Alternative Sources of Plant Protein in Tropics and Subtropics: The Case Study of Bolivia

Štěpán Diewock

Bachelor's thesis

Abstract:

This work focused on plants as alternative sources of protein in the tropics and subtropics, specifically in the Bolivian region. The primary objective of the work was to review the available publications and scientific studies dealing with this topic and then to create a comprehensive review. The first part of the thesis informed about protein, specifically its functions, importance to the human body and the reason why it is referred to as the most important component of the diet. It also addressed the question of whether protein of plant origin can be described as a sufficient source of protein. Plant proteins were compared with animal proteins in terms of the amino acids and other substances contained, digestibility, impact on human health and the environmental impact of their production. In the second part of the work was created a summary table of a total of 52 different plant species with information on the basic botanical systematics, edible parts, processing methods and most importantly protein content. These 52 plant species were identified as potentially high-quality sources of plant proteins in Bolivia. They belonged to a total of 24 different families, of which the Fabaceae family was the most abundant with 14 representatives (26.9%). Of the 52 plant species, 4 suitable species were selected based on their solid protein content, good adaptation to the natural conditions prevailing in Bolivia and the potential in expanding their cultivation. Selected species were quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet), mountain peanut (Plukenetia volubilis L.), pequi (Caryocar Brasiliense Cambess.). These selected species were described in more detail from the following aspects: botanical systematics, habitat, botanical description, nutritional values, and their uses.

Keywords

plant, protein, crop, underutilizes

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 17. 4. 2023

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 24. 5. 2023
• Supervisor: Ing. Iva Kučerová, Ph.D.
• Reader: Olga Leuner, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences

Bachelor programme:
Tropical Agriculture