Bioscience Methods 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 41-51 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/bm 47 storage methods to local conditions and resources, as seen in Tanzania, highlights the need for context-specific solutions that are accessible and practical for smallholder farmers. These lessons underscore the potential for improving sweet potato storage practices globally, thereby enhancing food security and economic stability in regions dependent on this vital crop. Table 4 The content of dry matter, starch and total sugars in sweet potato tubers after harvest (Adopted from Krochmal-Marczak et al., 2020) Experimental factors Dry matter (g/kg DM) Starch (g/kg FM) Total sugar (g/kg FM) Cultivars ‘Carmen Rubin’ 21.59±0.91c 15.54±1.51c 7.97±0.65a ‘White Triumph’ 29.32±0.72a 21.11±0.49a 3.30±0.35d ‘Beauregard’ 23.76±0.49b 17.11±0.25b 6.04±0.20b ‘Satsumo Imo’ 29.92±0.72a 21.54±0.39a 5.08±1.08c ‘Purple’ 28.47±1.13a 20.50±0.38a 3.97±0.29d Years 2015 25.82±3.47b 18.59±0.28b 5.10±1.89a 2016 26.58±3.45a 19.14±1.46a 4.86±1.58b 2017 27.43±3.45a 19.75±1.72a 5.86±1.75a Average 26.61 19.16 5.27 Note: Letter indicators (a, b, c, etc.) next to the averages refer to the so-called statistically homogeneous groups. The same letter indicator next to averages (at least one) means that there is no statistically significant difference in p0.05 between them (Adopted from Krochmal-Marczak et al., 2020) 7 Comparative Analysis of Storage Techniques 7.1 Effectiveness in quality preservation The effectiveness of various storage techniques in preserving the quality of sweet potatoes has been extensively studied. For instance, ventilated bags and improved traditional raised platforms were found to significantly reduce weight loss in white-coloured sweet potato roots, with ventilated bags showing a weight loss of 49.4% compared to 68.7% for the raised platform (Richard et al., 2023). Additionally, pit storage was identified as the most effective method in minimizing weight loss, sprouting, and spoilage over a four-month period, outperforming sack, wooden box, and clump storage methods. Laser-light backscattering imaging (LLBI) has also been shown to be a promising non-destructive technique for monitoring quality changes, with 15°C identified as the optimal storage temperature for maintaining quality parameters such as moisture content and soluble solids content (Sanchez et al., 2020). Furthermore, heat treatment (HWT) was effective in reducing sprouting and decay without significantly impacting the internal quality of sweet potatoes during long-term storage (Hu et al., 2011). 7.2 Cost and accessibility of storage methods The cost and accessibility of storage methods vary significantly. Traditional methods such as pit storage and improved raised platforms are generally more accessible and cost-effective for farmers in developing regions. Pit storage, for example, is recommended for its low cost and effectiveness in maintaining quality over extended periods (Eyesa and Badebo, 2022). In contrast, advanced techniques like LLBI and high-voltage alternating electric field (HVAEF) treatments, while effective, may require significant investment in technology and infrastructure, making them less accessible to small-scale farmers (Pang et al., 2021). Similarly, drying techniques such as vacuum, infrared, and freeze drying, although efficient in preserving nutrients and extending shelf life, involve higher operational costs and technical expertise. 7.3 Environmental impact and sustainability considerations Environmental impact and sustainability are crucial factors in evaluating storage methods. Traditional methods like pit storage and improved raised platforms have minimal environmental impact due to their low energy requirements and use of locally available materials.
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