Sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam.): A study on physiological and biochemical properties

Abstract

This study investigates the physiological and biochemical properties of different sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) varieties grown in the Samarkand soil-climatic conditions and assesses the impact of these varieties on soil enzyme activities. The red, yellow, and white varieties were evaluated for their carbohydrate content, vitamin levels, antioxidant activities, growth parameters, root system development, and enzyme activities, including protease, amylase, and cellulase. Biochemical analysis revealed that the red variety had the highest carbohydrate content (25%) with significant levels of sucrose, glucose, and fructose. It also exhibited the highest vitamin C (30 mg/100g) and vitamin A (8 mg/100g) concentrations as determined by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Antioxidant activity, measured using the DPPH assay, was highest in the red variety (85% scavenging activity). Physiological analysis showed that the red variety had superior growth parameters with a height of 35 cm, root length of 20 cm, and biomass of 150 g. It also demonstrated the most developed root system with a root weight of 50 g and root volume of 40 cm³. Enzyme activity assays indicated that the red variety had the highest levels of protease (85 U/mg), amylase (70 U/mg), and cellulase (65 U/mg). The study highlights the significant variations among sweet potato varieties in terms of their nutritional and health-promoting characteristics. The red variety emerged as the most beneficial, exhibiting superior nutritional content, antioxidant activity, and enzyme activities that enhance soil health. These findings underscore the potential of red sweet potatoes in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving food security in regions with challenging environmental conditions.