit [ Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg)] is a traditional staple crop grown for its starchy fruit throughout the tropics. It has long been recognized for its potential to alleviate hunger in the region. However, being a tree of 10 ‐ 30m, Breadfruit is vulnerable to wind damage. Owing to the continuing trend of global climate change, the success of the species as a sustainable crop for delivering local food security is compromised by the likelihood of more intense tropical windstorms in the island nations. Tree height also forms a major constraint to disease management and fruit harvesting. These imperatives have driven an increasing interest in developing Breadfruit varieties with short stature. While a great diversity of Breadfruit cultivars with varying nutritional and agronomic characteristics exists, the genetic resource showing dwarfing traits is largely uncharacterised. Historically, there has been no intentional breeding for Breadfruit cultivars. The long growth cycle, predominantly vegetative propagation and lack of genome information create challenge for crop improvement through traditional breeding. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of plant dwarfism and its application in agricultural practices and genetic improvement for dwarf phenotype, and present options and tools for Breadfruit dwarfing with special reference to natural genetic variability for dwarfing rootstocks, plant growth regulators, potential of mutagenesis and its combination with the currently

Yuchan Zhou - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • differential transcription pathways associated with rootstock induced dwarfing in Breadfruit artocarpus altilis scions
    BMC Plant Biology, 2021
    Co-Authors: Yuchan Zhou, Steven J R Underhill
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a traditional staple tree crop throughout the tropics. Through interspecific grafting, a dwarf phenotype with over 50% reduction in plant height was identified when marang (Artocarpus odoratissimus) rootstocks were used. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the rootstock-induced Breadfruit dwarfing is poorly understood. An RNA-sequencing study of Breadfruit scions at 22 months after grafting identified 5409 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of which 2069 were upregulated and 3339 were downregulated in scion stems on marang rootstocks compared to those on self-graft. The DEGs were predominantly enriched for biological processes involved in carbon metabolism, cell wall organization, plant hormone signal transduction and redox homeostasis. The down-regulation of genes encoding vacuolar acid invertases and alkaline/neutral invertases, was consistent with the decreased activity of both enzymes, accompanying with a higher sucrose but lower glucose and fructose levels in the tissues. Key genes of biosynthetic pathways for amino acids, lipids and cell wall were down regulated, reflecting reduction of sucrose utilisation for stem growth on dwarfing rootstocks. Genes encoding sugar transporters, amino acid transporters, choline transporters, along with large number of potassium channels and aquaporin family members were down-regulated in scion stems on marang rootstocks. Lower activity of plasma membrane H+-ATPase, together with the predominance of genes encoding expansins, wall-associated receptor kinases and key enzymes for biosynthesis and re-modelling of cellulose, xyloglucans and pectins in down-regulated DGEs suggested impairment of cell expansion. Signalling pathways of auxin and gibberellin, along with strigolacton and brassinosteroid biosynthetic genes dominated the down-regulated DEGs. Phenylpropanoid pathway was enriched, with key lignin biosynthetic genes down-regulated, and flavonoid biosynthetic genes upregulated in scions on marang rootstocks. Signalling pathways of salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, ethylene and MAPK cascade were significantly enriched in the upregulated DEGs. Rootstock-induced disruption in pathways regulating nutrient transport, sucrose utilisation, cell wall biosynthesis and networks of hormone transduction are proposed to impair cell expansion and stem elongation, leading to dwarf phenotype in Breadfruit scions. The information provides opportunity to develop screening strategy for rootstock breeding and selection for Breadfruit dwarfing.

  • Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) DELLA genes: gibberellin-regulated stem elongation and response to high salinity and drought
    Plant Growth Regulation, 2017
    Co-Authors: Yuchan Zhou, Steven J R Underhill
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit ( Artocarpus altilis ) is a traditional staple tree crop in the Oceania. Susceptibility to tropical windstorm damage has driven an interest in developing Breadfruit with dwarf stature. Gibberellin (GA) is one of the most important determinants of plant height and DELLA proteins are repressors of GA signalling pathway. As a first step toward understanding the molecular mechanism of growth regulation in the species, we isolated two full-length DELLA cDNAs, AaDELLA1 and AaDELLA2 from Breadfruit. Sequence analysis indicated the deduced proteins encoded by these AaDELLAs bear all the hallmarks of functional DELLA of other species. Transcripts of AaDELLA1 and AaDELLA2 were detected in all plant organs, but the expression was much lower in flowers and fruits. AaDELLA1 showed predominantly higher expression in roots, but AaDELLA2 displayed higher expression in stems and leaves. Expression of both AaDELLA s was not significantly changed by exogenous GA_3 treatment. Under paclobutrazol treatment, the expression of AaDELLA2 was up-regulated, but the expression of AaDELLA1 was not changed significantly. Treatments of high salinity up-regulated the expression levels of both AaDELLA1 and AaDELLA2 . Treatment of drought stress increased the expression of AaDELLA2 , but not that of AaDELLA1 . The function of AaDELLAs is discussed with particular reference to their role in stem elongation and the opportunities of Breadfruit dwarfing.

  • Breadfruit artocarpus altilis gibberellin 2 oxidase genes in stem elongation and abiotic stress response
    Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 2016
    Co-Authors: Yuchan Zhou, Steven J R Underhill
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a traditional staple tree crop in the Oceania. Susceptibility to windstorm damage is a primary constraint on Breadfruit cultivation. Significant tree loss due to intense tropical windstorm in the past decades has driven a widespread interest in developing Breadfruit with dwarf stature. Gibberellin (GA) is one of the most important determinants of plant height. GA 2-oxidase is a key enzyme regulating the flux of GA through deactivating biologically active GAs in plants. As a first step toward understanding the molecular mechanism of growth regulation in the species, we isolated a cohort of four full-length GA2-oxidase cDNAs, AaGA2ox1- AaGA2ox4 from Breadfruit. Sequence analysis indicated the deduced proteins encoded by these AaGA2oxs clustered together under the C19 GA2ox group. Transcripts of AaGA2ox1, AaGA2ox2 and AaGA2ox3 were detected in all plant organs, but exhibited highest level in source leaves and stems. In contrast, transcript of AaGA2ox4 was predominantly expressed in roots and flowers, and displayed very low expression in leaves and stems. AaGA2ox1, AaGA2ox2 and AaGA2ox3, but not AaGA2ox4 were subjected to GA feedback regulation where application of exogenous GA3 or gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitor, paclobutrazol was shown to manipulate the first internode elongation of Breadfruit. Treatments of drought or high salinity increased the expression of AaGA2ox1, AaGA2ox2 and AaGA2ox4. But AaGA2ox3 was down-regulated under salt stress. The function of AaGA2oxs is discussed with particular reference to their role in stem elongation and involvement in abiotic stress response in Breadfruit.

  • Breadfruit artocarpus altilis gibberellin 20 oxidase genes sequence variants stem elongation and abiotic stress response
    Tree Genetics & Genomes, 2015
    Co-Authors: Yuchan Zhou, Steven J R Underhill
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is a traditional staple tree crop throughout the tropics. Susceptibility to windstorm damage is the primary constraint on Breadfruit cultivation. Significant tree loss due to intense tropical windstorm in the past decades has driven an increasing interest in developing dwarf varieties of Breadfruit. As a first step toward understanding the molecular mechanism of growth regulation in the species, we investigated the role of gibberellin and the regulation of GA20-oxidase genes in Breadfruit. We provided first evidence that the stem elongation in Breadfruit could be manipulated by exogenous gibberellin-related growth regulators. We then cloned six GA20-oxidase cDNAs, AaGA20ox1–AaGA20ox6, in full length from Breadfruit. Sequence analysis showed that the predicted proteins of the AaGA20ox1–AaGA20ox3 bear all the hallmarks of functional GA20-oxidase of other species, but predicted AaGA20ox4–AaGA20ox6 as expressed, unprocessed pseudogenes closely related to AaGA20ox2. AaGA20ox1, AaGA20ox3 and AaGA20ox4 were predominantly expressed in green vegetative organs, but displayed different expression pattern in roots and reproductive organs. AaGA20ox2, AaGA20ox5 and AaGA20ox6 were expressed mainly in leaves at low level. AaGA20ox1, AaGA20ox3–AaGA20ox6 were subjected to GA feedback regulation following treatment of exogenous gibberellin and/or gibberellin biosynthesis inhibitors. AaGA20ox1 and AaGA20ox3 were down-regulated under drought and salinity stress, but AaGA20ox2 was up-regulated under salt stress. Pseudogenes AaGA20ox4 and AaGA20ox5 were up-regulated under drought or/and salt stress condition. The function of AaGA20oxs is discussed with particular reference to their role in stem elongation and involvement in abiotic stress response in Breadfruit.

  • dwarfing of Breadfruit artocarpus altilis trees opportunities and challenges
    American Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 2014
    Co-Authors: Yuchan Zhou, Mary B Taylor, Steven J R Underhill
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit [ Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg)] is a traditional staple crop grown for its starchy fruit throughout the tropics. It has long been recognized for its potential to alleviate hunger in the region. However, being a tree of 10 ‐ 30m, Breadfruit is vulnerable to wind damage. Owing to the continuing trend of global climate change, the success of the species as a sustainable crop for delivering local food security is compromised by the likelihood of more intense tropical windstorms in the island nations. Tree height also forms a major constraint to disease management and fruit harvesting. These imperatives have driven an increasing interest in developing Breadfruit varieties with short stature. While a great diversity of Breadfruit cultivars with varying nutritional and agronomic characteristics exists, the genetic resource showing dwarfing traits is largely uncharacterised. Historically, there has been no intentional breeding for Breadfruit cultivars. The long growth cycle, predominantly vegetative propagation and lack of genome information create challenge for crop improvement through traditional breeding. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of plant dwarfism and its application in agricultural practices and genetic improvement for dwarf phenotype, and present options and tools for Breadfruit dwarfing with special reference to natural genetic variability for dwarfing rootstocks, plant growth regulators, potential of mutagenesis and its combination with the currently

Diane Ragone - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Breadfruit flour is a healthy option for modern foods and food security
    PLOS ONE, 2020
    Co-Authors: Diane Ragone, Ying Liu, Paula N Brown, Deanna L Gibson, Susan J. Murch
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit is a traditional staple crop from Pacific islands with the potential to improve worldwide food security and mitigate diabetes. Flour produced from Breadfruit is a gluten-free, low glycemic index, nutrient dense and complete protein option for modern foods but basic scientific knowledge of health impacts of a Breadfruit-based diet in animals and humans was lacking. We designed a series of studies to provide basic and fundamental data on impacts of a Breadfruit-based diet through an in vitro and in vivo model. Cooked Breadfruit flour was digested through a multi-stage enzyme digestion model to estimate protein digestibility in comparison to wheat flour. Breadfruit protein was found to be easier to digest than wheat protein in the enzyme digestion model. The flour digestions were applied to Caco-2 cells to test the cytotoxicity and to measure the immunogenicity through cytokine expression. No significant differences were observed for immune factors and cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ) on Caco-2 cells between the Breadfruit and wheat groups. A Breadfruit-based rodent chow was formulated by substitution of all of the wheat in the standard formulation with Breadfruit. The diets were isocaloric, nutrient equivalent and used to feed male and female C57BL/6 mice for 21 days. No sign of malnutrition, discomfort, illness or death was observed among the mice because of the diet. The histology and the cytokine expression of the mice ileum from both groups were analyzed and showed similar results. The expression of major bacteria was measured in the colon and showed similar results. Mice fed the Breadfruit diet had a significantly higher growth rate and body weight than standard diet fed mice. No negative health outcomes were observed in studies with in vitro or in vivo models and Breadfruit flour is a healthy alternative to other starches for modern foods.

  • Development of a Breadfruit Flour Pasta Product
    Foods, 2019
    Co-Authors: Carmen L. Nochera, Diane Ragone
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) is grown throughout the tropics. Processing the perishable starchy fruit into flour provides a means to expand the use of the fruit. The flour can be used to develop new value-added products for local use and potential export. The purpose of this investigation was to develop a pasta product using Breadfruit flour, test the sensory qualities of the Breadfruit pasta product by sensory evaluation, and evaluate the nutritional composition. ‘Ma’afala’, a popular and widely distributed Polynesian cultivar was used for the study. Nutritional labeling shows that the Breadfruit pasta product is high in carbohydrates (73.3%/100 g) and low in fat (8.33/100 g). Sensory evaluation indicates that 80.3% of the panelists (n = 71) found the pasta acceptable while 18.3% disliked the pasta. The Breadfruit pasta product can provide a nutritious, appealing and inexpensive gluten-free food source based on locally available Breadfruit in areas of the world where it can be easily grown.

  • a transcriptome screen for positive selection in domesticated Breadfruit and its wild relatives artocarpus spp
    American Journal of Botany, 2018
    Co-Authors: Kristen M Laricchia, Diane Ragone, Nyree J C Zerega, Matthew G Johnson, Evelyn W Williams, Norman J Wickett
    Abstract:

    Premise of the study Underutilized crops, such as Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis, Moraceae) have the potential to improve global food security. Humans have artificially selected many cultivars of Breadfruit since its domestication began approximately 3500 years ago. The goal of this research was to identify transcriptomic signals of positive selection and to develop genomic resources that may facilitate the development of improved Breadfruit cultivars in the future. Methods A reference transcriptome of Breadfruit was assembled de novo and annotated. Twenty-four transcriptomes of Breadfruit and its wild relatives were generated and analyzed to reveal signals of positive selection that may have resulted from local adaptation or natural selection. Emphasis was placed on MADS-box genes, which are important because they often regulate fruiting timing and structures, and on carotenoid biosynthesis genes, which can impact the nutritional quality of the fruit. Key results Over 1000 genes showed signals of positive selection, and these genes were enriched for localization to plastids. Nucleotide sites and individuals under positive selection were discovered in MADS-box genes and carotenoid biosynthesis genes, with several sites located in cofactor or DNA-binding domains. A McDonald-Kreitman test comparing wild to cultivated samples revealed selection in one of the carotenoid biosynthesis genes, abscisic acid 8'-hydroxylase 3. Conclusions This research highlights some of the many genes that may have been intentionally or unintentionally selected for during the human-mediated dispersal of Breadfruit and stresses the importance of conserving a varied germplasm collection. It has revealed candidate genes for further study and produced new genomic resources for Breadfruit.

  • Preparation of a Breadfruit Flour Bar.
    Foods (Basel Switzerland), 2016
    Co-Authors: Carmen L. Nochera, Diane Ragone
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit is a nutritious, high energy food with a low quantity of protein but excellent protein quality. It has the potential to be developed into desired products which will help increase its utilization and add value to the crop. The overall purposes of this investigation were to develop a portable, nutritious, ready-to-eat Breadfruit product (bar), test the sensory qualities of the product, and evaluate the nutritional properties of the product. Flour made from the Micronesian variety, Meinpadahk (Artocarpus altilis × Artocarpus mariannensis), was utilized for the development of the Breadfruit bar. Breadfruit is a rich source of fiber, vitamins such as vitamin C, minerals such as potassium, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids. Nutritional labeling indicates that the Breadfruit bar is high in carbohydrates and low in fat, and sensory evaluation indicates that 81% of the panelists found the bar acceptable while 19% disliked the bar. The Breadfruit bar can provide an appealing and inexpensive gluten-free food source based on locally available Breadfruit.

  • Breadfruit artocarpus altilis and hybrids a traditional crop with the potential to prevent hunger and mitigate diabetes in oceania
    Trends in Food Science and Technology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Christina E Turi, Diane Ragone, Ying Liu, Susan J. Murch
    Abstract:

    Abstract More than 80% of the world's hungry live in tropical and subtropical regions where small increases in the costs of imported food, fuel and fertilizer create periods of increased food insecurity. Over time, the traditional knowledge and the traditional crops of the region are being lost and diet-based diseases such as type II diabetes are increasing in frequency. Breadfruit, Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg, has been a staple food and traditional crop in the Pacific for more than 3000 years and is now being cultivated for food security in the Caribbean and other tropical regions. While there is some evidence to suggest that a traditional diet based on Breadfruit and other Pacific staples can prevent onset of type II diabetes, detailed scientific studies have not been conducted. One of the important issues is the wide variability in reported nutritional composition of the fruit in studies that included many different cultivars grown in widely different ecosystems. We conducted a review of the nutritional data to determine the best consensus for fruit nutrition. We identified 41 individual studies that provide some proximate, carbohydrate, vitamin and/or mineral data. A majority of the studies do not provide sufficient botanical data such as species, cultivar name, or descriptive information that would indicate the stage of maturity of the fruit or factors of the local environment such as soil composition or rainfall. Despite these shortcomings, compositional data for Breadfruit suggests that it has potential to mitigate type II diabetes and obesity in Oceania and elsewhere in the tropics where Breadfruit is grown. Further studies will identify specific elite cultivars recommended for this purpose.

B M Bohrer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • the effect of extruded Breadfruit flour on structural and physicochemical properties of beef emulsion modeling systems
    Meat Science, 2021
    Co-Authors: Shiqi Huang, B M Bohrer, Laura Roman, Mario M Martinez
    Abstract:

    Abstract The objective was to determine structural and physicochemical properties of beef emulsion modeling systems prepared with native Breadfruit flour and four different extruded Breadfruit flours. Extrusion conditions for the flours were summarized as two different specific mechanical energies (74 or 145 kJ/kg) and four unique melt temperatures (83 °C, 100 °C, 105 °C, or 126 °C). Meat emulsions formulated at 3% replacement of beef with native or extruded Breadfruit flours were compared with control (no additional flour) formulations. Replacement of beef with Breadfruit flour (either native or extruded) did not significantly change cooking loss or instrumental redness values of cooked meat emulsions. Interestingly, replacement of beef with the fully gelatinized extruded Breadfruit flours altered viscosity during heating as indicated by lower values for storage modulus (44.75% to 62.53% decrease compared with control) and lower values for loss modulus (25.90% to 52.54% decrease compared with control). This resulted in meat emulsions with a significant reduction in textural hardness (28.78% to 37.62% decrease compared with control).

  • the effect of tropical flours Breadfruit and banana on structural and technological properties of beef emulsion modeling systems
    Meat Science, 2020
    Co-Authors: Shiqi Huang, B M Bohrer
    Abstract:

    This study evaluated structural and technological properties of beef emulsion modeling systems prepared with tropical flours. Treatments consisted of a control (0% flour inclusion) and three inclusion levels (1%, 2% and 4%) of two Breadfruit flours and a banana flour. Flour type affected starch content of cooked beef emulsions, with greater starch content for emulsions prepared with banana flour compared with Breadfruit flour, yet flour type did not affect cooking loss. Hardness and chewiness of cooked beef emulsion prepared with Breadfruit flour decreased as inclusion level increased from 0% to 4%, while hardness was not affected by inclusion level of banana flour. Redness values of cooked beef emulsions increased as flour inclusion level increased, but were not affected by flour type. Evaluation of the beef emulsion microstructure and storage modulus revealed that the starch granules of banana flour behaved remarkably different than Breadfruit flour. Overall, there were positive structural and technological attributes when tropical flours were included in beef emulsions.

  • cooking loss texture properties and color of comminuted beef prepared with Breadfruit artocarpus altilis flour 1
    Meat and Muscle Biology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Shiqi Huang, Susan J. Murch, Sandra Vasquez M Mejia, B M Bohrer
    Abstract:

    Cooking loss, texture properties, and color of comminuted beef when prepared with Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) flour or other flour sources was evaluated using 2 separate studies. Flour sources tested in these studies (against a negative control with no added flour) were Breadfruit flour, soy flour, corn flour, wheat flour, and tapioca flour. Study 1: Finely minced, comminuted beef batters (extra lean beef targeted to 97% lean and 3% fat, salt, and ice/water) prepared with inclusion levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% flour were evaluated for cooking loss and texture. Cooking loss was reduced (P < 0.05) in comminuted beef prepared with Breadfruit flour compared with those not prepared with flour and cooking loss decreased as Breadfruit flour inclusion level increased (Linear P < 0.01). Hardness was not different (P = 0.49) in comminuted beef prepared with Breadfruit flour compared with soy flour, and was much less (P < 0.01) compared with the 3 other flour sources at each inclusion level. Study 2: Comminuted beef (lean beef targeted to 90% lean and 10% fat, salt, and ice/water) with inclusion levels of 0, 2.5, and 5% flour were formed into patties and were evaluated for color over a simulated retail display period. Redness values (a*) of comminuted beef prepared with Breadfruit flour were the greatest (P < 0.05) during the 7-d simulated retail display compared with all other treatments, including control samples with no flour. Overall, the results indicated that Breadfruit flour could be effectively used as an ingredient in comminuted beef to produce similar texture as observed with soy flour, while actually improving redness values beyond that of other flour sources.

Susan J. Murch - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.

  • Breadfruit flour is a healthy option for modern foods and food security
    PLOS ONE, 2020
    Co-Authors: Diane Ragone, Ying Liu, Paula N Brown, Deanna L Gibson, Susan J. Murch
    Abstract:

    Breadfruit is a traditional staple crop from Pacific islands with the potential to improve worldwide food security and mitigate diabetes. Flour produced from Breadfruit is a gluten-free, low glycemic index, nutrient dense and complete protein option for modern foods but basic scientific knowledge of health impacts of a Breadfruit-based diet in animals and humans was lacking. We designed a series of studies to provide basic and fundamental data on impacts of a Breadfruit-based diet through an in vitro and in vivo model. Cooked Breadfruit flour was digested through a multi-stage enzyme digestion model to estimate protein digestibility in comparison to wheat flour. Breadfruit protein was found to be easier to digest than wheat protein in the enzyme digestion model. The flour digestions were applied to Caco-2 cells to test the cytotoxicity and to measure the immunogenicity through cytokine expression. No significant differences were observed for immune factors and cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-8, TNF-α, IFN-γ) on Caco-2 cells between the Breadfruit and wheat groups. A Breadfruit-based rodent chow was formulated by substitution of all of the wheat in the standard formulation with Breadfruit. The diets were isocaloric, nutrient equivalent and used to feed male and female C57BL/6 mice for 21 days. No sign of malnutrition, discomfort, illness or death was observed among the mice because of the diet. The histology and the cytokine expression of the mice ileum from both groups were analyzed and showed similar results. The expression of major bacteria was measured in the colon and showed similar results. Mice fed the Breadfruit diet had a significantly higher growth rate and body weight than standard diet fed mice. No negative health outcomes were observed in studies with in vitro or in vivo models and Breadfruit flour is a healthy alternative to other starches for modern foods.

  • cooking loss texture properties and color of comminuted beef prepared with Breadfruit artocarpus altilis flour 1
    Meat and Muscle Biology, 2019
    Co-Authors: Shiqi Huang, Susan J. Murch, Sandra Vasquez M Mejia, B M Bohrer
    Abstract:

    Cooking loss, texture properties, and color of comminuted beef when prepared with Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) flour or other flour sources was evaluated using 2 separate studies. Flour sources tested in these studies (against a negative control with no added flour) were Breadfruit flour, soy flour, corn flour, wheat flour, and tapioca flour. Study 1: Finely minced, comminuted beef batters (extra lean beef targeted to 97% lean and 3% fat, salt, and ice/water) prepared with inclusion levels of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% flour were evaluated for cooking loss and texture. Cooking loss was reduced (P < 0.05) in comminuted beef prepared with Breadfruit flour compared with those not prepared with flour and cooking loss decreased as Breadfruit flour inclusion level increased (Linear P < 0.01). Hardness was not different (P = 0.49) in comminuted beef prepared with Breadfruit flour compared with soy flour, and was much less (P < 0.01) compared with the 3 other flour sources at each inclusion level. Study 2: Comminuted beef (lean beef targeted to 90% lean and 10% fat, salt, and ice/water) with inclusion levels of 0, 2.5, and 5% flour were formed into patties and were evaluated for color over a simulated retail display period. Redness values (a*) of comminuted beef prepared with Breadfruit flour were the greatest (P < 0.05) during the 7-d simulated retail display compared with all other treatments, including control samples with no flour. Overall, the results indicated that Breadfruit flour could be effectively used as an ingredient in comminuted beef to produce similar texture as observed with soy flour, while actually improving redness values beyond that of other flour sources.

  • Breadfruit artocarpus altilis and hybrids a traditional crop with the potential to prevent hunger and mitigate diabetes in oceania
    Trends in Food Science and Technology, 2015
    Co-Authors: Christina E Turi, Diane Ragone, Ying Liu, Susan J. Murch
    Abstract:

    Abstract More than 80% of the world's hungry live in tropical and subtropical regions where small increases in the costs of imported food, fuel and fertilizer create periods of increased food insecurity. Over time, the traditional knowledge and the traditional crops of the region are being lost and diet-based diseases such as type II diabetes are increasing in frequency. Breadfruit, Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg, has been a staple food and traditional crop in the Pacific for more than 3000 years and is now being cultivated for food security in the Caribbean and other tropical regions. While there is some evidence to suggest that a traditional diet based on Breadfruit and other Pacific staples can prevent onset of type II diabetes, detailed scientific studies have not been conducted. One of the important issues is the wide variability in reported nutritional composition of the fruit in studies that included many different cultivars grown in widely different ecosystems. We conducted a review of the nutritional data to determine the best consensus for fruit nutrition. We identified 41 individual studies that provide some proximate, carbohydrate, vitamin and/or mineral data. A majority of the studies do not provide sufficient botanical data such as species, cultivar name, or descriptive information that would indicate the stage of maturity of the fruit or factors of the local environment such as soil composition or rainfall. Despite these shortcomings, compositional data for Breadfruit suggests that it has potential to mitigate type II diabetes and obesity in Oceania and elsewhere in the tropics where Breadfruit is grown. Further studies will identify specific elite cultivars recommended for this purpose.

  • crop productivity yield and seasonality of Breadfruit artocarpus spp moraceae
    Fruits, 2014
    Co-Authors: Ying Liu, Susan J. Murch, Maxwell A P Jones, Diane Ragone
    Abstract:

    Introduction. Breadfruit, Artocarpus spp., is a staple crop with the potential to alleviate hunger and increase food security in tropical regions. Guidelines and recommenda- tions for cultivar selection and production practices are now required for establishment of Breadfruit in new areas. Materials and methods. To respond to this need for spreading Breadfruit, our study quantified the growth, development, yield and seasonality of 24 bread- fruit cultivars (26 trees) established in Kauai, Hawaii, over a 7-year period from 2006-2012. Individual production profiles were generated for each accessioned cultivar based on major agricultural factors. Results. Across all cultivars of Breadfruit (A. altilis), an average of 269 fruits per year was produced by each tree with an average fruit weight of 1.2 kg. Based on the planting density of 50 trees⋅ha -1 , this translates to an average projected yield of 5.23 t⋅ha -1 after 7 years. Hybrids (A. altilis × A. mariannensis) had a higher yield than bread- fruit. The data of our article support the previously proposed hypothesis for predicting bread- fruit seasonality. On average, the peak season occurred from July to November. Conclusions. Ma'afala, the first widely available commercial cultivar, started to bear fruit within 22 to 23 months of planting. Other cultivars with potential for commercial production include Toneno, White, Rotuma and Meinpadahk. Hawaii / Artocarpus / fruits / Breadfruit / variety trials / choice of species / crop yield / seasonality / adaptation

  • Morphological diversity in Breadfruit (Artocarpus, Moraceae): insights into domestication, conservation, and cultivar identification
    Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 2012
    Co-Authors: A. Maxwell P. Jones, Susan J. Murch, Jim Wiseman, Diane Ragone
    Abstract:

    Over millennia of Breadfruit cultivation, hundreds of named cultivars have been developed that display a high degree of morphological diversity. The current study was undertaken to evaluate morphological diversity within the National Tropical Botanical Garden’s Breadfruit germplasm collection, the largest and most diverse Breadfruit collection in the world. A set of 57 standardized morphological descriptors including 29 leaf, 22 fruit, four seed, and two male inflorescence characteristics were used to describe and contrast 221 accessions of Breadfruit including accessions of Artocarpus camansi Blanco, A. altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg, A. mariannensis Trecul, early generation A. altilis × A. mariannensis hybrids, and domesticated A. altilis × A. mariannensis hybrids. A morphological transition from heavily seeded fruit covered with flexible spines to fewer seeded, smoother skinned fruit of similar size was observed in the domestication of A. altilis from A. camansi. Further selection of true seedless, smooth-skinned cultivars of A. altilis appears to have occurred with human migrations from Melanesia into Polynesia. Cultivars from Micronesia exhibit morphological characteristics indicative of hybridization with the endemic species A. mariannensis. These data were used to generate a multi-access cultivar identification key on the Lucid platform that can be used to identify trees of known cultivars or to predict nearest cultivar relationships for previously undescribed cultivars. Overall, this study provides new insights into the morphological changes that occurred during domestication, helps visualize the diversity that exists across geographical regions, and provides a framework for cultivar identification and germplasm conservation.