Effect of nanoclay incorporation method on mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of starch-based films

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of nanoclay incorporation procedure on the mechanical and water vapor barrier properties of starch/nanoclay composite films. Cassava starch films were prepared with (nanocomposite) and without nanoclay (control) in two steps: firstly the production of extruded pellets and secondly thermo-pressing. The nanocomposite films were prepared via two different methods: in D samples the nanoclay was dispersed in glycerol and subsequently incorporated into the starch; and in ND samples all ingredients were added in a single step before the extrusion. All the composite-films were prepared with cassava starch using 0.25 g of glycerol/g of starch and 0.03 g of nanoclay/g of starch. Control samples showed V_A-type crystallinity induced by the manufacturing process and the nanocomposites presented a semicrystalline and intercalated structure. The nanoclay improved the water vapor barrier properties of the starch film and this effect was more pronounced in D samples, where the water vapor permeability (K^w) was 60% lower than that of the control samples. The K^w reduction was associated with decreases in the effective diffusion coefficient (approximately 61%) and in the coefficient of solubility (approximately 22-32%). On the other hand, the incorporation of nanoclay increased the tensile strength and the rigidity of the films and this effect was more significant when the nanoclay was dispersed in glycerol. Thus, the incorporation of nanoclay into starch-based films is a promising way to manufacture films with better mechanical and water vapor barrier properties.     

Conversion of starch from dry common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to ethanol

Dry common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) were evaluated for potential conversion of starch to ethanol. Eight varieties of beans with average starch content of 46% (db) were assayed in a laboratory-scaled process based upon the commercial corn dry grind fermentation process. Ethanol yield was 0.43-0.51 g ethanol/g glucose (0.19-0.23 g ethanol/g beans). The average ethanol yield for the eight bean types was 92% of maximum theoretical yield, demonstrating that starch from beans could be efficiently converted to ethanol. Ethanol concentration obtained from 20% (w/w) solids loading was 3.5-4.4% (w/v). The residual fermentation solids contained, on a dry basis, 37.1-43.6% crude protein, 10.8-15.1% acid detergent fiber and 19.1-31.3% neutral detergent fiber.     

Properties of thermoplastic starch from cassava bagasse and cassava starch and their blends with poly (lactic acid)

Cassava bagasse is an inexpensive and broadly available waste byproduct from cassava starch production. It contains roughly 50% cassava starch along with mostly fiber and could be a valuable feedstock for various bioproducts. Cassava bagasse and cassava starch were used in this study to make fiber-reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS_B and TPS_I, respectively). In addition, blends of poly (lactic acid) and TPS_I (20%) and TPS_B (5, 10, 15, 20%) were prepared as a means of producing low cost composite materials with good performance. The TPS and PLA blends were prepared by extrusion and their morphological, mechanical, spectral, and thermal properties were evaluated. The results showed the feasibility of obtaining thermoplastic starches from cassava bagasse. The presence of fiber in the bagasse acted as reinforcement in the TPS matrix and increased the maximum tensile strength (0.60 MPa) and the tensile modulus (41.6 MPa) compared to cassava starch TPS (0.40 and 2.04 MPa, respectively). As expected, blending TPS with PLA reduced the tensile strength (55.4 MPa) and modulus (2.4 GPa) of neat PLA. At higher TPS_B content (20%) the maximum strength (19.9 MPa) and tensile modulus (1.7 GPa) were reduced about 64% and 32%, respectively, compared to the PLA matrix. In comparison, the tensile strength (16.7) and modulus (1.2 GPa) of PLA blends made with TPS_I were reduced 70% and 51% respectively. The fiber from the cassava bagasse was considered a filler since no increase in tensile strength of PLA/TPS blends was observed. The TPS_I (33.1%) had higher elongation to break compared to both TPS_B (4.9%) and PLA (2.6%). The elongation to break increased from 2.6% to 14.5% by blending TPS_I with PLA. In contrast, elongation to break decreased slightly by blending TPS_B with PLA. Thermal analysis indicated there was some low level of interaction between PLA and TPS. In PLA/TPS_B blends, the TPS_B increased the crystallinity of the PLA component compared to neat PLA. The fiber component of TPS_B appeared to have a nucleating effect favoring PLA crystallization.     

Selection of cultivars for minimization of waste and of water consumption in cassava starch production

When considering the sustainability of a business, deciding on the industrial use of starchy raw materials requires more than just the information on their agricultural productivity and starch yield. The main goal of this work was to investigate ten different cultivars to select for industrial applications seeking to minimize residue generation and water consumption in the production of cassava starch. The cassava cultivars that are richer in starch (22.61-22.89 g 100 g⁻¹) generated the smallest amounts of residues (420.63-423.52 kg ton⁻¹ of cassava roots) and required the smallest amounts of water for processing. There is an inverse relationship between the dry matter content in cassava roots and the amount of solid residues generated. One of the cultivars stood out for showing the following features: high starch yield, little tendency for generation of residues, low requirement of water for processing, easiness in the peeling process, and high content of total solids; therefore such features can suggest its use for starch extraction with wastes minimization.     

Composite materials of thermoplastic starch and fibers from the ethanol-water fractionation of bagasse

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of the fibrous material obtained from ethanol-water fractionation of bagasse as reinforcement of thermoplastic starches in order to improve their mechanical properties. The composites were elaborated using matrices of corn and cassava starches plasticized with 30 wt% glycerin. The mixtures (0, 5, 10 and 15 wt% bagasse fiber) were elaborated in a rheometer at 150 °C. The mixtures obtained were pressed on a hot plate press at 155 °C. The test specimens were obtained according to ASTM D638. Tensile tests, moisture absorption tests for 24 days (20-23 °C and 53% RH, ASTM E104), and dynamic-mechanical analyses (DMA) in tensile mode were carried out. Images by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction were obtained. Fibers (10 wt% bagasse fiber) increased tensile strength by 44% and 47% compared to corn and cassava starches, respectively. The reinforcement (15 wt% bagasse fiber) increased more than fourfold the elastic modulus on starch matrices. The storage modulus at 30 °C (E_30 °C′) increased as the bagasse fiber content increased, following the trend of tensile elastic modulus. The results indicate that these fibers have potential applications in the development of biodegradable composite materials.     

Improving the barrier and mechanical properties of corn starch-based edible films: Effect of citric acid and carboxymethyl cellulose

The films produced from pure starch are brittle and difficult to handle. Chemical modifications (e.g. cross-linking) and using a second biopolymer in the starch based composite have been studied as strategies to produce low water sensitive and relatively high strength starch based materials. A series of corn starch films with varying concentrations (0-20%, W/W) of citric acid (CA) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) were produced by casting method. The effects of CA and CMC on the water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture absorption, solubility and tensile properties were investigated. The water vapor barrier property and the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) were improved significantly (p < 0.05) as the CA percentage increased from 0 to 10% (W/W). At the level of 15% (W/W) CMC, the starch films showed the lowest WVP values (2.34 × 10⁻⁷ g Pa⁻¹ h⁻¹ m⁻¹) and UTS increased from 6.57 MPa for the film without CMC to 16.11 MPa for that containing 20% CMC.     

Accumulation of mixed linkage (1 → 3) (1 → 4)-β-d-glucan during grain filling in barley: A vibrational spectroscopy study

The accumulation of mixed linkage barley (1 → 3) (1 → 4)-β-d-glucan (BG) during grain filling at eight stages was studied using standard reference methods and infrared spectroscopy. Two mutant barley genotypes having higher (starch mutant lys5f) and lower (high lysine mutant lys3a) BG content than the normal control Cork were studied. The Cork and lys3a genotypes showed a linear BG accumulation throughout the grain filling to reach a maximum of approximately 6 and 4% BG (w/w) dry matter, respectively. However, lys5f mutant exhibited an exponential increase in BG synthesis to a maximum of approximately 18% BG (w/w) dry matter 30 days after flowering (DAF), seemingly compensating for a decreased synthesis of starch.     

Evaluating sustainable and profitable cropping sequences with cassava and four legume crops: Effects on soil fertility and maize yields in the forest/savannah transitional agro-ecological zone of Ghana

Rotations are important practices for managing soil fertility on smallholder farms. Six cropping sequences (cassava, pigeonpea, mucuna–maize–mucuna, cowpea–maize–cowpea, maize–maize–maize, and speargrass fallow) were evaluated during 2003–2004 in Wenchi district of Ghana for their effects on the profitability of the different rotations and the productivity of subsequent maize. Soil chemical properties were not significantly affected by cropping sequence. On the researcher-managed and farmer-managed plots maize grain yields were significantly influenced by cropping sequence. On the researcher-managed plots maize grain yield ranged from 1.0 t ha⁻¹ after speargrass fallow to 3.0 t ha⁻¹ with cassava cropping when N fertiliser was not applied to maize and from 2.1 t ha⁻¹ with continuous maize to 4.2 t ha⁻¹ with mucuna–maize–mucuna when 60 kg N ha⁻¹ was applied to maize. On the farmer-managed plots where N fertiliser was not applied to maize, maize grain yields ranged from 0.4 t ha⁻¹ on speargrass fallow to 2.2 t ha⁻¹ on plots previously cropped to pigeonpea. High maize grain yields associated with the cropping sequences involving cassava, mucuna and pigeonpea were related to the faster decomposition and N release of the biomass compared with the slower release of N by the poorer quality materials like maize stover and speargrass. Return on investment of the different rotational sequences ranged from −22% with speargrass/maize to 235% with cassava/maize when no N application was made to maize, and from 29% with continuous maize to 196% with cassava/maize when N fertiliser was applied to maize. Cassava/maize rotation was ranked by native farmers as the most preferred rotation whereas migrant farmers ranked cowpea–maize–cowpea–maize as the most preferred rotation. Among natives, male farmers ranked rotation involving cowpea as the next most preferred rotation after cassava/maize. In contrast, female farmers ranked pigeonpea/maize rotation as the second most preferred rotation, due to low labour and external input requirements of pigeonpea compared with cowpea. The choice of a particular rotational sequence is related to access to resources and the needs of the farmer. The study therefore suggests that, in a heterogeneous farming community like Wenchi, technology development should be targeted to suit the needs and resources available to each particular group of farmers.     

Chitosan–starch composite film: preparation and characterization

Chitosan film has potential applications in agriculture, food, and pharmacy. However, films made only from chitosan lack water resistance and have poor mechanical properties. Forming miscible, biodegradable composite film from chitosan with other hydrophilic biopolymers is an alternative. The objective of this study was to prepare chitosan/starch composite films by combining chitosan (deacetylated degree, 90%) solution and two thermally gelatinized cornstarches (waxy starch and regular starch with 25% amylose). The film’s tensile strength (TS), elongation-at-break (E), and water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) were investigated. The possible interactions between the two major components were evaluated by X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Regardless of starch type, both the TS and E of the composite films first increased and then decreased with starch addition. Composite film made with regular starch showed higher TS and E than those with waxy starch. The addition of starch decreased WVTRs of the composite films. The introduction of gelatinized starch suppressed the crystalline peaks of chitosan film. The amino group band of chitosan molecule in the FTIR spectrum shifted from 1578 cm⁻¹ in the chitosan film to 1584 cm⁻¹ in composite films. These results indicated that there was a molecular miscibility between these two components.     

Hybrid and environment effects on popcorn kernel physiochemical properties and their relationship to microwave popping performance

The objective of this study was to characterize the effect of hybrid and environment on physical and chemical characteristics of popcorn kernels that have shown importance in predicting end-use quality. Three popcorn hybrids grown in three different environments were tested for physiochemical attributes and popping performance. Hybrid had a significant effect on kernel sphericity, time-to-grind, dietary fiber, sugars, and starch. Environment effect alone affected total mineral content. Hybrid and environment main effects influenced test weight, tangential abrasive dehulling device index, thousand-kernel weight, total carbohydrates, and kernel protein content. Oil adherence to the bag averaged 15.8% and was proportional to oil amount added prior to microwave popping. Unpopped kernels averaged 11.4 ± 5.3%. Most unpopped kernels were observed to successfully pop when heated a second time in microwave tests. Expansion volume was 44.7 ± 3.7 and 47.3 ± 6.4 cm³/g, depending on the method of determination. Expansion volume was correlated (p < 0.05) with several kernel physiochemical parameters that were influenced by hybrid effect. Sphericity, thousand-weight, and total fat are physiochemical characteristics that appear to be good predictors (p < 0.05) of expansion volume.     

Foliar application of chitosan activates artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua L.

There has been much interest in artemisinin owing to its excellent activity against malaria, an infectious disease threatening the tropical world. However, the low artemisinin content (0.01-0.8%, DW) in Artemisia annua, which is the only commercial source of artemisinin, makes artemisinin expensive to produce and not yet available on a global scale. Here we show that foliar application of 100 mg l⁻¹ chitosan improved artemisinin biosynthesis in A. annua. The content of dihydroartemisinic acid and artemisinin in chitosan-treated leaves increased by 72% and 53% compared with control values, respectively. Chitosan induced the expression of ADS and DBR2, which could explain the increase in level of artemisinic metabolites. After chitosan treatment, the amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and superoxide anion (O₂⁻) in leaves of A. annua were 1.4 and 3.0 times higher than those of the control, respectively. Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) probably accelerated the conversion of dihydroartemisinic acid to artemisinin. Foliar application of 100 mg l⁻¹ chitosan had no harmful effect on A. annua growth. The simple method described here could be an effective method to improve artemisinin production in A. annua field cultivation.     

Chitosan enhances withanolides production in adventitious root cultures of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal

Calli were obtained from leaf, cotyledon and internode explants of in vitro-grown plants of Indian cultivar of Withania somnifera in MS medium supplemented with 2, 4-D (2.0 mg l⁻¹) and Kinetin (0.2 mg l⁻¹). The brown, semi-friable callus (500 mg FW) derived from leaf explants produced higher number of primary adventitious roots (9 roots/callus) in half strength MS medium fortified with IBA (0.5 mg l⁻¹) and NAA (0.1 mg l⁻¹). The primary adventitious roots with an inoculum mass of 15 g FW were cultured for 6 weeks in the same medium for secondary adventitious root proliferation. Elicitation of abiotic elicitor, aluminium chloride at 10 mg l⁻¹ at the end of 4 weeks culture with 4 h exposure time enhanced withanolides productivity. Under similar culture conditions, the biotic elicitor, chitosan at 100 mg l⁻¹ stimulated higher production of all withanolides when compared to aluminium chloride treatment. This is the first report on the use of callus-derived adventitious root culture for the enhanced production of withanolides upon chitosan elicitation.     

Metabolic characteristics in ruminants of the proteins in newly developed hull-less barley varieties with altered starch traits

Recently, new varieties of hull-less barley have been developed with altered carbohydrate traits. To our knowledge, there is no study on metabolic characteristics in ruminants of the proteins in the newly developed hull-less barley varieties. The objectives of this study were to: compare metabolic characteristics of the proteins of zero-amylose waxy (CDC Fibar), low-amylose waxy (CDC Rattan), high-amylose (HB08302), and normal starch (CDC McGwire) hull-less barley. In situ animal trials were carried out to generate the original rumen fermentation data for modeling nutrient supply to dairy cattle by using two dairy nutrition models – Dutch DVE/OEB system and NRC 2001. The major comparisons were made in terms of i) truly absorbed protein in the small intestine (DVE or MP, and ii) degraded protein balance (DPB). The study revealed that zero-amylose waxy hull-less barley was superior (P < 0.05) in both DVE (123 vs. 117, 114, 103 g kg⁻¹ DM) and MP (112 vs. 93, 96, and 87 g kg⁻¹ DM) when hull-less barley was evaluated as a single feed for dairy cattle. All of four hull-less barley varieties had negative DPB (DPB^OEB; −37.4, −17.1, −30.2, and −28.2 g kg⁻¹ DM for normal starch, zero-amylose waxy, waxy, and high-amylose cultivar, respectively), indicating the potential N shortage. In conclusion, the alteration of starch structure in granule provided a relatively balanced energy and protein for microbial synthesis in the rumen. The DVE and DPB predicted by using the DVE/OEB system can be explained (r² > 0.76) by the equivalent parameters, predicted by using the NRC 2001 model. The alteration of starch structure in granule affects metabolic characteristics of the proteins of hull-less barley in ruminants.     

Consequences of immature fiber on the processing performance of Upland cotton

Immature cotton fiber will negatively impact textile processing. Three field experiments were undertaken that applied chemical harvest aids to upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crops at varying times with the intention of manipulating the maturity of bolls and fibers. The aim was to quantify the effects of these treatments on the textile performance of the harvested cotton and relate these differences to the status of the crop at the time of treatment application. Although earlier treatments produced less mature fiber that was lower in linear density, yarn and fabric strength was not affected. However less mature cotton from a cooler growing season produced stronger yarns (by 3 cN tex⁻¹) and fabric (by 0.39 N (g m⁻²)⁻¹) which was partly attributed to the smaller ribbon width of this fiber affecting more fiber packing density and inter-fiber friction. Yarns made from this immature cotton also contained more neps. Micronaire and linear density were equally well related, and more strongly related than maturity ratio, to dyed fabric color dimensions, which were greatly influenced by treatments. Percent immature bolls at the time of harvest aid application related well to changes in the degree of fabric blueness (R² = 0.89). Knowing the status of a crop in the final stages of production will help cotton producers and the supply chain to predict some of the processing performance aspects of harvested fiber.     

Physical properties of cryomilled rice starch

Cryomilling of rice starch was evaluated as a non-chemical way to modify starch structure and properties. Cryomilling in a liquid nitrogen bath (63–77.2 K) was done to Quest (10.80% amylose) and Pelde (20.75% amylose) rice starch at five different time frames (0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 min). The viscosity of the cryomilled rice starch decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing milling duration, including peak viscosity, hot-paste viscosity, cold-paste viscosity, breakdown, and consistency. Increasing milling time significantly increased (p < 0.05) water solubility index and water absorption index. Infra-red spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction crystallography both showed that the crystallinity of the cryomilled starch decreased with increasing milling time. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses showed that after 60 min cryomilling there was partial loss of crystallinity (86% for Quest and 91% for Pelde) of both cryomilled starches. The cryomilling process modified the rice starch by causing a loss of crystallinity, that reduced its pasting temperature and increased water absorption, and by fragmentation of starch (probably the amylopectin fraction) that reduced the viscosity and increased solubility.     

Effect of N supply on stalk quality in maize hybrids

The identification of maize nitrogen (N) response for stalk quality is valuable in stalk breeding improvement, stalk lodging resistance and for use in bioenergy. This study analyzed the effect of two N levels and estimated quantitative genetic parameters for stalk quality in summer maize in the north China plain (NCP). Thirty hybrids were sampled and tested from three to four geographic locations under high nitrogen (HN) (225 kg N ha⁻¹) and low nitrogen (LN) (0 kg N ha⁻¹) during 2006–2008. Compared to HN level, stalk crude protein (CP) was significantly reduced (22.06%) under LN level. Ether extract (EE), ash content (AC), in vitro dry matter digestion (IVDMD) and lignin content (LC) were lower under LN level. Cellulose content (CC), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were increased with a reduction in N, however N did not significantly affect EE, ADF and LC. An increase in NDF and ADF content under low vs. high N level was mainly attributed to a reduction in CC. ADF and NDF exhibited positive correlation and both showed a positive correlation with CC but a negative correlation with LC, IVDMD and CP. Negative correlations between IVDMD and CC, IVDMD and LC, and CP and CC were also detected. The interaction variance of genotype × year × location (σ²_GYL) for each N level, with the exception of σ²_GYL for CC under HN, was significant and most stalk quality traits were evaluated in different locations and years. The estimates of genetic variance (σ²_G) and heritability (h²) were greater under HN, with the exception of LC and EE. The interaction of genotype × nitrogen (σ²_GN) for CP was more important than σ²_G. The genotypic correlation coefficients (r_G) for performance in different stalk quality traits between HN and LN were significant. However, it was necessary to evaluate both HN and LN for IVDMD. For other stalk quality traits, breeding maize under HN levels may serve to develop hybrids well adapted to high and/or low N level. The response to N trend was similar between high oil and normal maize hybrids.     

Properties of maize starch modified by ball milling in ethanol medium and low field NMR determination of the water molecular mobility in their gels

Ethanol as moisturizing agent and ball-milling treatment, has been combined in order to determine their impacts on the improvement of the properties of physically modified maize (Zea mays) starch granules. The content of ethanol has been set respecting a ratio of starch to ethanol varying from 1:0 to 1:3 (w:v), and the ball-milling time varied between 0 and 72 h. We observed that the increase of the amylose content varied in a more effective way with increase of the milling time (p < 0.05) than with the variation of the starch to ethanol ratios. As expected, modified starches were more transparent, more soluble, less crystalline, and presented damaged structures. In all cases, the starch granule sizes were better distributed at ratios of starch to ethanol of 1:0 and 1:3 (w:v) respectively. In addition, the impact of the combination of these treatments on the mobility of water molecules in starch gels characterized by the transverse relaxation time (T₂), as well as the abundance of protons (¹H T₂) in each populations were determined by low field NMR. Mobility of water molecules within starch gels increased at high temperature. Nonetheless, the proton population at T₂ > 10 ms (characterized by T₂₂) for the modified starch (starch/ethanol, 1:3 w:v) was fundamental in the different water concentrations, and accounts for 70 to 90% of total protons, at temperatures >60 °C.     

The effect of the incidence of cassava anthracnose disease (CAD) on the performance and yield of cassava cultivars

The objective of this work was to assess the effect of the incidence of cassava anthracnose disease (CAD) on the performance and yield of cassava cultivars planted in Owerri, Imo state. Eighteen cultivars were planted in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times over a period of 3 years. Cultivars TMS 30211, TMS 30001, 98/0510 and TMS 4(2)1425 were regarded as resistant due to the possession of more than three desirable characteristics such as the least size of cankers and absence of cankers in the first and second trials (2003/04 and 2004/05) respectively, lowest severity score and highest weight of healthy fresh tuber and stems. They are recommended for use as parent materials for breeding for resistance to CAD. Cultivar Akwakwuru had the largest size of cankers on whole plant, highest fresh weight of infected tubers and stems which led to low yield and less planting materials. It is regarded as susceptible and may lead to spread of CAD. The correlation of weight of infected fresh tubers on size of canker on whole plant, young stem and maturing stem were positively and highly significantly correlated (r = 0.645, r = 0.470, r = 0.583 and r = 0.622, respectively).     

Changes in gelatinization and rheological characteristics of japonica rice starch induced by pressure/heat combinations

Rice starch suspensions of 10% dry matter (DM) were treated by heat (0.1 MPa at 20–85 °C) or pressure/heat combinations (100–600 MPa at 20, 40 and 50 °C) for 15 min to investigate their gelatinization and rheological characteristics. The maximum swelling index of about 12 g water per gram of DM was obtained by thermal treatment at 85 °C, meanwhile, that of 7.0 g was observed by 600-MPa pressurization at 50 °C. The higher temperatures or pressures resulted in the higher degrees of gelatinization. Furthermore, treatments of 0.1 MPa at 85 °C, 500 MPa at 50 °C and 600 MPa at various temperatures caused complete gelatinization of rice starch. The consistency index (K) and storage modulus (G′) dramatically increased from 70 °C or 400 MPa. The G′ values were higher in pressure-treated samples than those in thermal-treated samples. Therefore, an application of pressure/heat combinations as a processing method to improve the quality of rice starch products would be possible.     

Increased productivity through integrated soil fertility management in cassava–legume intercropping systems in the highlands of Sud-Kivu,DR Congo

Smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa are confronted by low productivity and limited investment capacity in nutrient inputs. Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) aims at increased productivity through the combined use of improved germplasm, judicious fertilizer application and organic matter management, adapted to the local farming conditions. We hypothesize that the application of these different ISFM components can result in significant increases in productivity and economic benefits of cassava–legume intercropping systems. Participatory demonstration trials were conducted in the highlands of Sud-Kivu, DR Congo with 12 farmer groups during 3 seasons. Treatments included the farmers’ common practice (local common bean and cassava varieties, seed broadcast and manure addition) and sequentially added ISFM components: improved bean and cassava germplasm, modified crop arrangements, compound NPK fertilizer application and alternative legume species (groundnut or soybean). The use of improved germplasm did not result in yield increases without simultaneous implementation of other ISFM components. Modifying the crop arrangement by planting cassava at 2 m between rows and 0.5 m within the row, intercropped with four legume lines, increased bean yields during the first season and permits a second bean intercrop, which can increase total legume production by up to 1 t ha⁻¹ and result in an additional revenue of almost 1000 USD ha⁻¹. Crop arrangement or a second legume intercrop did not affect cassava storage root yields. Fertilizer application increased both legume and cassava yield, and net revenue by 400–700 USD ha⁻¹ with a marginal rate of return of 1.6–2.7. Replacing the common bean intercrop by groundnut increased net revenue by 200–400 USD ha⁻¹ partly because of the higher market value of the grains, but mostly due to a positive effect on cassava storage root yield. Soybean affected cassava yields negatively because of its high biomass production and long maturity period; modifications are needed to integrate a soybean intercrop into the system. The findings demonstrate the large potential of ISFM to increase productivity in cassava–legume systems in the Central-African highlands. Benefits were, however, not observed in all study sites. In poor soils, productivity increases were variable or absent, and soil amendments are required. A better understanding of the conditions under which positive effects occur can enable better targeting and local adaptation of the technologies.