Analysis Of Antioxidant Capacity In Storage Roots From Some F2 Progenies Of A Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam) Segregating Population

Author

Tien Hua, Prairie View A&M University

Date of Award

8-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Degree Discipline

Chemistry

Abstract

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam) is a globally important crop known for its high yield, adaptability, and rich nutritional profile. Sweetpotatoes are especially high in β-carotene, a provitamin A carotenoid that is vital for vision, immune function, and skin health, making them effective in combating vitamin A deficiency in vulnerable populations. Purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes are particularly recognized for their very rich antioxidant nutrition, which includes significantly high levels of phenolic compounds such as many types of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Regular consumption of sweetpotato has been associated with reduced risks of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Its low glycemic index also supports better blood sugar regulation, making it a suitable dietary component for individuals with diabetes. This research was focused on determining the dry matter, anthocyanin, and total flavonoid contents, and the total antioxidant capacity in sweetpotatoes of 126 selected progenies of an F2 segregating population using high-throughput colorimetric assays. Statistical analyses of the phenotyping data revealed: 1. The dry matter and anthocyanin contents in sweetpotatoes of the selected F2 progenies

were not tightly correlated; 2. The contributions of anthocyanins or total flavonoids to the total antioxidant capacity in sweetpotatoes were limited. These results suggest: 1. The genetic factors regulating the dry matter and anthocyanin contents in sweetpotatoes may not be tightly linked as previously hypothesized; 2. Biochemical components other than anthocyanins and flavonoids may have a larger contribution to the total antioxidant capacity in sweetpotatoes. The findings are expected to provide useful information to the breeding program, aiding in developing high-antioxidant sweetpotato varieties.

Keywords: anthocyanin, antioxidant, flavonoids, phenolic compound, and sweetpotato.

Committee Chair/Advisor

Harshica Fernando

Committee Co-Chair

Ming Gao

Committee Member

Tefera Tesema

Committee Member

Ananda Amarasekara

Publisher

Prairie View A&M University

Rights

Date of Digitization

10/09/2025

Contributing Institution

J. B . Coleman Library

City of Publication

Prairie View

MIME Type

Application/PDF

Recommended Citation

Hua, T. (2025). Analysis Of Antioxidant Capacity In Storage Roots From Some F2 Progenies Of A Sweetpotato (Ipomoea Batatas (L.) Lam) Segregating Population. Retrieved from https://digitalcommons.pvamu.edu/pvamu-theses/1620