human health by acting as sources of provitamin A or by acting as protective antioxidants required for proper reproduction, growth, and development; a normal functioning ocular system; epithelial cell integrity; and immune system functionality ( FAO
; these pigments are important for attracting pollinators and seed dispensers. In humans and other animals, specific carotenoids provide essential vitamin precursors; β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin are pro-vitamin A forms of carotenoids ( Yeum and Russell
-fleshed sweetpotatoes (OFSP) with DM of ≈20% to 30% and high provitamin A carotenoids ( Grüneberg et al., 2009 ; Martin and Jones, 1986 ). The taste preference in sub-Saharan Africa is clearly the dry and low sweet type, which is nearly exclusively white
)], maize [ Zea mays ( Buckner et al., 1996 ; Harjes et al., 2008 ; Vallabhaneni and Wurtzel, 2009 )], and marigold [ Tagetes erecta ( Moehs et al., 2001 )]. Of these previously studied plant species, none contributes as much to overall provitamin A
considered an interesting crop from the nutritional viewpoint as it is comparatively high in protein (1.5–2 g/100 g of food), vitamin C (30–45 mg/100 g), and E (1.85 mg/100 g), provitamin A, mineral elements (K, P), low in carbohydrates (4.7 g/100 g), and in
Abstract
‘Caro-Rich’, an indeterminate high pro-Vitamin A tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.), was released in January 1973. It was named for its high β-carotene.
another major focus area, among which improving β-carotene content (provitamin A) is the top priority. Breeding for high β-carotene content is crucial because vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a serious health problem that results in blindness, weak resistance
Abstract
An isogenic line, differing from ‘New Yorker’ tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) by being homozygous for the crimson gene (ogc ), had 60% less provitamin A due to reduced β- and γ-carotene.
Abstract
I consider myself to be a geneticist and plant breeder. Although not an expert in nutrition, I have long been interested in the improvement of nutritional value through plant breeding. This interest has led to a study of the genetic control of carotene synthesis. This knowledge has been used in our breeding program to derive tomatoes with a high content of provitamin A, and to the improvement of color.