Search

The two-source energy balance model estimates canopy transpiration (Tr) and soil evaporation (E) traditionally from satellite partitions of remotely sensed land surface temperature (LST) and the Priestley-Taylor equation (TSEB-PT) at seasonal time with limited accuracy. The high spatial–temporal resolution spectral data collected by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provide valuable opportunity to estimate Tr and E precisely, improve the understanding of the seasonal and the diurnal cycle of evapotranspiration (ET), and timely detect agricultural drought. The UAV data vary in spatial resolution and the uncertainty imposed on the TSEB-PT outcome has thus far not being considered. To address these challenges and prospects, a new energy flux modelling framework based on TSEB-PT for high spatial resolution thermal and multispectral UAV data is proposed in this paper. Diurnal variations of LST in agricultural fields were recorded with a thermal infrared camera installed on an UAV during drought in 2018 and 2019. Observing potato as a test crop, LST, plant biophysical parameters derived from corresponding UAV multispectral data, and meteorological forcing variables were employed as input variables to TSEB-PT. All analyses were conducted at different pixelation of the UAV data to quantify the effect of spatial resolution on the performance. The 1 m spatial resolution produced the highest correlation between Tr modelled by TSEB-PT and measured by sap flow sensors (R2 = 0.80), which was comparable to the 0.06, 0.1, 0.5 and 2 m pixel sizes (R2 = 0.76–0.78) and markedly higher than the lower resolutions of 2 to 24 m (R2 = 0.30–0.72). Modelled Tr was highly and significantly correlated with measured leaf water potential (R2 = 0.81) and stomatal conductance (R2 = 0.74). The computed irrigation requirements (IRs) reflected the field irrigation treatments, ET and conventional irrigation practices in the area with high accuracy. It was also found that using a net primary production model with explicit representation of temperature influences made it possible to distinguish effects of drought vis-a-vis heat stress on crop productivity and water use efficiency. The results showed excellent model performance for retrieving Tr and ET dynamics under drought stress and proved that the proposed remote sensing based TSEB-PT framework at UAV scale is a promising tool for the investigation of plant drought stress and water demand; this is particularly relevant for local and regional irrigations scheduling. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Purpose.To carry out a comprehensive study and evaluation of new varieties of potatoes (Solanum tuberosumL.) according to the main economic and valuable indicators: yield, resistance to diseases and the content of starch and dry matter. Methods.The qualification examination of potato varieties for suitability for distribution in Ukraine (PSP) is carried out throughout the territory of Ukraine within the soil and climate zones of the Forest Steppe and Polissia in accordance with the Methodology for the qualification examination of plant varieties for suitability for distribution in Ukraine (General part) and the Methodology for the examination of varieties potato plants and groups of vegetable, melon, spicy-tasty plants for their suitability for distribution in Ukraine. Results.Economic and valuable characteristics of new potato varieties ‘Acoustic’, ‘Lady Amarilla’, ‘Sensation’, ‘Mia’, ‘Baltic Fire’, included in the State Register of plant varieties suitable for distribution in Ukraine (hereinafter – Register of varieties), were studied. An analysis of the varietal potential of potatoes was carried out based on the results of the qualification examination of the varieties. It was established that the yield of the stu­died potato varieties in all years of examination was higher in the forest-steppe zone and exceeded the yield obtained in the Polissia zone. In particular, the productivity of the varie­ty ‘Sensation’ by 29%, ‘Mia’ by 20%, ‘Lady Amarilla’ by 16%, ‘Baltic Fire’ by 19%, ‘Acoustic’ by 21%. Varieties ‘Sensation’ (24.3–33.8 t/ha) and ‘Acoustic’ (25.5–30.2 t/ha) produced the highest yield over the years of research. The varieties ‘Lady Amarilla’ and ‘Baltic Fire’ prevailed in terms of qua­lity indicators: the starch content in their tubers was 13.7–15.4% and 13.3–13.9%; dry matter content 22.2–23.2% and 21.5–22.0%, respectively. Disease and pest damage was generally average, with late blight causing the most dama­ge to crops in the Polissia zone. Conclusions.Based on the results of the qualification examination, five positive expert opinions were prepared for the PSP. All studied varieties are recommended for growing in the Forest-Steppe and Polissia zones. Cancer-resistant potato varieties are proposed for introduction in disease foci and use as parental components and obtaining disease-resistant offspring. Cancer-resistant potato varieties are recommended to be grown in areas where the disease is likely to be detected and used in bree­ding to obtain new cancer-resistant varieties.

Purpose.To evaluate promising potato hybrids for productivity and resistance to drought under water deficit conditions and to identify genotypes with a high level of adapta­bility to abiotic environmental factors. Methods.During 2021–2022, 57 potato genotypes of different ripeness groups were studied in the fields of breeding crop rotation of the breeding laboratory of the Polissia Research Department of the Institute for Potato Research NAAS of Ukraine. Genera­l­ly accepted methods of selective statistical analysis were used. Results. The research results revealed that in a dry year, the average potato yield loss for all maturity groups was 15.3 t/ha or 66 % compared to the indicators of a wet year. A high total percentage of drought-resistant and moderately drought-resistant hybrids was distinguished in the mid-season group. In total 16 breeding samples out of 54 studied ones under the condition of sufficient moisture produced the highest yield (in the range of 24.4–35.9 t/ha). During dry periods, 21 samples had high productivity (7.8–19.2 t/ha). The following hybrids showed an advantage over the average (Ŷ) for 8–9 evaluated drought tolerance indices: ‘P.15.56-10’, ‘P.17.21/43’, P.19.53/6’, ‘P.17.30-3’, ‘P.17.1-4’, ‘P.18.51/3’, ‘P.17.19-21’, ‘P.17.18/9’, ‘P.17.4/13’ ‘P.17.43/1’, P.17.44-1’,‘P.17.38/16’, ‘P.17.8-28’, ‘P.17.13/7’ and ‘P.17.38-56’. Conclusions.According to the results of the research, hybrids with high productivity and response to stress were identified. Thus, 5 samples formed high productivity under optimal conditions and were resistant to drought; 5 samples were flexi­b­le hybrids; 8 hybrids were demanding to moisture supply during the process of crop formation. The sources of drought resistance were 5 hybrids out of 54 studied ones. An average positive correlation (r= 0.528) between yields under diffe­rent moisture conditions was established.

Resumen La industrialización de la papa en el Perú constituye una oportunidad de negocio para incrementar la oferta de papa procesada, y generar valor agregado para los pequeños productores. Por esa razón es importante contar con variedades aptas para fritura y abastecer a la cadena de valor de la papa para la industria de pollerías (bastones) y snacks (hojuelas). En la investigación se describe el origen y genealogía del clon UH-24 ("Bicentenaria"), sus características agronómicas mediante el análisis de identificación, la forma como se desarrolló y multiplicó en invernadero y campo, así como el proceso de evaluación a través del análisis de adaptación y eficiencia en cuatro ambientes de la región Lima. La variedad de papa Bicentenaria presenta buena capacidad de producción y adaptación en la costa central del Perú, con un rendimiento de tubérculos promedio de 43,2 t ha-1, en comparación con las variedades comerciales Canchán y Diacol Capiro con 37,22 y 32,5 respectivamente, y mayor al clon avanzado UH-18 con 31,6 t ha-1. Se concluye que "Bicentenaria" es un cultivar de altos rendimientos, buena estabilidad fenotípica y atributos como sólidos solubles y tipo de tubérculo adecuados para su procesamiento como fritura en bastones y hojuelas. Abstract The industrialization of potatoes in Peru constitutes a business opportunity to increase the supply of processed potatoes, generating added value for small producers. For this reason, it is important to have varieties suitable for frying and thus supply the potato value chain for the processing industry (french fries) and snacks (flakes). It is described the origin and genealogy of the clone UH-24 ("Bicentenaria"), its agronomic characteristics through the identification analysis, the way how it developed and multiplied in the greenhouse and in the field, as well as the evaluation process through the analysis of adaptation and efficiency in four environments of Lima region. The potato variety Bicentenaria has good production and adaptation capacity in the central coast of Peru, with a mean tuber yield of 43.2 t ha-1, compared to the commercial varieties Canchán and Diacol Capiro with 37.22 and 32.5 respectively and higher than the clone UH-18 with 31.6 t ha-1. It is concluded that "Bicentenaria" is a potato cultivar with high yields, good phenotypic stability and attributes such as soluble solids and type of tuber suitable for processing as french fries and chips.

The aim of the experiment was to determine the correlations between tuber yield and yield components and to measure the direct and indirect effects of yield components on tuber yield of potato genotypes. The experiment was conducted using eleven potato genotypes with one standard check variety (Belete) and a local check at Kulumsa Agricultural Research Center, Bekoji sub-station during 2020-2021. Data were collected for tuber yield, tuber dry matter content (%), plant height (cm), stem number, specific gravity, and phenological parameters. Since the two seasons had heterogeneous error variance, analysis was carried out separately. In 2020, correlation analysis indicated that the tuber yield was positively and significantly associated with stem height (0.608), marketable tuber (0.997) and positively associated with tuber dry matter content, stem number per plant, days to maturity, while it was negatively correlated with specific gravity, days to emergence and days to flowering at the genotypic level. Total tuber yield was positively and significantly correlated with days to maturity (0.640), stem height (0.791), marketable tuber (0.977) and stem number at the genotypic level. While specific gravity was positively and significantly correlated at the phenotypic level; and negatively at the genotypic level in the second season. Results of path analyses indicated that marketable tubers had the highest positive direct effect (+1.059) on total tuber yield followed by days to flowering (+0.057) and specific gravity (+0.026) in 2020 while marketable tuber (0.7107), stem height (0.2842), tuber dry matter content (0.0078), days to maturity (0.1250) had also positive direct effect in 2021. In addition, most of the indirect effects of yield components on tuber yield were significant and positive. Significant effects of marketable tuber, tuber dry matter content, days to maturity and stem height on total tuber yield, indicated that they could be used as the criteria for potato improvement and breeding programs. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 144-154, December 2022

The purpose of this study was to see how pre-sprouting and planting dates affected potato tuber yields of varied sizes. The Split-split Plot was used as the experimental design, with four replications. The effect of years on medium, small, and discard tuber yields was significant, while the effect of planting times on total, big, small, and discard tuber yields per decare was not. The impact of pre-sprouting and planting timings on the traits studied were not statistically significant. There was no difference in total, medium, small, and discarded tuber yields per decare between the varieties; however, there was a difference in big tuber yield. According to the study's findings, the Binella variety should be pre-sprouted on March 23 (2 080.5 kg da-1, 1169.3 kg da-1) and the Slaney variety on April 13 (2 022.9 kg da-1, 1207.5 kg da-1), and both should be planted on May 15. The Binella variety should be pre-sprouted on April 13 (701.0 kg da-1), and the Slaney variety on April 3 (892.4 kg da-1) for medium tuber yield, and both should be planted on May 15. Plant the Binella variety without pre-sprouting (243.0 kg da-1) and the Slaney variety with pre-sprouting on April 3 (223.8 kg da-1) on May 5th for small tuber output. The Binella variety should be pre-planted on April 13th and planted on May 5th (123.4 kg da-1) for the production of discarded tubers, but the Slaney variety should be planted on May 25th without pre-sprouting (113.8 kg da-1).

U ovom istraživanju analizirana je intenzivna proizvodnja krumpira koji se prerađuje u čips. U analiziranom razdoblju (2019. – 2022.) prikazane su sve agrotehničke mjere pri proizvodnji krumpira na primjeru PO „Beta“. Vidljivo je da je gnojidba svake godine provedena pri jesenskoj obradi, zatim pred samu sadnju, pri nagrtanju i prije zatvaranja redova. Zaštita krumpira je provedena pravovremeno, a kod primjene zaštitnih sredstava najviše se koriste fungicidi u zaštiti od plamenjače i koncentrične pjegavosti krumpira. Kod zaštite od krumpirove zlatice vodi se računa o korištenju pripravaka iz različitih kemijskih skupina i različitih mehanizma djelovanja. Obavezna mjera u proizvodnji je navodnjavanje koje se provodi tijekom ljetnih mjeseci (lipanj i srpanj). Vađenje krumpira obavilo se strojno, a ostvareni prinosi iznosili su prosječno 36 t/ha, što je daleko od hrvatskog prosjeka (19,1 t/ha)., This study analyzed the intensive production of potatoes which are processed into chips. In the analyzed period (2019 - 2022), all agrotechnical measures in the production of potatoes are presented on the example of PO "Beta". Autumn fertilization was carried out every year during the autumn cultivation, then before planting and before closing the rows. In plant protection fungicides are mostly used to protect against potato late blight fungus and early blight of potatoes. For Colorado potato beetle used insecticides were different in active compound. Irrigation was done during the summer months (June and July). Potatoes were harvested by machine, and achieved yield was on average 36 t/ha, which is far higher than Croatian average (19.1 t/ha).

Phytophthora infestans(Mont.) cause potato late blight disease and can infect of roots, tubers, and shoots of the plant. The majority of significant factors in determining the spread of the potato late blight is the cultivation of infected potato tubers and their presence as agricultural plant debris in the agricultural field. Mycelium, zoospores, Oospores, and sporangia, all these structures can make infection, also Oospores with their thick wall can survive for 3 to 4 years under low temperatures. P. infestansresponsible to yield losses may arrive at 100% in optimum condition. There are two types of mating patterns for A1 and A2, and this depends on the spread of each type in different environments. This fungus also contains several genetic patterns that have been identified through molecular analysis. The different genotypes in this fungus led to new challenges to make an unstable guideline for the study of virulence and aggressiveness. Different strategies or methods were used to prevent or control late blight disease, included of chemicals, crop rotation, bio-agents, and resistant plants. There are many advantages or disadvantages to each strategy, but several studies mention that using resistant plants and fungicide together on conditions in suitable times and strategies led to perfect effect. This paper investigated in important factors in the spread of late blight disease, and some challenges in this fungus.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cultivars on the concentration of antioxidant compounds: total carotenoid content (TC) and vitamin C (VC), and their correlation with the total antioxidant activity (TAA) in 65 potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum) from 10 countries. The TC content revealed a highly significant effect of the year (Y), cultivar (C) and flesh colour (FC). The TC ranged from 101.5 g 100 g-1 DM (in cv. Kelly) to 715 g 100 g-1 DM (in cv. Mayan Gold). The TC values were weakly correlated with years and higher in yellow-fleshed potatoes than in white-fleshed potatoes (319.9 vs. 175.6 g 100 g-1 DM, respectively). The VC content ranged from 1.0 mg 100 g-1 FM (in cv. Bzura) to 14.8 mg 100 g-1 FM (in cv. Twinner). The content of VC were higher in yellow-fleshed (6.5 mg 100 g-1 FM) than in white-fleshed potatoes (5.8 mg 100 g-1 FM). The highest TAA were observed in cvs. Colleen, Basa, Triplo, Gatsby, Ditta, Twinner, Riviera, Michalina, Damaris, Belmonda, Ambo, Savinja, 12-LHI-6. For these cultivars, the FRAP values were 0.53 mol TE 100 mg-1 DM and DPPH 0.55 mol TE 100 mg-1 DM. The lowest TAA were observed in cvs.: Owacja, Mayan Gold, Kokra, Magnolia and Kelly. For them, the FRAP and DPPH values were slightly above 0.2 mol TE 100 mg-1 DM. It was shown that the concentration of TC in potato tubers has an impact on TAA.

A survey was conducted to determine the incidence of fungal diseases associated with aerial stems and leaves of Irish potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in some irrigated fields in Kaduna and Katsina states. The fields were selected based on systematic random sampling method and the samples were collected using stratified random sampling (SRDS) techniques. Disease symptoms were identified using CABI and CIP description of potato diseases. A total of four fungal diseases were found to be associated with aerial stems and leaves that included early blight (17.8%), leaf blight (48.7%) Fusarium wilt (21.1%) and Sclerotinia wilt (12. 29%). The fungi were identified based on standard mycological methods. The colonies observed were distinguished microscopically and macroscopically. Six genera of fungi were isolated from the wilted aerial stems and blighted leaves as Fusarium sp (18.7%), Sclerotium sp (18.7%) and Alternaria sp (18.7%); Helminthosporium sp (18.7%) had the highest frequency of occurrence. Botrytis sp (17.7%) and Stemphylium sp (5.6%) had the least frequency of occurrence. The results of this study could be used for further studies in plant protection and disease management.

Low level or no use of organic and inorganic fertilizers and serious imbalances soil nutrients, depressed potato yields and pose accelerated mining of native soil nutrients. Present on-farm studies was undertaken to observe the combined effects of FYM and compost along with inorganic fertilizers, particularly NPSB on potato production. The experiment comprised of seven treatments: No fertilizer, recommended NP (115 kg N and 92 kg ha-1P2O5), NPSB (115 kg N and 92 kg P2O5, 6.5 kg S. and 0.71 kg B ha-1), 10 tone FYM ha-1, 10 tone compost ha-1, 5 tone FYM + 50% NPSB (57.5 kg N and 92 kg P2O5 ha-1), and 5 tone compost + 50% NPSB ha-1were arranged in RCBD with three replications. The yield and yield components were collected and subjected to mean separation and economic analysis. The analysis of variance indicated that either applied organic and inorganic fertilizers combined or alone significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved potato yield at Chena. Full dose of each FYM and compost, recommended NP rate and NPSB gave similar potato yield. The highest average marketable and total fresh potato tuber yield (27.44, 27.92 t ha-1, respectively) were recorded by combined application of 5 t FYM ha-1with 50% NPSB (115 kg N and 92 kg P2O5, 6.5 kg S. and 0.71 kg B ha-1) which is economically acceptable with MRR (1239.7%), whereas the lowest tuber yield (14.45 t ha-1) was obtained from unfertilized plot. Hence, combined application of 50% FYM and 50% NPSB proved best potato yield in the study area.

Auxin is known to be involved in various developmental processes, including meristem identity, shoot branching and initiation of potato tubers. The previously identified StYUCCA8 gene in potato that exhibits a peak in gene expression after tuber induction and prior to tuber swelling was cloned and over-expressed in order to study the effects of altered auxin content on shoot and stolon architecture and tuber development. The potato plants transformed with the 35S::StYUCCA8 construct exhibited increased shoot and stolon branching, reduced leaf size, lower average tuber fresh weight and enhanced adventitious and lateral root formation. Investigation of the IAA content revealed that the concentration of auxin was not altered in the shoot apex but was significantly lower in the basal part of the stem despite the several 100-fold increase of expression of the StYUCCA8 gene in three independent transgenic clones. This is the first time a potato YUCCA gene is used in an experiment in order to identify the role of endogenous auxin biosynthesis in potato plant development. Our research helps elucidate the importance of small changes of auxin content on several developmental events of the potato plant, such as shoot, stolon and root architecture.

Due to the constant increase in the number of plant diseases and the lack of available treatments, there has been a growing interest in plant extracts over the past few decades. Numerous studies suggest that plant extract molecules possess valuable antimicrobial activities, particularly against fungi and bacteria. This suggests that these biomaterials could potentially serve as attractive therapeutic options for the treatment of phytopathogen infections. In the present study, we investigated and analyzed the methanolic extract of Eryngium campestre L. whole plant extract using HPLC. The analysis revealed the presence of several polyphenolic constituents, with benzoic acid, catechol, quercetin, vanillic acid, resveratrol, naringenin, and quinol being the most abundant. The amounts of these constituents were determined to be 2135.53, 626.728, 579.048, 356.489, 323.41, 153.038, and 128.77 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, we isolated and identified different plant fungal and bacterial isolates from symptomatic potato plants, which were accessioned as Rhizoctonia solani (OQ880458), Fusarium oxysporum (OQ820156) and Fusarium solani (OQ891085), Ralstonia solanacearum (OQ878653), Dickeya solani (OQ878655), and Pectobacterium carotovorum (OQ878656). The antifungal activity of the extract was assessed using fungal growth inhibitions (FGI) at concentrations of 100, 200, and 300 µg/mL. The results showed that at the lowest concentration tested (100 µg/mL), the extract exhibited the highest effectiveness against R. solani with an FGI of 78.52%, while it was least effective against F. solani with an FGI of 61.85%. At the highest concentration tested, the extract demonstrated the highest effectiveness against R. solani and F. oxysporum, with FGIs of 88.89% and 77.04%, respectively. Additionally, the extract displayed a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on all three bacterial pathogens. At the highest concentration tested (3000 µg/mL), the extract was able to inhibit the growth of all three bacterial pathogens, although the inhibition zone diameter varied. Among the bacterial pathogens, D. solani exhibited the highest sensitivity to the extract, as it showed the largest inhibition zone diameter at most of the extract concentrations. These findings highlight the potential of the E. campestre extract as a source of natural antimicrobial agents for controlling various plant pathogens. Consequently, it offers a safer alternative to the currently employed protective methods for plant disease management.

Raw data

Raw data, open access

Adverse weather conditions greatly reduce crop yields, leading to economic losses and lower food availability. The characterization of adverse weather and the quantification of their potential impact on arable farming is necessary to advise farmers on feasible and effective adaptation strategies and to support decision making in the agriculture sector. This research aims to analyze the impact of adverse weather on the yield of winter wheat, grain maize and late potato using a yield gap approach. A time-series analysis was performed to identify the relationship between (agro-)meteorological indicators and crop yields and yield gaps in Flanders (northern Belgium) based on 10 years of field trial and weather data. Indicators were calculated for different crop growth stages and multiple soils. Indicators related to high temperature, water deficit and water excess were analyzed, as the occurrence frequency and intensity of these weather events will most likely increase by 2030–2050. The concept of “yield gap” was used to analyze the effects of adverse weather in relation to other yield-reducing factors such as suboptimal management practices. Winter wheat preferred higher temperatures during grain filling and was negatively affected by wet conditions throughout the growing season. Maize was especially vulnerable to drought throughout the growing season. Potato was more affected by heat and drought stress during tuber bulking and by waterlogging during the early growth stages. The impact of adverse weather on crop yield was influenced by soil type, and optimal management practices mitigated the impact of adverse weather.

In Kenya, agriculture is an important economic activity, which implies that a significant amount of bio-waste is generated. This is on one hand a waste management problem, but on the other hand, it is an opportunity for creating a sustainable bioeconomy. Therefore, this study investigates the potential recovery of bioresources from Kenyan bio-waste. The study first quantifies occurrence, current usage and disposal of three selected biomass types, being banana, Irish potato and coconut waste. Next, material flow analysis is used to systematically track the mass flow of these wastes. Finally, the potential of biomolecules, biomaterials and bioenergy from the waste streams is evaluated. The study revealed that about 6007, 426 and 50 kt of banana, Irish potato and coconut biomass is wasted. All these wastes can be biorefined, offering potential towards recovery of; flavonoids (74 kt), starch (377 kt), cellulose (2001 kt) and biogas (1757 GWh), being the total potential of the main bioresources from the three waste streams. The study therefore, concluded that, with proper waste collection, sorting and valorisation, there is a huge potential for bioeconomy in Kenya, at the same time reducing waste management problems. Graphical Abstract

Early blight of potato is caused by the fungal pathogen Alternaria solani and is an increasing problem worldwide. The primary strategy to control the disease is applying fungicides such as succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors (SDHI). SDHI-resistant strains, showing reduced sensitivity to treatments, appeared in Germany in 2013, shortly after the introduction of SDHIs. Two primary mutations in the SDH complex (SdhB-H278Y and SdhC-H134R) have been frequently found throughout Europe. How these resistances arose and spread, and whether they are linked to other genomic features, remains unknown. For this project, we performed whole-genome sequencing for 48 A. solani isolates from potato fields across Europe to better characterize the pathogen's genetic diversity in general and understand the development and spread of the genetic mutations that lead to SDHI resistance. The isolates can be grouped into seven genotypes. These genotypes do not show a geographical pattern but appear spread throughout Europe. We found clear evidence for recombination on the genome, and the observed admixtures might indicate a higher adaptive potential of the fungus than previously thought. Yet, we cannot link the observed recombination events to different Sdh mutations. The same Sdh mutations appear in different, non-admixed genetic backgrounds; therefore, we conclude they arose independently. Our research gives insights into the genetic diversity of A. solani on a genome level. The mixed occurrence of different genotypes, apparent admixture in the populations, and evidence for recombination indicate higher genomic complexity than anticipated. The conclusion that SDHI tolerance arose multiple times independently has important implications for future fungicide resistance management strategies. These should not solely focus on preventing the spread of isolates between locations but also on limiting population size and the selective pressure posed by fungicides in a given field to avoid the rise of new mutations in other genetic backgrounds.

Phytoplasma-like symptoms of leaf yellowing and calyx malformation were observed in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), upward leaves and fruit malformation in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), and aerial tuber formation in potato (S. tuberosum L.) during the survey performed in the late season (August to September) of 2015 and 2016 in Van province (Turkey). A total of 100 samples were tested by nested-PCR using universal primer pairs to assess the sanitary status of the solanaceous crops and to characterise the phytoplasma isolates. Among them, seven sam-ples resulted in a 1.25 kb DNA fragment, and five (two eggplants, two peppers, and one potato) were molecularly characterised (Accession No.: KY579357, KT595210, MF564267, MF564266, and MH683601). BLAST and the virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of 16S rRNA genes revealed the presence of two distinct phytoplasma infections in solanaceous crops: `Candidatus Phytoplasma trifolii' a member of the clover proliferation group (16SrVI) and subgroup A and `Candidatus P. solani' a member of the stolbur group (16SrXII) and subgroup A. The virtual RFLP analysis and calculated coefficients of RFLP pattern similarities further revealed a remarkable ge-netic diversity among the `Candidatus P. solani' isolates infecting pepper (similarity coefficient of 0.90) and eggplant (similarity coefficients of 0.98 and 1.00) at the same geographical area. This is the first report of the natural occurrence of `Candidadtus P. trifolii' in potato from the Eastern Anatolia region, Turkey.

In order to evaluate the fertilizer potentials of the coffee pulp as compost, three field experiments were set up with bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). To that end, the fresh coffee pulp was composted with accelerators addition. Evaluated treatments in a Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD) with 4 replicates were as follows : T1 = Coffee pulp (CP) alone; T2 = CP + 1 L molasse + 1 L Effective Microorganisms (EM1) + 37 kg of dolomitic lime; T3 = CP + 16.75 kg of bean residues (BR1) + 16.75 kg of soil (forest soil); T4 = CP + 2 L molasse + 2 L EM2 + 74 kg of dolomitic lime; T5 = CP + 33.5 kg of bean residues (BR2) + 33.5 kg of soil (forest soil); T6 = Farm manure + 1.5 T/ha dolomitic lime + 200 kg/ha DAP+ 100 kg/ha KCl + 50 kg/ha Urea and T7= Control (non amended/fertilised). In both the bean and the first potato (Victoria variety) experiments, recommended organo-mineral fertilization (T6) was not significantly different from either T4 (CP+EM2) or T5 (CP + BR2). In the second potato (Mabondo) study, T6 (Farm Manure + 60-90-60) produced significantly higher yields than the other treatments (T7, T6, T5, and T4), which did not show any significant differences among them. Across the three field studies, treatments T4 (CP+EM2) and T5 (CP + BR2) are equivalent and substitutable. Nevertheless, being imported, EM is surely problematic with regard to cost, conservation, and manipulation. In that context, we contend that T5 (CP + BR2) is more accessible to farmers and could be widely adopted as a source of organic fertilizer. We then advance that this compost treatment (T5) is the one to be disseminated as a potential coffee pulp-based source of organic fertilizer in coffee-growing Burundi areas. We further propose to test the minerally-complemented T5 (CP+BR2+mineral fertilizers) against the currently recommended Farm Manure+mineral fertilizer applications for bean (18-46-0) and potato (60-90-60) crops. Such an experimental study would evaluate the substitutability of farm manure by CP compost boosted by bean residues addition.

During potato desiccation the above-ground parts can be destroyed by mechanical, mechanical-chemical, or chemical methods. In the current study, the mechanical-chemical method was used and instead of chemical compounds natural nonanoic acid (pelargonic acid) was used. Nonanoic acid is a natural active ingredient that can be extracted from vegetable oil (rapeseed oil). It is a short chain fatty acid and a natural product, that fits well with the principles of the Green Revolution, which has introduced restrictions worldwide on the use of chemical plant protection products and promotes natural ones. For comparison carfentrazone-ethyl and glufosinate-ammonium were used. Studies were carried out in Poland during 2012–2014 with the potato variety Ikar, which is known to be among the varieties difficult to desicccate in Poland. The results show that potato leaves were efficiently destroyed by both nonanoic acid and chemicals (carfentrazone-ethyl and glufosinate-ammonium). The level of destruction varied from 94.5% to 99%. The level of stalk drying caused by nonanoic acid was high and it was similar to that of chemical desiccants. None of the studied desiccants significantly affected yield, vascular necrosis or quantity of starch in tubers.

Blackleg and aerial stem rot of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), caused by soft rot enterobacteria of the genera Pectobacterium and Dickeya, has recently increased years in Hebei Province, China. Field surveys were performed during the 2021 potato growing season in Hebei to identify and characterize bacterial pathogens. Sixteen potato plants showing blackleg or aerial stem rot were collected from three potato-producing areas, and ten representative pectinolytic bacteria were isolated from symptomatic plants. 16S rDNA sequencing and multilocus sequence analysis were performed to determine the taxonomic position of the bacterial isolates. The isolates belonged to the genus Pectobacterium, including Pectobacterium atrosepticum, Pectobacterium carotovorum, Pectobacterium brasiliense, and Pectobacterium parmentieri. The exceptions were isolates BY21311 and BY21312, which belonged to a new species of Pectobacterium polonicum previously found in groundwater. The taxonomy of isolate BY21311 was confirmed using whole genome-based analysis. P. polonicum has only been identified in potato plants on one farm in Baoding region in China. Isolates BY21311 and BY21312 displayed similar physiological and biochemical traits to the type strain DPMP315T. Artificial inoculation assays revealed that isolate BY21311 fulfilled Koch’s postulates for potato blackleg. These findings represent the first time P. polonicum, a water-associated Pectobacterium species may be the cause of blackleg in the field. Interestingly, P. polonicum BY21311 has reduced ability to macerate potato tubers when compared to P. atrosepticum, P. brasiliense, P. versatile, and P. parvum, which is more virulent in tubers than the type strain DPMP315T. The host range of isolate BY21311 was determined by injection method, which can impregnate five plants. Although the genome of isolate BY21311 harbors gene clusters encoding a type III secretion system, it did not elicit a hypersensitive response (HR) in Nicotiana benthamiana or N. tabacum leaves. T3SS effector AvrE and T4SS effector PilN were obtained by predicting isolate BY21311 genome. P. polonicum appears to show significant variations in gene content between two genomes, and gene content varies between isolates BY21311 and DPMP315T, with strain specific-genes involved in many aspects, including lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, substrate translocation, T4SS and T6SS among others, suggesting that isolates BY21311 and DPMP315T might represent distinct clades within the species.

16 Pág., Cycling Dof transcription factors (CDFs) have been involved in different aspects of plant growth and development. In Arabidopsis and tomato, one member of this family (CDF1) has recently been associated with the regulation of primary metabolism and abiotic stress responses, but their roles in crop production under open field conditions remain unknown., This study was supported by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MCIN) and the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) / 10.13039/501100011033/ (grants RTA2015-00014-c02-00 to JM and SGN; PID2020-114165RR-C21 to JM), (BIO2017-82873-R to JVC) (PID2019-104685GB-100 to JP-R, EB-F and FJM), the Gobierno de Navarra (PC036-037 BIOMEF to EB-F and FJM) and the Vicerrectorado de Investigación de la Universitat Politècnica de València (PAID-11-21 to SGN), J.C is funded by the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) Chile with Program FONDECYT Regular 1190812 and ANID-Millennium Science Initiative Program-ICN17_022" and The GEP Chinese pre-doctoral fellowship to LY. We also want to acknowledge the "Severo Ochoa Program for Centres of Excellence in R&D" (CEX2020-000999-S) supported by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 for supporting the scientific services used in this study., With funding from the Spanish government through the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2020‐000999‐S)

The accuracy of the traditional soil and plant-based techniques for assessing sugarbeet demand for nitrogen (N) and yield prediction is generally low. Refining N and irrigation water management is a key to maximizing return for sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) growers from agronomic, economic, and environmental perspective. The use of Normalized Difference Vegetative Index (NDVI) in combination with the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based data collection for in-season estimation of sugarbeet root yield and sugar concentration has potential for precision N management. Sugarbeet field trials were conducted in Idaho in 2019 and 2020 to assess (1) effects of water and N fertilizer rates on yield and estimated recoverable sugar (ERS) and (2) feasibility of predicting root yield and ERS using UAV NDVI. At the lowest N rate, application of water at 100% level resulted in greater yield, compared to 50%, in both years. At higher N rates, 50% level produced higher yields. At each N level, application of water at 100% level resulted in lower ERS, compared to 50%. The UAV NDVI was strongly correlated with root yield and ERS. The relationship between UAV NDVI and root yield and ERS was stronger in July (60 days after planting) compared to June (40 days after planting). Estimating the yield and ERS potential in late June/early July and topdressing the crop before the end of July may help to improve N use efficiency while optimizing sugarbeet production. Snake River Sugarbeet Research and Seed Alliance Published version Snake River Sugarbeet Research and Seed Alliance

Microscopic datasets (TEM and AFM) supporting the manuscript entitled: Being spontaneous has its costs! Characterization of spontaneous phage ϕD5- resistant mutants of Dickeya solani strain IPO 2222, This research was financially supported by the National Science Center, Poland (Narodowe Centrum Nauki, Polska) via a research grant OPUS 13 (2017/25/B/NZ9/00036) to Robert Czajkowski

In this experiment 3 x 15 potato plants were inoculated with phytophthora infestance and imaged with a hyperspectral camera. Along with that the plants where observed by an expert.

Исследование проводили с целью изучения возможности применения разработанного авторами удобрения, содержащего азот (80 г), бор (20 г) и медь (0,3 г), в технологии выращивания картофеля. Эксперимент выполняли на базе ФГБНУ «ФИЦ картофеля имени А.Г. Лорха» Коренёво Люберецкого района Московской области. Для обработки картофеля применяли листовую обработку в концентрации водного раствора 1:1000; 1:500 и 1:125 и контрольный образец (вода без препарата). Листовая обработка испытуемым препаратом повлияла на биометрические показатели развития растений картофеля. В зависимости от дозы применяемого препарата на всех сортах масса ботвы и площадь листовой поверхности несколько выше в вариантах с применением препарата, чем в контрольном варианте, где листовую обработку проводили только водой. На сорте Гулливер масса ботвы в вариантах с применением препаратов составила 0,34-0,39 кг/куст, а в контроле 0,34 кг/куст; на сорте Вымпел – 0,43-0,45 кг/куст, при контроле 0,43 кг/куст; на сорте Матушка – 0,34-0,39 кг/куст, при контроле 0,34 кг/куст. Продуктивность растений картофеля при нормальных условиях роста и развития находится в непосредственной зависимости от мощности его надземной массы. Чем мощнее куст, тем выше урожай клубней под ним. При выращивании картофеля урожайность с применением испытуемого препарата составила: на сорте Гулливер – 20,925,8 т/га, что оказалось выше урожайности в контроле на 0,4-5,2 т/га, на сорте Вымпел – 21,7-24,9 т/га, что оказалось выше, чем в контроле на 2,0-5,1 т/га, на сорте Матушка – 16,020,0 т/га, что оказалось выше, чем в контроле на 0,1-4,1 т/га. Кроме того, средний процент товарных клубней в вариантах сорта Гулливер составил 93-95%, в вариантах сорта Вымпел – 93-96%., The purpose of the study was to investigate the possibility of using a fertilizer developed by the authors in the potato growing technology. The fertilizer contained nitrogen (80 g), boron (20 g), and copper (0.3 g). The experiment was carried out in the Russian Potato Research Centre named after A.G. Lorkh (Korenevo, Lyuberetsky District, the Moscow Region). The potato leaves were treated with an aqueous solution in the concentration of 1:1000; 1:500 and 1:125. The potato leaves in the control variant were treated with the water without the fertilizer. The experiment revealed that the leaf treatment with the tested preparation affected the biometric indicators of the potato plant development. Depending on the preparation dose applied on all potato varieties, the haulm weight and the leaf surface area were slightly higher in the variants with the preparation than in the control variant. On the Gulliver variety, the haulm weight in the variants with the tested preparation was 0.34-0.39 kg/bush, while in the control variant – 0.34 kg/bush; on the Vympel variety – 0.43-0.45 kg/bush, in the control variant – 0.43 kg /bush; on the Matushka variety – 0.34-0.39 kg/bush, in the control variant – 0.34 kg/bush. The productivity of potato plants under normal conditions of growth and development is directly dependent on the capacity of its aboveground mass. The more powerful is the haulm, the higher is the yield of tubers under it. When growing potatoes, the yield with the use of the tested preparation was as follows: on the Gulliver variety – 20.9-25.8 t/ha, which turned out to be higher than the yield in the control variant by 0.4-5.2 t/ha; on the Vympel variety – 21.724.9 t/ha, which turned out to be higher than in the control variant by 2.0-5.1 t/ha; on the Matushka variety – 16.0-20.0 t/ha, which turned out to be higher than in the control variant by 0.1-4.1 t/ha. In addition, the average percentage of commercial tubers in the variants with the Gulliver variety was 93-95%, in variants with the Vympel variety – 93-96%.

Received: February 15th, 2022 ; Accepted: December 1st, 2022 ; Published: February 2nd, 2023 ; Correspondence: gibiev@rgau-msha.ru In the context of world food crisis, potato production and increasing its yield is an urgent topic of research. In agricultural production, one of the most basic directions of increasing production is the introduction of organic and mineral fertilizers. The purpose of the study is to develop agro-methods for the use of environmentally friendly biopolymers when applying mineral fertilizers for the effective cultivation of potato and to determine production efficiency. To end this purpose, two field experiments and one control variant without the use of biopolymers were used in our study to assess the effect of Nutricharge and Growgreen preparations on the yield of Gala potato variety. To obtain reliable experimental results, several of the following requirements were considered: representativeness, accuracy, and compliance with the principle of single difference. Experiment No. 1 - treatment of ammonium nitrate phosphate fertilizer with Nutricharge at the rate of 3 kg per 1 ha. As a result of the Nutricharge biopolymer application, the biological yield of potato increased by 83.5 c ha-1 . Experiment No. 2 - treatment of mineral fertilizers with Nutricharge and Growgreen, 2.5 L ha-1 . As a result of the biopolymers application, the biological yield of potato in this experiment exceeds the control data by 237.5 c ha-1 . At the same time, the yield in the second experiment turned out to be higher than the yield in the first experiment by 154 c ha-1 . An equally important task in conducting this study was to determine, with the help of economic assessment, the production efficiency of biopolymers application. As a result of economic analysis, we found out that the complex use of preparations allowed to reduce the cost of production of 1 ton of potato in the first experiment by 21%, in the second - by 7.7% compared with the control. Cost reduction and revenue increase in the second experiment allowed to make a profit from 1 ha of 298,020 rubles, and in the first - 221,440 rubles. The obtained research data give us reason to say that the use of biopolymers Nutricharge and Growgreen is effective and their scale should be spread throughout the entire region of the country.

Представлена оценка эффективности орошаемого земледелия в Республике Татарстан. Установлено, что при равных условиях организации и технологии производства картофеля только за счет орошения урожайность увеличивается более чем в 3 раза, а товарность в 2,6 раз. Чистый доход с 1 га картофеля при товарности 80% составляет 496 тыс. руб., чистый доход с 1 га кукурузы на силос 52,4 тыс. руб/га. Один рубль прямых затрат на поливе обеспечивает получение дополнительной продукции на сумму более 12 руб. при производстве зерновых и более 40 рублей при возделывании картофеля и овощей, а орошение многолетних культур позволяет получать до четырех полноценных укосов, что обеспечит отрасль животноводства надежной кормовой базой. Под оросительной мелиорацией в Республике Татарстан находятся 1,5% площади пашни, однако на ней производится до 18,5% валовой продукции растениеводства. Несмотря на высокую экономическую эффективность мелиорации количество сельскохозяйственных товаропроизводителей, внедряющих ее в свою производственную деятельность даже с учетом мер государственной поддержки, остается низким. Выявлен ряд ключевых проблем, сдерживающих поступательное развитие мелиоративной отрасли, предложены научно обоснованные меры, способствующие ее развитию не только в масштабах Республики Татарстан, но и Российской Федерации., The research assessed the economic efficiency of irrigated agriculture in the republic, it was found that under equal conditions of organization and technology of potato production only at the expense of irrigation, the yield increases by more than 3 times, and marketability by 2.6 times, the net income per hectare at marketability 80% was 496 thousand rubles, net income from 1 hectare of corn silage under irrigation is 52.4 thousand rubles/ha, one ruble of direct costs for irrigation provides an additional production of more than 12 rubles in the production of grain It has been revealed that, despite the high economic efficiency of agricultural land reclamation, the number of agricultural producers introducing it in their production activities, even taking into account state support measures, is still low. The article reveals a number of key problems that hinder the progressive development of ameliorative sector and proposes science-based measures that promote the development of the sector, not only on the scale of the Republic of Tatarstan, but also in the Russian Federation.

Разработанные в середине прошлого столетия технологии размножения картофеля позволяют получить оздоровленный исходный материал. Одна из наиболее распространенных технологий – клональное микроразмножение. Эта высокотехнологичная методика включает несколько сложных этапов. Для ее реализации необходимо создание стерильной среды и дорогостоящее оборудование. Тем не менее, благодаря своей эффективности и высокой надежности она широко используется для получения семенных клубней картофеля, освобожденных от инфекционных заболеваний. В настоящее время одной из наиболее острых проблем семеноводства остается возможность ускоренного размножения полученных in vitro клубней, которые позволяют исключить вероятность повторного заражения. Разработано несколько способов ускоренного размножения семенных клубней: при помощи микроспорофитов, ярусный способ, использование зеленых черенков, этиолированных ростков и их частей и т.п. Требуется методика размножения, которую можно использовать непосредственно в семеноводческих хозяйствах без сложного и дорогостоящего оборудования. Объектом исследований являлись микрорастения сортов картофеля отечественной селекции. Полевые условия выращивания: высокогорье, северные широты, умеренно-континентальный климат Новгородской области. Получение исходного материала в указанных экологических условиях существенно облегчает процесс отбора исходного материала и подготовки его к клональному микроразмножению. Для выращивания биоматериала использовали питательную среду модификации ВНИИКХ. Для опытов с ускоренным размножением использовали клубни сорта Вымпел. Проводили отчуждение этиолированных ростков и пикировку ростков в сосуд с субстратом (суглинистая почва и торф в соотношении 1:2). Рассаду картофеля высаживали в суглинистую почву по схеме 40 х 20. Предлагается способ ускоренного размножения оздоровленных клубней картофеля посредством отчуждения этиолированных ростков. В среднем с клубня получено 26,3 ростка с корнями и зачатками корней. На одном растении, полученном из ростка, сформировалось 1,7 клубня. Коэффициент размножения составил 1:43,7., Unique technologies developed in the middle of the last century make it possible to get a healthy source material. One of the most common technologies is clonal micropropagation. This is a high-tech method that includes several complex stages. A sterile environment and expensive equipment are required to tool it. Even so, due to the efficiency and high reliability, it is widely used to produce potato seed tubers that are free from infectious diseases. Plants of the species Solanum tuberosum L. have a good regenerative ability that allows to reproduce them in vitro. One of the most important factors that ensure success is the plant genotype. At the same time, the final results of field selection are strongly influenced by environmental conditions. This is primarily due to the presence of insects that transfer the viral infection from infected plants to healthy ones. The most favourable in this respect are the northern latitudes and the highlands. Obtaining the source material under these conditions significantly facilitates the selection of source material and its preparation for clonal micro-reproduction. Several methods of accelerated propagation of seed tubers are currently available: that with the help of microsporophytes, a tiered method, the use of green cuttings, etiolated sprouts and their parts, etc. A breeding technique is required that can be applied in seed breeding farms without the use of complex and expensive equipment. The research object was micro-plants of domestic potato varieties. Field growing conditions were highlands, northern latitudes, temperate continental climate of the Novgorod Region. The biomaterial was grown on the nutrient medium of VNIIKh modification. The experiments on accelerated propagation were performed on Vympel potato tubers. The etiolated sprouts were isolated, and the sprouts were picked into a vessel with a substrate consisting of loamy soil and peat in a ratio of 1:2. Potato plantlets were planted in loamy soil by 40 x 20 pattern. A method was proposed for accelerated propagation of healthy potato tubers by isolating etiolated sprouts. On average, 26.3 sprouts with roots and root primordia were obtained per tuber. One plant obtained from the sprout formed 1.7 tubers The multiplication factor was 1:43.7.

Some psyllids transmit 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso), the causal agent of devastating plant diseases of cultivated Solanaceae and Apiaceae. The recent detection of Bactericera cockerelli and Lso in Ecuador seriously threatens these crops in South America. There, neither the role of native psyllids in the Lso epidemiology nor the psyllid fauna of vegetables are known. With the aim to identify potential vectors and risk scenarios for the spread of Lso in South America, a survey of the psyllid fauna of Solanaceae and Apiaceae crops and associated weeds was conducted in Brazil. Samples were taken at 29 localities in four states. A total of 2857 specimens were sampled, representing at least 37 species of 23 genera and seven families. The most frequent species on carrot, chilli pepper and potato were Russelliana solanicola, R. capsici and Isogonoceraia divergipennis, respectively. Immatures of R. capsici were found on chilli pepper and of R. solanicola on carrot and potato, confirming these plants as hosts. The two psyllid species have been suspected previously to transmit plant pathogens of unknown identity. Russelliana solanicola is one of the few polyphagous species. Here the species is reported for the first time from carrot. Recent collections in Rio Grande do Sul suggest that Solanum laxum represents the original host of R. capsici, which subsequently shifted to chilli pepper. Both, adaptation to agricultural crops and the possibility of ability to transmit pathogens, make the two Russelliana species dangerous potential vectors of Lso and other plant pathogens in South America.

Survey was conducted to assess the knowledge and practices of potato growing farmers’ on the details of potato pests in Gokulganga Rural Municipality of the Ramechhap district. Fifty farmers’ were randomly selected and interviewed using structured open-ended questionnaire for collecting the information. Similarly, field yield loss by red ant and white grub on Cardinal and Rosita variety was assessed from one meter square area of thirty fields of the survey site. Survey revealed red ant followed by white grub were the major pest of potato. The average percentage yield loss by the red ant and white grub was 17.3% and 10.5%, respectively. It was also found that, Rosita variety was better in terms of yield than Cardinal. The percentage yield loss on Cardinal and Rosita variety was 15.59% and 6.11% by red ant and 2.01% and 4.16% by white grub, respectively. There is not significant difference in yield loss by red ant and white grub in between Cardinal and Rosita variety. The correlation between white grub population and percentage yield loss is moderately positive in both Cardinal (0.448) and Rosita (0.246) variety whereas correlation between red ant population and percentage yield loss is negative in Cardinal (-0.15) and less positive in Rosita (0.023) variety. Farmers’ knowledge and practices on potato pest management and field loss information can be useful to design integrated pest management strategy for potato pest management.

Potato is a high potential food security crop in Ethiopia. Genetic variability is the basis of all crop improvement programs. The study was conducted at Adet in 2018 with the objective of assessing the extent and pattern of genetic variability of potato genotypes for yield and yield related traits. A total of 36 potato genotypes were evaluated for 18 quantitative traits in simple lattice design. The analysis of variance revealed that highly significant difference among the tested potato genotypes for all quantitative traits except stem number per hill. The phenotypic coefficient of variation was ranged from 4.56 to 56.01% (for specific gravity and unmarketable tuber yield ha-1 respectively) and the genotypic coefficient of variation was ranged from 2.32 to 40.66% (specific gravity and late blight severity percentage respectively). Days to attain 50% emergence, leaf area index, number of marketable and total tubers per plant, marketable and total tuber yield ha-1, and late blight severity percentage showed high heritability and high genetic advance as percent of mean. Most of the traits had high phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation; and coupled high heritability with high genetic advance as percent of mean. Traits having high heritability and high genetic advance as percent of means is effective for simple selection.

Wart (a disease caused by Synchytrium endobioticum) and golden cyst potato nematode (Globodera rostochiensis), which parasitize the roots of the host plant, cause signif icant damage to potato crop. Both of these disease factors are quarantined in the Russian Federation, and each registered variety is tested for resistance to their most common races and pathotypes. The main method of opposing such diseases is by the development of resistant varieties. An important step in this process is the selection of resistant genotypes from the population and the estimation of the resistance of hybrids obtained by crosses during the breeding process. Conducting a permanent phenotypic evaluation is associated with diff iculties, for example, it is not always possible to work with pathogens, and phenotypic evaluation is very costly and time consuming. However, the use of DNA markers linked to resistance genes can signif icantly speed up and reduce the cost of the breeding process. The aim of the study was to screen the GenAgro potato collection of ICG SB RAS using known diagnostic PCR markers linked to golden potato cyst nematode and wart resistance. Genotyping was carried out on 73 potato samples using three DNA markers 57R, CP113, Gro1-4 associated with nematode resistance and one marker, NL25, associated with wart resistance. The genotyping data were compared with the data on the resistance of the collection samples. Only the 57R marker had a high level of correlation (Spearman R = 0.722008, p = 0.000000, p0.05) between resistance and the presence of a diagnostic fragment. The diagnostic eff iciency of the 57R marker was 86.11 %. This marker can be successfully used for screening a collection, searching for resistant genotypes and marker-assisted selection. The other markers showed a low correlation between the presence of the DNA marker and resistance. The diagnostic eff iciency of the CP113 marker was only 44.44 %. Spearman's correlation coeff icient (Spearman R = -0.109218, p = 0.361104, p0.05) did not show signif icant correlation between resistance and the DNA marker. The diagnostic eff iciency of the NL25 marker was 61.11 %. No signif icant correlation was found between the NL25 marker and resistance (Spearman R = -0.017946, p = 0.881061, p0.05). The use of these markers for the search for resistant samples is not advisable.Значительный ущерб урожаю картофеля наносят рак картофеля (болезнь, вызываемая патогенным грибом Synchytrium endobioticum) и золотистая картофельная нематода (Globodera rostochiensis), паразитирую- щая на корнях растения-хозяина. Оба этих фактора являются объектами внешнего и внутреннего карантина в Российской Федерации, и каждый сорт, регистрируемый в РФ, проходит проверку на устойчивость к наиболее распространенным их расам и патотипам. Основной метод борьбы с подобными заболеваниями – выведение устойчивых сортов. Важным этапом в этом процессе является отбор устойчивых генотипов из популяции и оцен- ка устойчивости гибридов, полученных при скрещиваниях во время селекционного процесса. Проведение по- стоянной фенотипической оценки связано с рядом трудностей, а именно: не всегда есть возможность работать с патогенами, сама фенотипическая оценка очень затратная и трудоемкая. Однако применение ДНК-маркеров, сцепленных с генами устойчивости, может значительно ускорить и удешевить процесс. Целью исследования было проведение скрининга коллекции картофеля «ГенАгро» (ИЦиГ СО РАН) с использованием ПЦР-маркеров, разработанных для диагностики устойчивости к золотистой картофельной нематоде и раку картофеля. Семьде- сят три образца из коллекции «ГенАгро» ИЦиГ СО РАН были генотипированы ДНК-маркерами 57R, CP113, Gro1-4, сцепленными с устойчивостью к нематоде, и маркером NL25 для устойчивости к раку. Результаты генотипиро- вания сопоставлены с уровнем восприимчивости образцов к болезням. Высокий уровень корреляции (коэффи- циент корреляции Спирмена Spearman R = 0.722008, p = 0.000000, p0.05) между устойчивостью и наличием диагностического фрагмента был показан только для маркера 57R. Диагностическая эффективность маркера 57R составила 86.11 %. Данный маркер можно успешно использовать для поиска устойчивых генотипов и про- ведения маркер-ориентированной селекции. Для остальных маркеров достоверных корреляций не выявлено. Диагностическая эффективность применения маркера CP113 равнялась всего 44.44 %, а коэффициент корреляции Спирмена (Spearman R = –0.109218, p = 0.361104, p0.05) показывал отсутствие значимой корреляция меж- ду устойчивостью и ДНК-маркером. Диагностическая эффективность маркера NL25 составила 61.11 %. Значи- мой корреляции между маркером NL25 и устойчивостью не обнаружено (Spearman R = –0.017946, p = 0.881061, p0.05). Использование этих маркеров для поиска устойчивых образцов нецелесообразно.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-05-01T09:47:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Non-biodegradable petroleum-based plastics are still widely used by the food industry for packaging applications and, due to that bio-based raw materials such as starch, have been attracting growing interest from the packaging industries as a biocompatible alternative material. During the industrial processing of potato, a large amount of residual starch is produced from the washing of the raw material. Starch-like biopolymers have been proposed for the formulation of biodegradable materials. The application of starch in the packaging production depends on chemical, physical and functional properties to form gels and films. The aim of this study was to develop packaging films made from potato processing residual starch combined with polar organic solvents (glycerol and acetic acid) that can be fully obtained from renewable sources. The characterization of the material obtained was performed evaluating the microbiological stability, mechanical properties, formed bonds and barrier characteristics and, in order to demonstrate the real application in fruits preservation the material was direct applied into papaya fruits (Carica papaya) by the immersion method. The present study exhibits the potential of starch residual from potato industrialization to manufacture packaging films. The films achieved the expected results for microbiological analysis, water vapor permeability and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. The qualitative analysis of the shelf stability test showed the potential of the films in fruit preservation envisioning the application in food industry for packaging. Postgraduate Program in Biomaterials and Bioprocess Engineering School of Pharmaceutical Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Pharmaceutical Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical/Embrapa Instrumentação Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) Postgraduate Program in Biomaterials and Bioprocess Engineering School of Pharmaceutical Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Pharmaceutical Sciences São Paulo State University (UNESP)

In this study, field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of different doses of NPK on tuber yield on the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties such as Inovator, Gala, Aladin and Tyanshansky in foothill zone of the southeast of Kazakhstan. Five different combinations of NPK with control were studied. Results revealed that the fertilizer application increased the total tuber yield, the longest plant, number of main stem, number of leaves plant and average tuber number on the potato significantly over control. The highest tuber yield was obtained when 25% more than the recommended fertilizer dose with manure was applied at all potato varieties. Aladin potato variety significantly yielded higher than the other varieties tested at the same time in this experiment.

In Northern Europe, potatoes are harvested at the end of the summer period and kept in large storage facilities for many months. Depending on the agreed delivery time, the demand of the market and/or the quality during storage, potatoes are sold. Higher quality potatoes, delivered at agreed delivery time, or at a time of high market demand, will lead to a higher price and thus more profit for the potato grower. One of the important quality issues during storage is the development of rot, often caused by infection with bacteria belonging to the family of Pectobacteriaceae, causing soft rot (Pectobacterium and Dickeya species). Initial infection can spread to neighboring tubers and therefore trigger a wide infection. Such infections can start anywhere in a potato pile and are thus not always immediately visible, leading to extensive product losses. Respiration and volatile production of healthy, wounded and soft rot-infected potatoes were measured over time using GC and PTR-ToF-MS. We observed that both the respiration, as well as the production of specific volatiles increases significantly in potatoes infected by Pectobacterium polaris. This indicates that there is a potential to use the respiration and volatile-profile as biomarkers for early and remote detection of rot in potato. This would allow growers to take action by adjusting the storage regime to prevent further spread of infection and extend the storage of the healthy potatoes. Depending on the demand on the market, growers could also decide to bring batches showing no signs of infection to the market while the quality is still acceptable, thereby increasing profit for the grower.

Whether DNA methylation modification affects the gene transcription and expression of potatoes under drought stress is still unknown. In this study, we used comparative transcriptomics to explore the expression pattern of related genes of the drought-tolerant variety Qingshu 9 (Q) and the drought-sensitive variety Atlantic (A) under drought stress and DNA methylation inhibitor treatment. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the number of DEGs between the two varieties’ responses to mannitol and 5-azad C, especially when they were co-treated with two reagents, and the gene expression of Q was more sensitive to mannitol after two hours. Furthermore, we found that these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were significantly enriched in DNA replication, transcription, translation, carbohydrate metabolism, photosynthesis, signal transduction, and glutathione metabolism. These results indicate that the difference in the background of methylation leads to the difference in drought resistance of the two varieties. The complexity of the DNA methylation of variety Q might be higher than that of variety A, and the method of methylation regulation is more refined. This study systematically expands the understanding of the molecular mechanism wherein DNA methylation regulates the response to drought stress.

Highlights • Traditional and modern methods of diagnosing bacterial wilt disease of potato. • Evaluate the susceptibility of some Egyptian potato cultivars against to R. solanacearum. • Differentiate potato cultivars using molecular genetics methods such as SDS-PAGE profile by protein content., Bacterial wilt caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (Smith), is one of the chief severe diseases of potato in warm temperate regions, tropics and subtropics of the world. The study was conducted to isolate and identify bacterial pathogens and select the most resistant cultivars and avoid the decrease in the total value of Egyptian potato exports to the European Union (EU) due to the quarantine restrictions imposed by the EU on potato tubers exported from Egypt affected by bacterial wilt. The results of traditional identification through morphological and serological studies showed that the five isolates were isolated and identified as Ralstonia solanacearum. Furthermore, the results illustrated that RS5 isolate showed the lowest percentage of disease incidence reduction on the three tested potatoes cultivar Bellini, Spunta and Mondial recorded 9.64%, 15.41% and 34.12%, respectively. While, RS8 isolate exhibited the highest effective one the percentage of disease reduction on all tested potato cultivars. This isolate reduced disease incidence 60.60%, 63.21% and 71.66%, compering to the healthy control treatment. The result of molecular identification represent that the probe used in Taq-man (PCR) was of the type (B2) capable to detect only biovar 2 of R. solanacearum bacterial wilt. Furthermore, primer and probe are specific for detection of the race 3 biovar 2 strain. Positive results were obtained in all assays used including IFAS, protein content and SDS-PAGE with all five isolates. So the isolate (RS5) was the most virulence one, followed by RS1, RS3, RS2 and RS8, registered that the tested isolates were R. solanacearum race 3, biovar 2. Also, studies focused on the form of genetic distances and similarities based on pathogenic and plant growth parameters. The results illustrate that the highest genetic similarity (0.998) was found between Bellini and Spunta cultivars as the closest but the lowest value (0.946) was found between Mondial and Bellini as most distant. These results were similarity with genetic distances and SDS-PAGE profile of the three tested potato cultivars.

Symptomatic sweet potato cv Arapey INIA samples were collected from a commercial production field in Colonia Molina, Guaymallén department, Mendoza province, Argentina. They showed dark rounded lesions, sometimes coalescing with white granular mycelium. Fungus was obtained from symptomatic sweet potatoes, which represented the generalized infection that affected the crop. They were seeded in PDA with streptomycin sulfate and incubated for seven days at 21°C, alternating white/black (UV400nm) light. Observations with an optical microscope revealed the presence of hyaline, not septated, cylindrical endoconidia with rounded ends. They were 8-16 μm length and 4–6 μm width. Phialides were 43-46 μm length, rounded bases (7-9 μm width) and tapering to the neck´s tip (4-6 μm width). Brown chlamydospores (aleuriospores), 9-13 μm length and 8-12 μm width, in chains of 2-8 spores were observed. For molecular identification, total genomic DNA was extracted. ITS fragment of 565 pb was amplified using ITS5/ITS4 primers and sequenced. The sequence indicated 99% identity with Berkeleyomyces basicola (synonymous: Thielaviopsis basicola). This was deposited in GenBank as (KX580957) (CBS: C430.74, Gen Bank accession number AF275482.1). This is the first report of B. basicola in sweet potato in Argentina, a potential threat to storage root yields. Muestras sintomáticas de batata cv Arapey INIA, fueron recolectadas en lotes de producción comercial en Colonia Molina, Guaymallén, Mendoza, Argentina. Estas presentaban lesiones redondeadas, oscuras, frecuentemente coalescentes, con micelio granuloso blanco. El hongo fue aislado a partir de batatas sintomáticas que representaban la infección generalizada del cultivo. Los aislamientos fueron sembrados en APG con sulfato de estreptomicina e incubados durante siete días a 21°C con alternancia de luz blanca/luz negra (UV-400 nm). Las observaciones al microscopio óptico revelaron la presencia de endoconidios hialinos, no-septados, cilíndricos con extremos redondeados (8-16 x 4-6 µm), fiálides (43-46 µm de largo) de base redondeada (7-9 µm) y cuello que se estrecha hacia la punta (4-6 µm). También se observaron clamidosporas marrones (aleuriesporas) de 9-13 x 8-12 µm, en cadenas con 1-7 septos. El ADN genómico fue extraído para la identificación molecular. Un fragmento ITS de 565 pb fue amplificado usando los iniciadores ITS5/ITS4 y secuenciado. La secuencia reveló 99 % de identidad con Berkeleyomyces basicola (sinónimo: Thielaviopsis basicola) y está depositada en el GenBank como KX580957 (CBS: C430.74, GenBank accession number AF275482.1). Esta constituye el primer reporte de B. basicola en el cultivo de batata en Argentina y una amenaza potencial para la producción de raíces reservantes. Instituto de Patología Vegetal Fil: Martino, Julia Andrea. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Di Feo, Liliana Del Valle. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Paccioretti, Mauro Andres. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patología Vegetal; Argentina Fil: Contardi, Clara Adriana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Mendoza. Agencia De Extensión Rural Luján de Cuyo; Argentina Fil: Sanchez, Miguel Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Unidad de Estudios Agropecuarios (UDEA); Argentina Fil: Sanchez, Miguel Alejandro. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Fisiología y Recursos Genéticos Vegetales; Argentina Fil: Ortega, Leandro Ismael. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Fisiología y Recursos Genéticos Vegetales; Argentina Fil: Pastor, Silvina Estela. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Patología Vegetal; Argentina

[EN] Carotenoids are C40 isoprenoids with well-established roles in photosynthesis, pollination, photoprotection, and hormone biosynthesis. The enzymatic or ROS-induced cleavage of carotenoids generates a group of compounds named apocarotenoids, with an increasing interest by virtue of their metabolic, physiological, and ecological activities. Both classes are used industrially in a variety of fields as colorants, supplements, and bio-actives. Crocins and picrocrocin, two saffron apocarotenoids, are examples of high-value pigments utilized in the food, feed, and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, a unique construct was achieved, namely O6, which contains CsCCD2L, UGT74AD1, and UGT709G1 genes responsible for the biosynthesis of saffron apocarotenoids driven by a patatin promoter for the generation of potato tubers producing crocins and picrocrocin. Different tuber potatoes accumulated crocins and picrocrocin ranging from 19.41-360 to 105-800 mu g/g DW, respectively, with crocetin, crocin 1 [(crocetin-(beta-D-glucosyl)-ester)] and crocin 2 [(crocetin)-(beta-D-glucosyl)-(beta-D-glucosyl)-ester)] being the main compounds detected. The pattern of carotenoids and apocarotenoids were distinct between wild type and transgenic tubers and were related to changes in the expression of the pathway genes, especially from PSY2, CCD1, and CCD4. In addition, the engineered tubers showed higher antioxidant capacity, up to almost 4-fold more than the wild type, which is a promising sign for the potential health advantages of these lines. In order to better investigate these aspects, different cooking methods were applied, and each process displayed a significant impact on the retention of apocarotenoids. More in detail, the in vitro bioaccessibility of these metabolites was found to be higher in boiled potatoes (97.23%) compared to raw, baked, and fried ones (80.97, 78.96, and 76.18%, respectively). Overall, this work shows that potatoes can be engineered to accumulate saffron apocarotenoids that, when consumed, can potentially offer better health benefits. Moreover, the high bioaccessibility of these compounds revealed that potato is an excellent way to deliver crocins and picrocrocin, while also helping to improve its nutritional value., This work was supported by grants BIO2016-77000-R and PIB2020-114761RB-I00 from Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion (MCIN), SBPLY/17/180501/000234 and SBPLY/21/180501/000012 from the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (co-financed European Union FEDER funds) to LG and OA, and SBPLY/17/180501/000229 and SBPLY/21/180501/000064 from the Junta de Comunidades de Castilla-La Mancha (co-financed European Union FEDER funds) to RL and Margarita Salas fellowship from Ministerio de Universidades and Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha to AM-B. JR was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation through a "Juan de la Cierva-Incorporacion" grant (IJC2020-045612-I).

The potato is the fourth major food crop in the world. Its cultivation can encounter problems, resulting in poor growth and reduced yield. Plant microbiota has shown an ability to increase growth and resistance. However, in the development of effective microbiota manipulation strategies, it is essential to know the effect of environmental variables on microbiota composition and function. Here, we aimed to identify the differential impact of the site of cultivation and plant growth stage on potato rhizosphere microbiota. We performed a 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing analysis of rhizospheric soil collected from potato plants grown at four sites in central Italy during two phenological stages. Rhizomicrobiota was mainly composed of members of phyla Acidobacteriota, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria and was affected by both the site of cultivation and the plant stages. However, cultivation sites overcome the effect of plant phenological stages. The PiCRUST analysis suggested a high abundance of functions related to the biosynthesis of the siderophore enterobactin. The presence of site-specific taxa and functional profiling of the microbiota could be further exploited in long-term studies to evaluate the possibility of developing biomarkers for traceability of the products and to exploit plant growth-promoting abilities in the native potato microbiota.

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPK) are implicated in signaling transduction in eukaryotic organisms. It is largely unknown whether StCDPK28 plays a role in the response to water deficiency and osmotic stress in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.). Potato cv. Zihuabai was cultivated under natural, moderate, and severe water deficiency conditions; to induce osmotic stress, potato plants were treated with 10% or 20% PEG. StCDPK28-overexpression and StCDPK28-knockdown plants were constructed. StCDPKs were evaluated by qRT-PCR. The subcellular location of the StCDPK28 protein was observed with confocal scanning laser microscopy. Phenotypic changes were indicated by photosynthetic activity, the contents of H2O2, MDA and proline, and the activities of CAT, SOD and POD. Results showed water deficiency and osmotic stress altered StCDPK expression patterns. StCDPK28 exhibited a membrane, cytosolic and nuclear localization. Water deficiency and osmotic stress induced StCDPK28 upregulation. Photosynthetic activity was enhanced by StCDPK28 overexpression, while decreased by StCDPK2 knockdown under water deficiency and osmotic stress. StCDPK28 overexpression decreased H2O2 and MDA, and increased proline, while StCDPK28 knockdown showed reverse results, compared with the wild type, in response to water deficiency and osmotic stress. StCDPK28 overexpression increased the activities of CAT, SOD and POD, while StCDPK28-knockdown plants indicated the reverse trend under water deficiency and osmotic stress conditions. Regulation of StCDPK28 expression could be a promising approach to improve the tolerance ability of potato plants in response to drought or high salt media.

Global food security largely depends on the crop yield increase, so the study of the yield-limiting factors of potato (the second bread) is a pressing issue today. This study determines the contribution of the agroecological factors, namely, bioclimatic variables, soil indicators, and factors of landscape diversity, to the variation in potato yields. Conducted in Polissya and Forest-steppe zones of Ukraine during 1991–2017, this study has not only addressed the relationship between ecological determinants and potato yields, but also considered crop yields as a dynamic system. The dynamics of potato yields from the mid-1990s to the present is described by a log-logistic model. There are statistically significant regression dependencies between potato yield parameters and agroecological factors. Potato yield is dependent on the diversity of landscape cover. The relationship between yield parameters and landscape-ecological diversity is non-linear, which determines the presence of optimal landscape structure for the highest potato yields. Among climatic factors, the continental climate is of the greatest importance for potato yield. The high sensitivity of potato yield parameters to soil indices was found, and mostly the soil texture components (silt content), which largely determines the potato yield spatial variation.

Chloroplasts are important organelles in a plant cell, having their own DNA (cpDNA), transmitted only through the female line, and performing the function of photosynthesis. The determination of chloroplast DNA is of interest in the study of the genetic diversity and phylogeny of potatoes, and of cytoplasmic sterility, as well as for applications in biotechnology and genetic engineering. Here, we reconstructed the complete plastomes of 15 S. tuberosum potato cultivars grown in Russia. Our analysis allowed us to determine the composition and location of genes for these plastid DNAs. It was shown that the plastid genome contains both highly and low-variable regions. The region at position 63,001–68,000 nt has the highest variability. We determined the types of cpDNA based on in silico approaches: 10 cultivars have cpDNA of the W-type and 5 cultivars have cpDNA of the T-type. The genetic diversity of the plastid DNA for these potato cultivars was analyzed alongside the previously reconstructed plastomes of South American accessions, European/North American commercial cultivars and potato cultivars bred in the Ural region. The results show that plastid DNAs of the same type form clusters by sequence similarity, in agreement with previous studies.

Wireworm, the larval stages of click beetles, are a serious pest of tubers, brassicas and other important commercial crops throughout the northern hemisphere. No effective control agent has been developed specifically for them, and many of the pesticides marketed as having secondary application against them have been withdrawn from EU and Asian markets. Metarhizium brunneum, an effective entomopathogenic fungus, and its derived volatile metabolites are known to be effective plant biostimulants and plant protectants, although field efficacy has yet to be validated. Field validation of a combined M. brunneum and derived VOC treatments was conducted in Wales, UK, to assess the effects of each as a wireworm control agent and biostimulant. Plots were treated with Tri-Soil (Trichoderma atroviridae), M. brunneum, 1-octen-3-ol or 3-octanone, or combinations thereof. Treatments were applied subsurface during potato seeding (n = 52), and potatoes were harvested at the end of the growing season. Each potato was weighed individually and scored for levels of wireworm damage. Applications of both the VOCs and the M. brunneum individually were found to significantly decrease wireworm burden (p < 0.001). Combinations of M. brunneum and 3-octanone were also found to significantly decrease wireworm damage (p < 0.001), while no effect on yield was reported, resulting in an increased saleable mass over controls (p < 0.001). Herein, we present a novel ‘stimulate and deter’ wireworm control strategy that can be used to significantly enhance saleable potato yields and control wireworm populations, even under high pest pressure densities.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), especially hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, act as signaling molecules to widely mediate growth, development, and stress response of plants. In the present study, internal ROS accumulation, effects of exogenous H2O2 treatment, the expression of the key tuberization-related genes, and the effect of knockout of Solanum tuberosum self-pruning 6A (StSP6A) on H2O2-induced tuber formation were investigated to elucidate whether and how H2O2 is involved in induction and formation of potato tubers using two diploid landraces, Solanum phureja and S. ajanhuiri. The results showed that there was a significant accumulation of ROS (including H2O2, superoxide anion, O2−, and total ROS) during tuber induction and formation in stolons/tubers, especially in the hook-like subapical part of stolons prior to tuberization, as detected by staining observation and quantitative measurement. Furthermore, exogenous H2O2 treatment significantly enhanced percentage of tuber formation. By contrast, addition of either the ROS inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium chloride (DPI) or H2O2 scavenger catalase (CAT) resulted in a decline of tuber formation. In addition, expression analysis of nine key tuberization-related genes demonstrated that the H2O2-induced tuberization could be associated with H2O2-controlled regulation of these tuberization- and signaling-pathway-related genes, especially StSP6A, which was dramatically up-regulated during the early stage of tuber induction and H2O2 treatment. When StSP6A was knocked out by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated genome editing, the tuberization frequency of StSP6A null-mutants became significantly lower at various H2O2 concentration treatments. These findings indicate that H2O2 accumulation in stolons might play an important role by acting as a signaling molecule to initiate tuber induction, H2O2-induced tuber formation is triggered by regulating the tuberization-related gene expression and activating signal transduction pathways, and StSP6A is a pivotal player in H2O2-induced tuber formation in potato.

The autotetraploid potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important crop in China, and it is widely cultivated from Northeast China to South China. Thousands of varieties are bred by breeding institutions or companies, and distinguishing the different varieties based on morphological characteristics is difficult. Using DNA fingerprints is an efficient method to identify varieties that plays an increasingly important role in germplasm identification and property rights protection. In this study, the genetic diversity and population structure of 135 autotetraploid potatoes were evaluated using specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) methods. A total of 3,397,137 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which were distributed across 12 chromosomes, were obtained. Principal component analysis (PCA), neighbour-joining genetic trees, and model-based structure analysis showed that these autotetraploid potato subpopulations, classified by their SNPs, were not consistent with their geographical origins. On the basis of the obtained 3,397,137 SNPs, 160 perfect SNPs were selected, and 71 SNPs were successfully converted to penta-primer amplification refractory mutation (PARMS-SNP) markers. Additionally, 190 autotetraploid potato varieties were analysed using these 71 PARMS-SNP markers. The PCA results show that the accessions were not completely classified on the basis of their geographical origins. The SNP DNA fingerprints of the 190 autotetraploid potato varieties were also constructed. The SNP fingerprint results show that both synonyms and homonyms were present amongst the 190 autotetraploid potatoes. Above all, these novel SNP markers can lay a good foundation for the analysis of potato genetic diversity, DUS (distinctness, uniformity, and stability) testing, and plant variety protection.

Genome-editing has enabled rapid improvement for staple food crops, such as potato, a key beneficiary of the technology. In potato, starch contained within tubers represents the primary product for use in food and non-food industries. Starch granules are produced in the plastids of tubers with plastid size correlated with the size of starch grana. The division of plastids is controlled by proteins, including the tubulin-like GTPase FtsZ1. The altered expression of FtsZ1 has been shown to disrupt plastid division, leading to the production of “macro-plastid”-containing plants. These macro-chloroplast plants are characterized by cells containing fewer and enlarged plastids. In this work, we utilize CRISPR/Cas9 to generate FtsZ1 edited potato lines to demonstrate that genome-editing can be used to increase the size of starch granules in tubers. Altered plastid morphology was comparable to the overexpression of FtsZ1 in previous work in potato and other crops. Several lines were generated with up to a 1.98-fold increase in starch granule size that was otherwise phenotypically indistinguishable from wild-type plants. Further, starch paste from one of the most promising lines showed a 2.07-fold increase in final viscosity. The advantages of enlarged starch granules and the potential of CRISPR/Cas9-based technologies for food crop improvement are further discussed.