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FAIR-CT98-4297
AHIPA: Exploring the Potential of a Sustainable Crop as an Alternative Non-Food Source |
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Type of Project | Shared Cost |
| Contract No | FAIR-CT98-4297 | |
| Total Cost | 485,850 EUR | |
| EC Contribution | 372,000 EUR | |
| Start Date | 01/04/1999 | |
| Duration | 24 months | |
| Date Prepared: | March 2001, November 2001 | |
| Source: | Final Report Executive Summary Research Results, 2000 (from EUR 19397) |
Background
Of the different tuber-forming legumes, ahipa (Pachyrhizus ahipa (Wedd.) Parodi) is presently the only cultivated one which can be grown under European conditions. With its origin in Andean Valleys, where it was cultivated by the Inca civilisation, it was thought to be extinct until it was found by botanical expeditions to Bolivia and Northern Argentina. Little is known of the detailed protein composition of the tubers, but recent studies of a related species, P. erosus, have shown the presence of two major glycoproteins which together account for over 70% of the total soluble proteins. These proteins are closely related to each other and appear to belong to the papain class of cystein proteinases. In addition, a minor protein - corresponding to only 2-3% of the soluble protein fraction - was found to correspond to a Kunitz-type protease inhibitor. Another important product from P. ahipa is the seeds, which contain high protein concentrations, oil and compounds with insecticidal action (rotenone). Plant resistance to pests apparently comes from the presence of the amino acid L-canavanine and rotenone. Various of products (proteins, starch and insecticides) may therefore be available by adopting this crop, which features several ecological and economical advantages, such as a reduced need for synthetic fertilisers and insecticides, that would decrease the negative impact of such agricultural practices on the environment and improve the fragile farm economy by reducing input requirements.
Objectives
The objective of the project was to evaluate ahipa as a potential alternative to other less envrionmentally friendly crops currently used as sources of proteins and carbohydrates. The novelty lies in ahipa itself, which is a nitrogen-fixing legume, pest-resistant and drought tolerant, making it ideal for sustainable agriculture. The objective would be fulfilled by studying the potential yield under different environmental conditions, the nitrogen-fixing efficiency, tuber and seed protein and carbohydrate composition and quality, and seed oil content using different accessions. The results would be compared with high-input crops on which present production of raw materials is being based in order to offer a low cost alternative source of carbohydrates and proteins.
Description
The proposal fully complies with the objectives of the work programme on indentification and analyssi of crops for non-food uses by providing research on the possibilities of a new source of proteins, carbohydrates and oil. Additionally, the overal aims are consistent with EU policy on adopting sustainable agricultrue systems for reducing the ecological impact of agriculture and reducing production costs. The aim of the project is to study the potential of ahipa for the production of proteins and carbohydrates, the characterisation of the quality and yield of the products and the comparison of ahipa with other traditional sources of proteins and carbohydrates. The effect of different environments, management practices (seed inoculation, flower pruning, irrigation) on yield and product composition will be considered, providing a full approach to assessing the crop's real potential value.
Situation/Results 2000
First AHIPA Meeting (3-4 March 2000, Oeiras, Portugal).
Contacts
Coordinator
EC Scientific Officer
Participant
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