@article{allan_johanningsmeier_nakitto_guambe_abugu_v. pecota_yencho_2024, title={Baked sweetpotato textures and sweetness: An investigation into relationships between physicochemical and cooked attributes}, volume={21}, ISSN={["2590-1575"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.fochx.2023.101072}, abstractNote={Sweetpotato varieties vary greatly in perceived textures and sweetness. This study identified physicochemical factors that influence these attributes in cooked sweetpotatoes. Fifteen genotypes grown on three plots were baked and evaluated by a trained descriptive sensory analysis panel for sweetness and 13 texture attributes. Mechanical parameters were measured by texture profile analysis (TPA); and composition (starch, cell wall material, sugar contents), starch properties (thermal, granule type ratios, granule sizes), and amylase activities were characterized. TPA predicted fracturability and firmness well, whereas starch and sugar contents, B-type starch granule ratio, and amylase activities influenced prediction of mouthfeel textures. Sweetness perception was influenced by perceived particle size and sugar contents; and maltose generation during baking was highly correlated with raw sweetpotato starch content. These relationships between physicochemical sweetpotato properties and baked textures and sweetness could benefit breeders and processors in selecting biochemical traits that result in consumer preferred products.}, journal={FOOD CHEMISTRY-X}, author={Allan, Matthew C. and Johanningsmeier, Suzanne D. and Nakitto, Mariam and Guambe, Osvalda and Abugu, Modesta and V. Pecota, Kenneth and Yencho, G. Craig}, year={2024}, month={Mar} }
 @article{amankwaah_williamson_reynolds_ibrahem_pecota_zhang_olukolu_truong_carey_felde_et al._2023, title={Development of NIRS calibration curves for sugars in baked sweetpotato}, volume={7}, ISSN={["1097-0010"]}, DOI={10.1002/jsfa.12800}, abstractNote={Abstract}, journal={JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE}, author={Amankwaah, Victor A. and Williamson, Sharon and Reynolds, Rong and Ibrahem, Ragy and Pecota, Kenneth V. and Zhang, Xiaofei and Olukolu, Bode A. and Truong, Van-Den and Carey, Edward and Felde, Thomas Zum and et al.}, year={2023}, month={Jul} }
 @article{chintha_sarkar_pecota_dogramaci_hatterman-valenti_shetty_2023, title={Phenolic bioactive-linked antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and antihypertensive properties of sweet potato cultivars with different flesh color}, volume={7}, ISSN={["2211-3460"]}, DOI={10.1007/s13580-023-00515-0}, journal={HORTICULTURE ENVIRONMENT AND BIOTECHNOLOGY}, author={Chintha, Pradeepika and Sarkar, Dipayan and Pecota, Kenneth and Dogramaci, Munevver and Hatterman-Valenti, Harlene and Shetty, Kalidas}, year={2023}, month={Jul} }
 @article{duque_sanchez_pecota_yencho_2022, title={A Win-Win Situation: Performance and Adaptability of Petite Sweetpotato Production in a Temperate Region}, volume={8}, ISSN={["2311-7524"]}, url={https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020172}, DOI={10.3390/horticulturae8020172}, abstractNote={New-found interest in sweetpotato production in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S. has been steadily increasing in the last several years. Sweetpotatoes are usually grown for fresh market use and novel marketing strategies and new consumer niches are providing farmers options of growing new sweetpotato varieties with exciting colors and flavor profiles that are adapted to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S. Petite sweetpotatoes have gained market attention because they are easier to handle and faster to cook compared to U.S. No. 1 storage roots. The goal of this research was to determine the performance and adaptableness of eight commercial sweetpotato varieties and two unreleased accessions for U.S. No.1 and Petite sweetpotato production under black plastic mulch tailored for the mild temperate growing conditions of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S. Two in-row spacings (15 cm and 30 cm) and two harvest dates (90 and 120 days after planting, DAP) were evaluated during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. Our results showed that the ideal harvest time is at least 120 DAP compared to an early harvest at 90 DAP as there was a 2-fold difference in marketable yield at both 15 and 30 cm in-row spacing with marketable yield between 20 and 54 t ha−1. ‘Averre’ and ‘Beauregard’ produced the highest U.S. No. 1 and Petite yields under both in-row spacing treatments harvested at 120 DAP for both years evaluated, though the general effect of in-row spacing and DAP interaction (separate years) on yield performance was cultivar specific. We also found that growing degree days is a better predictor for harvest than days after planting, with an accumulation of at least ~700 GDD (base temperature 15.5 °C) or ~1300 GDD (base temperature 10 °C) for both U.S. No. 1 and Petite roots. Additional studies are required to identify the stability of cultivars tested and treatments imposed with environmental interactions in this region. In addition, there is an urgency for updated sweetpotato management practices exclusively designed for sweetpotato varieties for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern U.S.}, number={2}, journal={HORTICULTURAE}, author={Duque, Luis O. and Sanchez, Elsa and Pecota, Kenneth and Yencho, Craig}, year={2022}, month={Feb} }
 @article{haque_lobaton_nelson_yencho_pecota_mierop_kudenov_boyette_williams_2021, title={Computer vision approach to characterize size and shape phenotypes of horticultural crops using high-throughput imagery}, volume={182}, ISSN={0168-1699}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2021.106011}, DOI={10.1016/j.compag.2021.106011}, abstractNote={For many horticultural crops, variation in quality (e.g., shape and size) contributes significantly to the crop’s market value. Metrics characterizing less subjective harvest quantities (e.g., yield and total biomass) are routinely monitored. In contrast, metrics quantifying more subjective crop quality characteristics such as ideal size and shape remain difficult to characterize objectively at the production-scale due to the lack of modular technologies for high-throughput sensing and computation. Several horticultural crops are sent to packing facilities after having been harvested, where they are sorted into boxes and containers using high-throughput scanners. These scanners capture images of each fruit or vegetable being sorted and packed, but the images are typically used solely for sorting purposes and promptly discarded. With further analysis, these images could offer unparalleled insight on how crop quality metrics vary at the industrial production-scale and provide further insight into how these characteristics translate to overall market value. At present, methods for extracting and quantifying quality characteristics of crops using images generated by existing industrial infrastructure have not been developed. Furthermore, prior studies that investigated horticultural crop quality metrics, specifically of size and shape, used a limited number of samples, did not incorporate deformed or non-marketable samples, and did not use images captured from high-throughput systems. In this work, using sweetpotato (SP) as a use case, we introduce a computer vision algorithm for quantifying shape and size characteristics in a high-throughput manner. This approach generates 3D model of SPs from two 2D images captured by an industrial sorter 90 degrees apart and extracts 3D shape features in a few hundred milliseconds. We applied the 3D reconstruction and feature extraction method to thousands of image samples to demonstrate how variations in shape features across SP cultivars can be quantified. We created a SP shape dataset containing SP images, extracted shape features, and qualitative shape types (U.S. No. 1 or Cull). We used this dataset to develop a neural network-based shape classifier that was able to predict Cull vs. U.S. No. 1 SPs with 84.59% accuracy. In addition, using univariate Chi-squared tests and random forest, we identified the most important features for determining qualitative shape type (U.S. No. 1 or Cull) of the SPs. Our study serves as a key step towards enabling big data analytics for industrial SP agriculture. The methodological framework is readily transferable to other horticultural crops, particularly those that are sorted using commercial imaging equipment.}, journal={Computers and Electronics in Agriculture}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Haque, Samiul and Lobaton, Edgar and Nelson, Natalie and Yencho, G. Craig and Pecota, Kenneth V. and Mierop, Russell and Kudenov, Michael W. and Boyette, Mike and Williams, Cranos M.}, year={2021}, month={Mar}, pages={106011} }
 @article{oloka_da silva pereira_amankwaah_mollinari_pecota_yada_olukolu_zeng_yencho_2021, title={Discovery of a major QTL for root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) resistance in cultivated sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas)}, volume={134}, ISSN={0040-5752 1432-2242}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00122-021-03797-z}, DOI={10.1007/s00122-021-03797-z}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={7}, journal={Theoretical and Applied Genetics}, publisher={Springer Science and Business Media LLC}, author={Oloka, Bonny Michael and da Silva Pereira, Guilherme and Amankwaah, Victor A. and Mollinari, Marcelo and Pecota, Kenneth V. and Yada, Benard and Olukolu, Bode A. and Zeng, Zhao-Bang and Yencho, G. Craig}, year={2021}, month={Apr}, pages={1945–1955} }
 @article{chintha_sarkar_pecota_dogramaci_shetty_2021, title={Improving Phenolic Bioactive-Linked Functional Qualities of Sweet Potatoes Using Beneficial Lactic Acid Bacteria-Based Biotransformation Strategy}, volume={7}, ISSN={["2311-7524"]}, DOI={10.3390/horticulturae7100367}, abstractNote={Beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB) based fermentation is an effective biotransformation strategy to preserve and improve the human health-supporting functional qualities of plant-based food substrates. In this study, a food grade strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was recruited to improve the retention, stability, and bioavailability of phenolic bioactives to enhance the antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hypertensive functional qualities of three flesh-colored sweet potato varieties, Murasaki (off-white-fleshed), Evangeline (orange-fleshed), and NIC-413 (purple-fleshed). Liquid (cold water) extracts of the sweet potatoes, which are relevant for food grade applications, were fermented for 72 h at 37 °C. Total soluble phenolic content, phenolic profile, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic, and anti-hypertensive benefits relevant functional properties of fermented and unfermented sweet potato extracts were evaluated at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h time points using in vitro assay models. Overall, high total soluble phenolic content and total antioxidant activity were observed at 24 h, retaining this high level even after 72 h of fermentation. Additionally, moderate to high α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and angiotensin-I-converting enzyme inhibitory activities were observed in the fermented sweet potato extracts. The results suggested that LAB-based fermentation is an effective post-harvest processing strategy for a higher retention of phenolic bioactives and concurrently improves the human health protective bioactive functional qualities of sweet potatoes.}, number={10}, journal={HORTICULTURAE}, author={Chintha, Pradeepika and Sarkar, Dipayan and Pecota, Kenneth and Dogramaci, Munevver and Shetty, Kalidas}, year={2021}, month={Oct} }
 @article{schwarz_li_yencho_pecota_heim_davis_2021, title={Screening Sweetpotato Genotypes for Resistance to a North Carolina Isolate of Meloidogyne enterolobii}, volume={105}, ISSN={0191-2917 1943-7692}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-02-20-0389-RE}, DOI={10.1094/PDIS-02-20-0389-RE}, abstractNote={ Potential resistance to the guava root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne enterolobii, in 91 selected sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.) genotypes was evaluated in six greenhouse experiments. Ten thousand eggs of M. enterolobii were inoculated on each sweetpotato genotype grown in a 3:1 sand to soil mixture. Sixty days after inoculation, the percentage of total roots with nematode-induced galls was determined, and nematode eggs were extracted from roots. Significant differences (P < 0.001) between sweetpotato genotypes were found in all six tests for gall rating, total eggs, and eggs per gram of root. Resistant sweetpotato genotypes were calculated as final eggs per root system divided by the initial inoculum, where Pf/Pi < 1 (reproduction factor; final egg count divided by initial inoculum of 10,000 eggs), and statistical mean separations were confirmed by Fisher’s least significant difference t test. Our results indicated that 19 out of 91 tested sweetpotato genotypes were resistant to M. enterolobii. Some of the susceptible genotypes included ‘Covington,’ ‘Beauregard,’ ‘NCDM04-001’, and ‘Hernandez.’ Some of the resistant sweetpotato genotypes included ‘Tanzania,’ ‘Murasaki-29,’ ‘Bwanjule,’ ‘Dimbuka-Bukulula,’ ‘Jewel,’ and ‘Centennial.’ Most of the 19 resistant sweetpotato genotypes supported almost no M. enterolobii reproduction, with <20 eggs/g root of M. enterolobii. A number of segregants from a ‘Tanzania’ × ‘Beauregard’ cross demonstrated strong resistance to M. enterolobii observed in the ‘Tanzania’ parent. In collaboration with North Carolina State University sweetpotato breeding program, several genotypes evaluated in these tests are being used to incorporate the observed resistance to M. enterolobii into commercial sweetpotato cultivars. }, number={4}, journal={PLANT DISEASE}, publisher={Scientific Societies}, author={Schwarz, Tanner R. and Li, Chunying and Yencho, G. Craig and Pecota, Kenneth V and Heim, Chris R. and Davis, Eric L.}, year={2021}, month={Apr}, pages={1101–1107} }
 @article{parada-rojas_pecota_almeyda_yencho_quesada-ocampo_2021, title={Sweetpotato Root Development Influences Susceptibility to Black Rot Caused by the Fungal Pathogen <i>Ceratocystis fimbriata}, volume={111}, ISSN={0031-949X 1943-7684}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-12-20-0541-R}, DOI={10.1094/PHYTO-12-20-0541-R}, abstractNote={ Black rot of sweetpotato, caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata, is an important reemerging disease threatening sweetpotato production in the United States. This study assessed disease susceptibility of the storage root surface, storage root cambium, and slips (vine cuttings) of 48 sweetpotato cultivars, advanced breeding lines, and wild relative accessions. We also characterized the effect of storage root development on susceptibility to C. fimbriata. None of the cultivars examined at the storage root level were resistant, with most cultivars exhibiting similar levels of susceptibility. In storage roots, Jewel and Covington were the least susceptible and significantly different from White Bonita, the most susceptible cultivar. In the slip, significant differences in disease incidence were observed for above- and below-ground plant structures among cultivars, advanced breeding lines, and wild relative accessions. Burgundy and Ipomoea littoralis displayed less below-ground disease incidence compared with NASPOT 8, Sunnyside, and LSU-417, the most susceptible cultivars. Correlation of black rot susceptibility between storage roots and slips was not significant, suggesting that slip assays are not useful to predict resistance in storage roots. Immature, early-developing storage roots were comparatively more susceptible than older, fully developed storage roots. The high significant correlation between the storage root cross-section area and the cross-sectional lesion ratio suggests the presence of an unfavorable environment for C. fimbriata as the storage root develops. Incorporating applications of effective fungicides at transplanting and during early-storage root development when sweetpotato tissues are most susceptible to black rot infection may improve disease management efforts. }, number={9}, journal={Phytopathology®}, publisher={Scientific Societies}, author={Parada-Rojas, C. H. and Pecota, Kenneth and Almeyda, C. and Yencho, G. Craig and Quesada-Ocampo, L. M.}, year={2021}, month={Sep}, pages={1660–1669} }
 @article{sato_truong_johanningsmeier_reynolds_pecota_yencho_2017, title={Chemical Constituents of Sweetpotato Genotypes in Relation to Textural Characteristics of Processed French Fries}, volume={83}, ISSN={0022-1147}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1750-3841.13978}, DOI={10.1111/1750-3841.13978}, abstractNote={AbstractSweetpotato French fries (SPFF) are growing in popularity, however limited information is available on SPFF textural properties in relation to chemical composition. This study investigated the relationship between chemical components of different sweetpotato varieties and textural characteristics of SPFF. Sixteen sweetpotato genotypes were evaluated for (1) chemical constituents; (2) instrumental and sensory textural properties of SPFF; and (3) the relationship between chemical components, instrumental measurements, and sensory attributes. Dry matter (DM), alcohol‐insoluble solids (AIS), starch, sugar, and oil content, and also α‐ and β‐amylase activities were quantified in raw sweetpotatoes and SPFF. Peak force and overall hardness describing instrumental textural properties of SPFF were measured using a texture analyzer. Descriptive sensory analysis was conducted and 10 attributes were evaluated by a trained panel. Results showed that DM, AIS, and starch content in raw sweetpotatoes were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with instrumental peak force and overall hardness (r = 0.41 to 0.68), and with sensory surface roughness, hardness, fracturability, and crispness (r = 0.63 to 0.90). Total sugar content in raw sweetpotatoes was positively correlated with sensory smoothness and moistness (r = 0.77), and negatively correlated with instrumental peak force and overall hardness (r = –0.62 to –0.69). Instrumental measurements were positively correlated with sensory attributes of hardness, fracturability, and crispness (r = 0.68 to 0.96) and negatively correlated with oiliness, smoothness, moistness, and cohesiveness (r = –0.61 to –0.91). Therefore, DM, AIS, starch, and total sugar contents and instrumental measurements could be used as indicators to evaluate sweetpotato genotypes for SPFF processing.}, number={1}, journal={Journal of Food Science}, publisher={Wiley}, author={Sato, Ai and Truong, Van-Den and Johanningsmeier, Suzanne D. and Reynolds, Rong and Pecota, Kenneth V. and Yencho, G. Craig}, year={2017}, month={Nov}, pages={60–73} }
 @article{schultheis_george_pecota_thompson_yencho_2016, title={Potential yields of industrial sweetpotatoes using cut seed pieces planted at various dates}, volume={1118}, ISSN={0567-7572 2406-6168}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2016.1118.12}, DOI={10.17660/actahortic.2016.1118.12}, number={1118}, journal={Acta Horticulturae}, publisher={International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS)}, author={Schultheis, J.R. and George, N.A. and Pecota, K.V. and Thompson, W.B. and Yencho, G.C.}, year={2016}, month={May}, pages={79–88} }
 @article{todd_truong_pecota_yencho_2015, title={Combining ability of sweetpotato germplasm for yield, dry matter content, and anthocyanin production}, volume={140}, DOI={10.21273/JASHS.140.3.272}, abstractNote={Interest in the potential of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) for the production of industrial products is increasing. As part of an effort to evaluate the potential of sweetpotatoes for starch and anthocyanin production in the southeastern United States, a 5 × 5 North Carolina mating design II (NCII mating design) was developed to estimate the relative importance of general and specific combining abilities for dry matter (DM) content, total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) concentration, fresh yield, and total DM and anthocyanin yields. All five traits had significant general combining abilities (GCA). Yield and DM yield had significant specific combining abilities. Significant differences among parents were observed for all traits. Yield, DM content, DM yield, and TMA yield were significantly impacted by spatial gradients within the field, but TMA concentration was not. Many trait-pairs of interest had either genotypic and/or phenotypic correlations. Phenotypic and family mean correlations among yield, DM content, and DM yield; as well as among yield, TMA, and TMA yield suggested that improving one trait will not negatively impact other traits of importance.}, number={3}, journal={Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Todd, S. M. and Truong, V. D. and Pecota, K. V. and Yencho, G. C.}, year={2015}, pages={272–279} }
 @article{george_pecota_yencho_2015, title={The carbohydrate yield of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) grown from slips and root pieces in North Carolina}, volume={50}, number={11}, journal={HortScience}, author={George, N. A. and Pecota, K. V. and Yencho, G. C.}, year={2015}, pages={1610–1617} }
 @article{george_shankle_main_pecota_arellano_yencho_2014, title={Sweetpotato grown from root pieces displays a significant genotype x environment interaction and yield instability}, volume={49}, number={8}, journal={HortScience}, author={George, N. A. and Shankle, M. and Main, J. and Pecota, K. V. and Arellano, C. and Yencho, G. C.}, year={2014}, pages={984–990} }
 @article{truong_hu_thompson_yencho_pecota_2012, title={Pressurized liquid extraction and quantification of anthocyanins in purple-fleshed sweet potato genotypes}, volume={26}, ISSN={["1096-0481"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.jfca.2012.03.006}, abstractNote={Analysis of anthocyanins responsible for the purple flesh color is important for breeding programs and development of value-added products. This study aimed to optimize the conditions for anthocyanin extraction from purple-fleshed sweet potatoes (PFSP) using pressurized-liquid extraction (PLE) method and quantify anthocyanins in various genotypes. Freeze-dried powders of PFSP genotypes were extracted with acidified methanol using an accelerated solvent extractor. Anthocyanin content of the extract was characterized by (a) pH-differential method and (b) color value protocol measuring absorbance at 530 nm, which is commonly used in Japan as a commercial indicator of total anthocyanin quantity. Highest anthocyanin yields by PLE were with an acetic acid:methanol:water mixture of 7:75:18% (v/v), sample weight of <0.5 g and 80–120 °C. Among 335 genotypes, the anthocyanin content varied widely from 0 to 663 mg cyanidine-3-glucoside equivalent/100 g powder or 0–210 mg/100 g fresh weight. The total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) contents determined by the pH-differential method were highly correlated with the Japan color value (JCV) protocol, TMA = (0.145) JCV, R2 = 0.943. These results can be useful for sweet potato breeding programs and processing industry in development of PFSP cultivars and processed products with high anthocyanin levels.}, number={1-2}, journal={JOURNAL OF FOOD COMPOSITION AND ANALYSIS}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Truong, V. D. and Hu, Z. and Thompson, R. L. and Yencho, G. C. and Pecota, K. V.}, year={2012}, pages={96–103} }
 @article{cervantes-flores_sosinski_pecota_mwanga_catignani_truong_watkins_ulmer_yencho_2011, title={Identification of quantitative trait loci for dry-matter, starch, and beta-carotene content in sweetpotato}, volume={28}, ISSN={["1380-3743"]}, DOI={10.1007/s11032-010-9474-5}, number={2}, journal={MOLECULAR BREEDING}, publisher={Springer Nature}, author={Cervantes-Flores, J. C. and Sosinski, B. and Pecota, K. V. and Mwanga, R. O. M. and Catignani, G. L. and Truong, V. D. and Watkins, R. H. and Ulmer, M. R. and Yencho, G. C.}, year={2011}, month={Aug}, pages={201–216} }
 @misc{george_pecota_bowen_schultheis_yencho_2011, title={Root Piece Planting in Sweetpotato-A Synthesis of Previous Research and Directions for the Future}, volume={21}, ISSN={["1063-0198"]}, DOI={10.21273/horttech.21.6.703}, abstractNote={Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is traditionally grown for fresh consumption, particularly in developed nations, but it is increasingly being used for alternative markets such as processed foods and industrial products. Sweetpotato is well suited for these end uses but its utilization is limited due to high production costs. These costs are primarily the result of high labor inputs. As a vegetatively propagated crop, sweetpotato is typically planted using unrooted plant cuttings, or “slips,” which requires hand labor at several stages. Consequently, planting costs can be as high as 20% of total production costs. As an alternative to slips, sweetpotato can be established using root pieces, similar to the seed piece system used for potato (Solanum tuberosum). This system can be readily mechanized and therefore has the potential to reduce labor demands. Root piece planting has been investigated several times since the 1940s but is not reported to be in large-scale commercial use anywhere in the world. In this work, we review the research literature relating to root piece planting in sweetpotato. This literature demonstrates that it is possible for sweetpotato root pieces to produce yields comparable to slips, but that in most cases yields from root pieces are usually lower than from slips. We conclude that given suitable cultural management and appropriate varieties, it may be possible to successfully produce sweetpotato using root pieces. More work is necessary to develop root piece planting as a viable alternative to slips in sweetpotato production. This work should include the selection and breeding of adapted varieties, evaluation of the economics of sweetpotato production using root pieces, development of planting equipment suited to sweetpotato root pieces, and examination of chemical treatments to improve success of root piece planting.}, number={6}, journal={HORTTECHNOLOGY}, author={George, Nicholas A. and Pecota, Kenneth V. and Bowen, Blake D. and Schultheis, Jonathan K. and Yencho, G. Craig}, year={2011}, month={Dec}, pages={703–711} }
 @article{truong_deighton_thompson_mcfeeters_dean_pecota_yencho_2009, title={Characterization of Anthocyanins and Anthocyanidins in Purple-Fleshed Sweetpotatoes by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS/MS}, volume={58}, ISSN={0021-8561 1520-5118}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/jf902799a}, DOI={10.1021/jf902799a}, abstractNote={Purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes (PFSP) can be a healthy food choice for consumers and a potential source for natural food colorants. This study aimed to identify anthocyanins and anthocyanidins in PFSP, and to evaluate the effect of thermal processing on these polyphenolic compounds. Freeze-dried powder of raw and steamed samples of three PFSP varieties were extracted with acidified methanol using a Dionex ASE 200 accelerated solvent extractor. Seventeen anthocyanins were identified by HPLC-DAD/ESI-MS/MS for Stokes Purple and NC 415 varieties with five major compounds: cyanidin 3-caffeoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, peonidin 3-caffeoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, cyanidin 3-caffeoyl-p-hydroxybenzoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, peonidin 3-caffeoyl-p-hydroxybenzoyl-sophoroside-5-glucoside, and peonidin-caffeoyl-feruloylsophoroside-5-glucoside. Okinawa variety showed 12 pigments with 3 major peaks identified as cyanidin 3-caffeoylsophoroside-5-glucoside, cyanidin 3-(6'',6'''-dicaffeoylsophoroside)-5-glucoside and cyanidin 3-(6''-caffeoyl-6'''-feruloylsophoroside)-5-glucoside. Steam cooking had no significant effect on total anthocyanin content or the anthocyanin pigments. Cyanidin and peonidin, which were the major anthocyanidins in the acid hydrolyzed extracts, were well separated and quantified by HPLC with external standards. Cyanidin and peonidin, which contribute to the blue and red hues of PFSP, can be simply quantified by HPLC after acid hydrolysis of the anthocyanins.}, number={1}, journal={Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry}, publisher={American Chemical Society (ACS)}, author={Truong, Van-Den and Deighton, Nigel and Thompson, Roger T. and McFeeters, Roger F. and Dean, Lisa O. and Pecota, Kenneth V. and Yencho, G. Craig}, year={2009}, month={Dec}, pages={404–410} }
 @article{santa-maria_pecota_yencho_allen_sosinski_2009, title={Rapid shoot regeneration in industrial 'high starch' sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) genotypes}, volume={97}, ISSN={["1573-5044"]}, DOI={10.1007/s11240-009-9504-3}, number={1}, journal={PLANT CELL TISSUE AND ORGAN CULTURE}, author={Santa-Maria, Monica and Pecota, Kenneth V. and Yencho, Craig G. and Allen, George and Sosinski, Bryon}, year={2009}, month={Apr}, pages={109–117} }
 @article{yencho_pecota_schultheis_vanesbroeck_holmes_little_thornton_truong_2008, title={'Covington' sweetpotato}, volume={43}, ISSN={["0018-5345"]}, DOI={10.21273/hortsci.43.6.1911}, abstractNote={‘Covington’ is an orange-fleshed, smooth-skinned, rose-colored, table-stock sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] developed by North Carolina State University (NCSU). ‘Covington’, named after the late Henry M. Covington, an esteemed sweetpotato scientist at North Carolina State, was evaluated as NC98-608 in multiple state and regional yield trials during 2001 to 2006. ‘Covington’ produces yields equal to ‘Beauregard’, a dominant sweetpotato variety produced in the United States, but it is typically 5 to 10 days later in maturity. ‘Covington’ typically sizes its storage roots more evenly than ‘Beauregard’ resulting in fewer jumbo class roots and a higher percentage of number one roots. Total yields are similar for the two clones with the dry matter content of ‘Covington’ storage roots typically being 1 to 2 points higher than that of ‘Beauregard’. ‘Covington’ is resistant to fusarium wilt [Fusarium oxysporum Schlect. f.sp. batatas (Wollenw.) Snyd. & Hans.], southern root-knot nematode [Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White 1919) Chitwood 1949 race 3], and moderately resistant to streptomyces soil rot [Streptomyces ipomoeae (Person & W.J. Martin) Wakswan & Henrici]. Symptoms of the russet crack strain of Sweet Potato Feathery Mottle Virus have not been observed in ‘Covington’. The flavor of the baked storage roots of ‘Covington’ has been rated as very good by standardized and informal taste panels and typically scores as well or better in this regard when compared with ‘Beauregard’.}, number={6}, journal={HORTSCIENCE}, author={Yencho, G. Craig and Pecota, Kenneth V. and Schultheis, Jonathan R. and VanEsbroeck, Zvezdana-Pesic and Holmes, Gerald J. and Little, Billy E. and Thornton, Allan C. and Truong, Van-Den}, year={2008}, month={Oct}, pages={1911–1914} }
 @article{cervantes-flores_yencho_pecota_sosinski_mwanga_2008, title={Detection of quantitative trait loci and inheritance of root-knot nematode resistance in sweetpotato}, volume={133}, number={6}, journal={Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Cervantes-Flores, J. C. and Yencho, G. C. and Pecota, K. V. and Sosinski, B. and Mwanga, R. O. M.}, year={2008}, pages={844–851} }
 @article{cervantes-flores_yencho_kriegner_pecota_faulk_mwanga_sosinski_2008, title={Development of a genetic linkage map and identification of homologous linkage groups in sweetpotato using multiple-dose AFLP markers}, volume={21}, ISSN={["1380-3743"]}, DOI={10.1007/s11032-007-9150-6}, number={4}, journal={MOLECULAR BREEDING}, publisher={Springer Nature}, author={Cervantes-Flores, Jim C. and Yencho, G. Craig and Kriegner, Albert and Pecota, Kenneth V. and Faulk, Maria A. and Mwanga, Robert O. M. and Sosinski, Bryon R.}, year={2008}, month={May}, pages={511–532} }
 @misc{yencho_pecota_2008, title={Ornamental sweetpotato plant named 'Sweet Caroline Bewitched Purple'}, volume={PP18,574}, number={2008 March 1}, publisher={Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office}, author={Yencho, G. and Pecota, K.}, year={2008} }
 @misc{yencho_pecota_2008, title={Ornamental sweetpotato plant named 'Sweet Caroline Green Yellow'}, volume={PP18,673}, number={2008 Apr. 1}, publisher={Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office}, author={Yencho, G. and Pecota, K.}, year={2008} }
 @misc{yencho_pecota_hancock_2008, title={Ornamental sweetpotato plant named 'Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Light Green'}, volume={PP18,572}, number={2008 Mar. 11}, publisher={Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office}, author={Yencho, G. C. and Pecota, K. and Hancock, C. N.}, year={2008} }
 @misc{yencho_pecota_hancock_2008, title={Ornamental sweetpotato plant named 'Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Purple'}, volume={PP18,573}, number={2008 Mar. 11}, publisher={Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office}, author={Yencho, G. C. and Pecota, K. and Hancock, C. N.}, year={2008} }
 @misc{yencho_pecota_2008, title={Sweetpotato plant named 'Covington'}, volume={PP18,516}, number={2008 Feb. 26}, publisher={Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office}, author={Yencho, G. C. and Pecota, K.}, year={2008} }
 @article{teow_truong_mcfeeters_thompson_pecota_yencho_2007, title={Antioxidant activities, phenolic and beta-carotene contents of sweet potato genotypes with varying flesh colours}, volume={103}, ISSN={["1873-7072"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.foodchem.2006.09.033}, abstractNote={Antioxidant activities (μmol Trolox equivalent (TE)/g fresh weight) of 19 sweet potato genotypes with distinctive flesh colour (white, cream, yellow, orange and purple) were measured by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethyl-benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). Total phenolics were measured using the Folin–Ciocalteau method, total anthocyanins by the pH-differential method, and β-carotene by HPLC. The total antioxidant activity (hydrophilic + lipophilic ORAC) was highest (27.2 μmol TE/g fresh weight (fw)) for NC415 (purple-fleshed) and lowest (2.72 μmol TE/g fw) for Xushu 18 (white-fleshed). The hydrophilic-ORAC values were significantly correlated with the DPPH (R2 = 0.859) and ABTS (R2 = 0.761) values. However, the lipophilic-ORAC values were poorly correlated with the β-carotene contents (R2 = 0.480). The total phenolic contents (0.011–0.949 mg chlorogenic acid equivalent/g fw) were highly correlated with the hydrophilic-ORAC (R2 = 0.937) and DPPH (R2 = 0.820) values. Therefore, the total phenolic content can serve as a useful indicator for the antioxidant activities of sweet potatoes.}, number={3}, journal={FOOD CHEMISTRY}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Teow, Choong C. and Truong, Van-Den and McFeeters, Roger F. and Thompson, Roger L. and Pecota, Kenneth V. and Yencho, G. Craig}, year={2007}, pages={829–838} }
 @misc{pecota_yencho_hancock_2007, title={Ornamental sweetpotato plant named 'Sweet Caroline Red'}, volume={PP17,483}, number={2007 Mar. 13}, publisher={Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office}, author={Pecota, K. and Yencho, G. C. and Hancock, C. N., Jr.}, year={2007} }
 @misc{yencho_pecota_2006, title={Ornamental sweetpotato plant named 'Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Red'}, volume={PP19,013}, number={2006 Mar 31}, publisher={Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office}, author={Yencho, G. C. and Pecota, K.}, year={2006} }
 @misc{pecota_yencho_pierce_2004, title={Ornamental sweetpotato plant named 'Sweet Caroline Light Green'}, volume={PP15,028}, number={2004 July 20}, publisher={Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office}, author={Pecota, K. and Yencho, G. and Pierce, C.}, year={2004} }
 @misc{pecota_yencho_pierce_2004, title={Ornamental sweetpotato plant named 'Sweet Caroline Purple'}, volume={PP14,912}, number={2004 June 15}, publisher={Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office}, author={Pecota, K. and Yencho, G. C. and Pierce, C.}, year={2004} }
 @article{bryan_pesic-vanesbroeck_schultheis_pecota_swallow_yencho_2003, title={Cultivar decline in sweetpotato: I. Impact of micropropagation on yield, storage root quality, and virus incidence in 'Beauregard'}, volume={128}, number={6}, journal={Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Bryan, A. D. and Pesic-Vanesbroeck, Z. and Schultheis, J. R. and Pecota, K. V. and Swallow, W. H. and Yencho, G. C.}, year={2003}, pages={846–855} }
 @inproceedings{yencho_pecota_schultheis_sosinski_2002, title={Grower-participatory sweetpotato breeding efforts in North Carolina}, volume={583}, DOI={10.17660/actahortic.2002.583.6}, abstractNote={Sweetpotato, based on area and value, is the most important vegetable crop produced in North Carolina, and NC is the leading supplier of sweetpotatoes in the US producing ca. 218 thousand metric tons per year (ca. 35-40% of the national supply) worth an estimated $55.7 million. In 1997, we initiated a grower-participatory breeding effort to develop improved sweetpotato varieties for NC growers. This highly collaborative project involves researchers and extension specialists from NC State University, county extension agents, growers and industry representatives. Our variety development efforts are supported by the NC Sweetpotato Commission. To date, the project has been highly successful. This manuscript will describe our overall breeding efforts and it will focus on how this project has resulted in: 1) improved two-way learning between the breeding program and our clientele - growers; and 2) increased support and awareness of our conventional and genomics-based sweetpotato breeding and research efforts.}, number={583}, booktitle={Proceedings of the first international conference on sweetpotato food and health: Lima, Peru 26-29 July, 2001}, publisher={Leuven, Belgium: International Society for Horticultural Science}, author={Yencho, G. C. and Pecota, K. V. and Schultheis, J. R. and Sosinski, B. R.}, year={2002}, pages={69–76} }
 @article{collins_pecota_yencho_1999, title={Carolina Ruby sweetpotato}, volume={34}, number={1}, journal={HortScience}, author={Collins, W. W. and Pecota, K. V. and Yencho, G. C.}, year={1999}, pages={155–156} }