The project was conceived as a comprehensive knowledge management initiative aimed at expanding the strategic value of sweet potato within agri-food systems. Through eight subprojects, evidence was generated on its use in human and infant nutrition, as well as in animal feeding, demonstrating its potential to complement diets, improve milk production, and contribute to meat quality. At the same time, dual-purpose clones were identified, and technological innovation was promoted through genetic improvements, more efficient transformation protocols, and postharvest technologies for export, thereby strengthening its productive, industrial, and commercial potential.
An initiative that positioned sweet potato as a solution for nutrition, animal production, and industrial innovation through improved varieties, infant puree, biotechnology, and postharvest technologies for export.
The initiative was developed through eight subprojects aimed at enhancing the value of sweet potato in human nutrition, animal feeding, and industrial use. The work integrated research on infant nutrition, the selection of high-yielding varieties, the evaluation of foliage for animal feed, and the validation of products such as flour and puree. In addition, it promoted innovations in genetic improvement, somatic embryogenesis, and postharvest technologies for export, generating practical solutions for small-scale producers, the agroindustry, and food security.
Because of the structure of the project, the technological solutions are several including a number of productive and versatile varieties of sweet potato, suitable for human and animal consumption and industrial processing, ready for multiplication in seedbeds and dissemination to small farmers. There is also an innovative, faster process of somatic embryogenesis of genetically modified plants that can be adopted by several laboratories in the region. A root-curing technology was proposed to improve the conditions of conservation of the product for export. The nutritional work has generated food supplements for children in vulnerable situations that can help reduce malnutrition and strengthen sweet potato value chains.
Value chainHighly productive sweet potato clones, suitable for starch and flour production, were identified. A variety released in Cañete, Peru was adopted, covering more than 50% of the cultivated area. Varieties sent to Nicaragua have been multiplied in seedbeds and distributed to thousands of small farmers. A post-harvest root-curing process was made available to exporters for validation in storage chambers. Food insecurity was characterized in five poor areas of Lima and the technical and economic feasibility and nutritional value of an instant mash for children under 3 years of age was evaluated and successfully tested by mothers and children. Twenty-eight transgenic lines of sweet potato with the wheat glutenin gene, regenerated by somatic embryogenesis, were generated. Four varieties were identified with potential for fresh consumption and fried flakes processing. Nineteen accessions were selected as dual purpose crops, foliage for animal feed and roots for human consumption or as foliage producers. Information was generated on the use of sweet potato flour as animal feed.
Argentina
República Dominicana
Perú
Perú
The Tangible Impact of Science and Technology in the Field
Impact
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Impact
Initiatives
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