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Composites of Polychloroprene rubber (CR, Neoprene rubber) reinforced with starch from non-edible variety of dioscorea tuber were prepared using three different vulcanizing systems. The cure, mechanical, solvent resistance and biodegradable characteristics of the composites were studied. The addition of starch from dioscorea tuber was found to improve CR's tensile strength. The maximum torque value increases with the loading of filler and it was found to be the highest at 20 phr. The addition of starch from dioscorea tuber was found to improve CR's tensile strength and highest value observed at 20 phr. Among the different curing systems studied, the modified DCP system shows maximum mechanical properties, optimum properties of the composites are at 20 phr. The values of the swelling coefficients were determined by examining the intake of the solvents N, N-dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, dimethyl sulfoxide and water by the composites. The soil burial test indicated that biodegradability of CR enhanced with the addition of starch. The findings of mechanical properties are supported by studies using scanning electron microscopy. Since starch is a naturally occurring biopolymer, adding it encourages microbial activity, which breaks down the composite components. This quality is essential for resolving plastic waste-related environmental issues. It is anticipated that the findings of this study will aid in the development of materials for specific product applications like gasoline hoses, tire sidewalls, seals, and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bletilla striata is widely used as healthy food and herbal medicine for its hemostasis, anti-ulcer, promoting wound healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune regulatory functions. Drying methods affect the quality of herbal medicine, including appearance and more importantly the content of active components, which play a decisive role in the medical and tonic functions. In this study, hot air drying (HD), infrared drying (ID), microwave drying (MD), vacuum drying (VD), and freeze drying (FD) were used to evaluate the effect of drying methods on the quality of B. striata tubers. Significant effects of drying methods on the appearance, color, microstructure, water activity, water content, and active component content of B. striata tubers were observed. FD-treated samples retained the majority of the appearance, color, and microstructure, while samples processed with other methods exhibiting various deformation and discoloration. In addition, a significant decline in water content and water activity was detected in FD-treated samples, yet, the content of active components, such as B. striata polysaccharides, total polyphenols, and militarine, was relatively high. After comprehensive comparison, freeze-drying is proposed to be the most suitable method for B. striata drying, which is also recommendable for other tuber drying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Rice is considered a high estimated glycemic index (eGI) food because of its higher starch digestibility, which leads to type II diabetes and obesity as a result of a sedentary life style. Furthermore, the incresaing diabetes cases in rice‐consuming populations worldwide need alternative methods to reduce the glycemic impact of rice, with dietary prescriptions based on the eGI value of food being an attractive and practical concept. Rice is often paired with vegetables, pulses, tubers and roots, a staple food group in Africa, Latin America and Asia, which are rich in fibre and health‐promoting compounds. RESULTS: Rice from four categories (high protein, scented, general and pigmented) was analyzed for eGI and resistant starch (RS) content. Among the genotypes, Improved Lalat had the lowest eGI (53.12) with a relatively higher RS content (2.17%), whereas Hue showed the lowest RS (0.19%) with the highest eGI (76.3) value. The addition of tuber crops to rice caused a significant lowering of eGI where the maximum beneficial effect was shown by elephant foot yam (49.37) followed by yam bean (53.07) and taro (54.43). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that combining rice with suitable tuber crops can significantly reduce its eGI value, potentially reducing the burden of diet‐associated lifestyle diseases particularly diabetics. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present a method for isolation and propagation of Phytophthora infestans, a challenging-to-isolate phytopathogenic oomycete. The procedure initiated with naturally infected potato leaves, which underwent a 30-minute sanitization under running water. Subsequently, healthy potato tubers were meticulously washed with a neutral detergent, sterilized using alcohol, and then flamed. Slices 4 mm thick were carefully cut out of the potato tubers. Slices were used to cover 2 x 4 mm sterilized leaf pieces cut from the border of two-day old young P. infestans lesions, within sterilized empty Petri dishes. The sealed plates were then transferred to BOD growth chambers set at 18 ºC in complete darkness for 5 days. At the end of this incubation period, the development of a sparse, white mycelium was observed on top of the potato slices. Using a Drigalski loop, the visible mycelium was carefully transferred to rye agar medium in Petri dishes. To avoid contamination, care was taken not no touch potato slices. After mycelium reaching the Petri dish border, and with aid of a Neubauer chamber, the inoculum density per plate was of 1.79 x 104 sporangia mL-1. Sporangia germination rate ranged from 69 to 78%. This isolation technique simplify in vitro production of P. infestans, enhancing the possibility for research with this important pathogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuber dormancy is an important physiological trait that impacts post-harvest storage and end-use qualities of potatoes. Overall, dormancy regulation of potato tubers is a complex process driven by genetic as well as environmental factors. Elucidation of the molecular and physiological mechanisms that influence different dormancy stages of tubers has wider potato breeding and industry-relevant implications. Therefore, the primary objective of this review is to present current knowledge of the diversity in tuber dormancy traits among wild relatives of potatoes and discuss how genetic and epigenetic factors contribute to tuber dormancy. Advancements in understanding of key physiological mechanisms involved in tuber dormancy regulation, such as apical dominance, phytohormone metabolism, and oxidative stress responses, are also discussed. This review highlights the impacts of common sprout suppressors on the molecular and physiological mechanisms associated with tuber dormancy and other storage qualities. Collectively, the literature suggests that significant changes in expression of genes associated with the cell cycle, phytohormone metabolism, and oxidative stress response influence initiation, maintenance, and termination of dormancy in potato tubers. Commercial sprout suppressors mainly alter the expression of genes associated with the cell cycle and stress responses and suppress sprout growth rather than prolonging tuber dormancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphorus optimization is essential to maximize seed-size potato productivity and reduce the occurrence of over-sized and under-sized tubers. A field experiment was conducted for two years at the two locations in Punjab, India to investigate the effects of organic and inorganic phosphorus management on seed potato productivity. The experiment was conducted in a split-plot design with three organic (farmyard manure, biofertilizer, and control) treatments in main plots and five fertilizer phosphorus (0, 46.9, 62.5, 93.8, and 125 kg/ha P2O5) treatments in subplots. The application of farmyard manure (50 t/ha) resulted in a significant increase in growth and yield attributes, tuber yield, seed size (3.5–4.5 cm) tuber number, and economic returns. The percentage increase in seed size tuber number and tuber yield with farmyard manure over the control was 36.6% and 29.3%, respectively. Among the fertilizer phosphorus levels, the highest growth attributes, tuber yield, seed size tuber number and economic returns were obtained with a 125 kg/ha. The application of 125 kg/ha fertilizer phosphorus resulted in a 36.3% and 23.0% (mean) increase in seed size tuber number and tuber yield compared to the unfertilized phosphorus (0 kg/ha). No significant organic sources x fertilizer phosphorus levels interaction effects were found on any of the traits evaluated at both locations. The result of this study indicates that P management can play an important role in increasing seed size and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technology was used to investigate the composition and diversity of endophytic bacteria and their effects on succinic acid biosynthesis in P. ternata tubers from three different geographical locations (MS, SL, and ZT). A total of 1777 amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) were annotated, and the diversity and composition of endophytic bacteria in P. ternata tubers were significantly different among different regions. The ZT samples presented the highest α diversity, and the Shannon diversity, richness, and Pielou evenness index were all ZT > MS > SL. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that endophytic bacterial groups such as Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas, Mycobacterium, and Chryseomicrobium were key groups in the endophytic bacterial interaction network, indicating that they play a role in maintaining community stability. In addition, some endophytic bacteria were associated with the biosynthesis of succinic acid, a key bioactive compound in P. ternata. The succinate content was positively correlated with the genera Brevundimonas, Ensifer, Nocardioides, and Paenibacillus, while it was negatively correlated with the genera Lentimicrobium, Anaerovorax, and Pajaroellobacter. These findings highlight the key role of endophytic bacteria in regulating the efficacy of P. ternata. These findings provide key information for further elucidating the mechanism by which endophytic bacteria affect the synthesis of bioactive compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato is the fourth most consumed crop in the world. More than half of the crop is stored for three to nine months at cold temperatures (3–10 °C) for the fresh and seed market. One of the main causes of fresh potato waste in the retail supply chain is the processing of fungal and bacterial rots during storage. Dry rot is a fungal disease that mainly affects the potato crop during storage and is responsible for 1% of tuber losses in the UK. It is produced by Fusarium spp., such as Fusarium sambucinum and F. oxysporum, which can lead to the accumulation of mycotoxins in the potato tuber. Little is known about the impact of environmental factors on the accumulation of mycotoxins in potato tubers. Understanding the ecophysiology of these fungi is key to mitigating their occurrence under commercial storage conditions. Therefore, this work aimed to elucidate the effect of three different temperatures (5, 10, and 15 °C) and two different water activities (aw; 0.97, 0.99) on the ecophysiology and mycotoxin accumulation of F. sambucinum and F. oxysporum in a potato-based semi-synthetic medium. The mycotoxin accumulation was then studied in vivo, in potato tubers cultivated under organic farming conditions, stored for 40 days at 8.5 °C. Results showed that higher temperatures and aw enhanced fungal growth, lag time, and mycotoxin accumulation in vitro. Growth rate was 2 and 3.6 times higher when the temperature increased from 5 to 10 and 15 °C, respectively. Six different mycotoxins (T-2, HT-2, diacetoxyscirpenol, 15-acetoxyscirpenol, neosolaniol, and beauvericin) were detected in vitro and in vivo. T-2 was the most abundant mycotoxin detected in vitro, observing 106 ng of T-2/g media after 21 days of incubation at 10 °C and 0.99 aw. Due to the long period of time that potato tubers spend in storage, the fluctuations of environmental factors, such as temperature and relative humidity, could promote the development of fungal rot, as well as mycotoxin accumulation. This could result in important food and economic losses for the potato market and a threat to food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vanguard Russet, a fresh market potato developed by the Texas A&M Breeding Program, has been reported to be heat tolerant based on previous greenhouse and field studies. Until now, no studies have been conducted to understand the mechanisms involved in its heat tolerance. We compared Vanguard Russet and the heat-sensitive potato variety Russet Burbank using contrasting conditions in growth chambers (normal, 25/15⁰C day/night vs. high-temperature, 25/15⁰C day/night for four weeks, followed by 35/25⁰C day/night). Differences in tuber initiation time, bulking, tuber number, plant height, leaf area, stem thickness, leaf angle, plant biomass, and photosynthetic parameters were sequentially documented at five-time points: 30, 45, 60, 75, and 100 days after planting. Although having slower above-ground plant growth under both conditions, Vanguard Russet initiated tuber formation significantly earlier (< 30 days) than Russet Burbank (30–45 days). This indicates its ability to quickly channel photoassimilates toward tubers, employing early tuberization as a possible heat escape strategy. Screening for early tuberization could be considered as an initial approach to identify varieties able to escape heat stress. In addition to early tuberization, heat-tolerant varieties must produce a high yield of marketable tubers with few internal and external defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important fertilizers in agriculture because it promotes the growth of plants and the uptake of other plant nutrients. This nutrient plays a significant role in determining the yield and nutrient composition of sweet potato root tubers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimum application rate of N in sweet potatoes to maximize yields and increase growth efficiency. Four levels of N (50, 100, 150, and 200 kg/ha) were applied as treatments. A randomized complete block design was used, and each treatment was replicated five times. Vine length, leaf length, stem thickness, and chlorophyll content were measured weekly, and the storage root yield was determined at the end of the experiment. The results showed a significant effect of the N treatments on plant growth, chlorophyll content, vine length, leaf area index and storage root yield. The chlorophyll content and vine length increased with an increase in the N rate. However, an inverse relationship was observed between storage root yield and N rates; the highest yield was recorded for the 50 kg/ha N treatment and the lowest yield was recorded for the 200 kg/ha N applied. Therefore, a rate of 50 to 100 kg/ha N is recommended for the production of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aimed at investigating the effect of certain operational parameters of UV-C radiator on the selected mechanical properties of semifinished potato tuber. Innovator potato variety was selected for the preparation of semifinished potato strips. The prepared potato strips were stored for 24 h following exposure at the desired storage condition. The irradiation experiment was carried out using a UV-C chamber at varied UV-C doses, Mode of exposure, and distance from the radiator. UV-C dose has a pronounced effect over the other tested parameters. Samples subjected at 60 mJ/cm2 resulted in higher resistance to compression and bending force while the resistance to cutting force was enhanced at a lower UV-C dose (15 mJ/cm2). Mechanical properties were not significantly impacted by the mode of exposure and distance from the light. Furthermore, the Morphological and microstructural properties of the sample were examined using SEM and AFM resulting in alteration in granule size, spacing, and roughness of the irradiated samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vegetables and fruits, high in starch and sugars, are promising substrates for bioethanol production, but can also yield valuable nootropic compounds, such as α-glycerylphosphorylcholine (α-GPC). This compound is a known cognitive enhancer that works by increasing the release of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter essential for learning and memory. In this study, select root and tuber crops, as well as fruits, were subjected to Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation to observe the co-production of ethanol and α-GPC. The ethanol yields from these substrates were comparable to those from wheat (var. AC Andrew), ranging from 30.44 g/L (beet) to 70.04 g/L (lotus root). Aside from ethanol, α-GPC was also produced, with purple top turnip yielding 0.91 g/L, the second highest concentration after wheat (used as a reference), which produced 1.25 g/L. Although α-GPC yields in the tested substrates were lower than those from cereal grains (e.g., wheat and barley), a noteworthy observation was the production of methanol in many of these substrates. Methanol was detected in all feedstocks except wheat, with concentrations ranging from 0.10 g/L (cassava) to 1.69 g/L (purple top turnip). A linear regression analysis revealed a strong correlation between methanol and α-GPC content (R2 = 0.876; slope = 0.52), suggesting a potential link in their biosynthetic pathways. These feedstocks not only proved effective as substrates for bioethanol production, but also showed potential for generating value-added compounds such as α-GPC. This dual-purpose potential presents new market opportunities for producers by leveraging both biofuel and nootropic compound production. Furthermore, the observed relationship between methanol and α-GPC production warrants further investigation to elucidate the metabolic pathways involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this report, we compared the effect of bulk Chlorocholine Chloride (CCC) and chitosan based Chlorocholine Chloride functionalized chitosan nanoformulation for yield enhancement in potato cv. Kufri Bahar in response of morphological, yield as well as biochemical characters. As per two years pooled data analysis, foliar spray of CCC-CS-NFs at higher concentrations (0.16–0.20%) significantly enhanced the chlorophyll content in leaves, per tuber weight, tuber yield, starch content and sucrose content in comparison to all concentrations of bulk CCC (0.04–0.20%), bulk chitosan (BCH) and control. Another side same concentrations of CCC-CS-NFs significantly decreased the amount of secondary metabolite solanine over the all concentrations of bulk CCC, bulk chitosan and control. For getting similar yield of potato the amount of applied CCC was reduced by 28 folds through foliar application of CCC-CS-NFs in comparison to bulk CCC. So, we may conclude that chitosan nano formulation increases crop yield by stimulating source activity as well improves utilization of CCC plant growth regulator (PGR) as an additional nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the extraction and identification by electrophoretic and spectrometric techniques of protease inhibitor from the medicinal plant Alocasia macrorrhizos as well as investigates their immunomodulatory properties and cell viability. The A. macrorrhizos tubers were subjected to protease inhibitor extractions and characterised using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF. The protein extracts were assessed for activities trypsin inhibition stoichiometry, haemagglutinating, cell viability, NO and TNF-α production inhibition. Concerning the protease inhibitors analysis through SDS-PAGE, the results showed two bands with 11 and 24 kDa, and the MS analysis detected the ions more intense of m/z 4276.795 and 8563.361 in the roasted protein extract. The IC50 of trypsin inhibition was 0.119 and 0.302 mg L−1 in the roasted and crude tuber, respectively. The protease inhibitors extract from the roasted tubers showed a reduction in the production of NO and TNF-α at concentrations lower than 100 µg mL−1, without a reduction in cell viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Aim Methods Results Conclusion To evaluate the association between baseline starch intake (amount and sources) and changes in periodontal status over 11 years in adults.Adults aged 30–82 years, who participated in the Finnish Health 2000 survey and were re‐examined in 2004/2005 and/or 2011 were included in the study. The consumption of total starch and six relevant food groups (potatoes, fried potatoes, roots and tubers, pasta, wholegrains and legumes) over the past year was determined at baseline with a validated food frequency questionnaire. The number of teeth with periodontal pocketing ≥ 4 mm (NTPP) was recorded during clinical examinations in 2000, 2004/2005 and 2011. The association between baseline starch intake and the 11‐year change in the NTPP was tested in mixed‐effects negative binomial regression models, adjusting for covariates.A total of 1369 adults were included in the analysis. The mean NTPP was 4.1 ± 5.6, 6.3 ± 5.6, and 4.8 ± 5.9 in waves 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Baseline starch intake (in g/day or % energy intake) was not associated with changes in the NTPP after adjustment for covariates. In analysis by food groups, the baseline intake of wholegrains was negatively associated with the NTPP at baseline.This study found no evidence of an association between baseline starch intake and changes in periodontal status. Baseline intake of wholegrains was associated with better periodontal status at baseline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato common scab (PCS), a significant potato disease, negatively impacts tuber quality. The present study was conducted to isolate and characterize pathogenic Streptomyces species associated with PCS disease in Türkiye based on their morphological, physiological and molecular characteristics. Field‐grown potatoes that exhibited scab lesions were collected from four provinces in 2020–2021, and 200 bacterial isolates were obtained from netted, superficial and deep‐pitted common scab lesions. Pathogenicity assays, including in vitro tuber slice and in planta radish seedling bioassays, identified 150 pathogenic isolates. Morphological and physiological characterization of 92 selected isolates revealed several Streptomyces species that exhibited diverse mycelium colours, sporulation patterns and pigmentation. Molecular analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing, species‐specific primers, PCR‐RFLP of the 16S‐23S (ITS) region with Hpy99I restriction enzyme, and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) based on atpD, recA, rpoB and trpB genes revealed that S. scabiei was the dominant species, followed by S. europaeiscabiei, S. caniscabiei, S. bottropensis, S. stelliscabiei and S. turgidiscabies. PCR analysis revealed the presence of the thaxtomin synthetase genes (txtAB) in all tested samples, while the necrogenic protein (nec1) and tomatinase (tomA)‐encoding genes were absent from three and two isolates, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis of 32 representative isolates conducted with sequences from 16S rRNA, species‐specific PCR and MLSA confirmed their morphological identification and clustered them with reference strains. This study contributes to the understanding of distribution of Streptomyces species associated with PCS, and to our knowledge, is the first molecular confirmation of S. caniscabiei and S. turgidiscabies causing potato scab in Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of waterlogging on Chinese yam tuber malformation development in directional trough were studied by setting waterlogging treatments. The results showed that the soil in directional trough was close to saturated moisture for a long time and the yam tuber malformation and decay were induced without timely drainage after waterlogging. The longer the waterlogging treatment time, the more serious the tuber malformation and decay. Waterlogging may induce the formation of tuber malformation by significantly increasing the contents of auxin (IAA) and gibberellin (GA3) in the tuber. Waterlogging also significantly reduced the contents of starch, crude protein and saponins in tuber, thus decreased the function and nutritional quality of Chinese yam. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using Zuoshi No.1, one of the main potato varieties cultivated in Enping City, Guangdong Province, as the material, a randomized block design was used to study the effects of organic-inorganic compound fertilizer on potato yield, quality, etc. The aim was to provide theoretical basis for the rational use of organic-inorganic compound fertilizer in winter potato production in this area. The results showed that T3 treatment had significant yield increasing benefits, could ensure the quality of potato tubers, had the highest commercial potato rate, and the highest economic benefits; and the partial productivity (119.84 kg/kg) and agronomic efficiency (67.10 kg/kg) of this treatment were both the highest. Taking into account potato yield, quality, fertilizer utilization rate, and economic benefits, it is recommended that 900 kg/hm² of organic-inorganic compound fertilizer be applied as a suitable fertilization scheme for winter potato production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manihot esculenta Crantz (cassava) is an important food crop in developing nations, with its tubers and leaves being a source of ascorbic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin (vitamins) and calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc (minerals). Malnutrition prevalence in some Kenyan Counties that relied on cassava‐based diets has partly been attributed to processing methods and/or nutrient bioaccessibility. The study area Kilifi County grows Kibandameno and Tajirika cassava varieties and is on record for high prevalence of undernutrition. The levels of vitamins and minerals, and their bioaccessibility in raw, boiled, and deep‐fried tubers, and pounded then boiled leaves of Kibandameno and Tajirika cassava varieties were studied. Digestion was done using static gastrointestinal digestion prior to the determination of vitamins (by HPLC) and minerals (by AAS and AES). Bioaccessibility of both vitamins and minerals was significantly higher (P < 0.001) in boiled followed by deep‐fried and lowest in raw tubers. Bioaccessibility ranged between 27% (Fe)–85% (vitamin C) in boiled, 20% (Fe)–79% (vitamin B1) in deep‐fried, and 15% (Fe)–(72% (K) in raw tubers. Bioaccessibility in processed leaves was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in raw. This ranged between 11% (Fe)–81% (vitamin B1) in processed and between 8% (Fe)–67% (K) in raw leaves. Processing therefore significantly reduced levels of ascorbic acid, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calcium, iron, potassium, and zinc in raw tubers and leaves of Kibandameno and Tajirika Manihot esculenta Crantz varieties. Their bioaccessibility however significantly increased, being higher in tubers than in leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The white grub, Diaprepes abbreviatus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a significant pest of yam tubers and the second cause of tuber rot in Haiti. Larval feeding inflicts severe damage to tubers, leading to notable losses due to decreased tuber quality, reduced marketability and increased susceptibility to secondary parasites and pathogens. This study examined the influence of planting and harvesting dates on the vulnerability of yam tubers to white grub infestation and the resulting tuber quality across 24 farmers' fields. At harvest, we assessed the level of tuber infestation, white grub density and the tuber quality index. The results indicated that 85% of grub populations were found in fields planted on the traditional date. In addition, 69.5% of tuber damage occurred in early‐planted fields with fewer tubers damaged (30%) when harvested early. In contrast, in fields planted 30 days after the traditional date, the harvest date did not affect tuber infestation and damage by the pest. Overall, both planting and harvest dates impacted the quality grade of yam tubers. Delayed planting by 30 days and early harvesting (34th–38th week after planting) improved the marketability of yams. These findings highlight the importance of optimising planting and harvest schedules to better manage white grub infestation and enhance the marketability of yam tubers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic bacterium Serratia plymuthica A30 was identified as a superior biocontrol agent due to its effective colonization of potato tuber, tolerance to cold conditions, and strong inhibitory action against various soft rot pathogens, including Dickeya solani. We characterized transcriptome changes in potato tubers inoculated with S. plymuthica A30, D. solani, or both at the early and the late phases of interaction. At the early phase and in the absence of the pathogen, A30 influenced the microbial recognition system to initiate plant priming. In the presence of the pathogen alongside biocontrol strain, defense signaling was highly stimulated, characterized by the induction of genes involved in the detoxification system, reinforcement of cell wall structure, and production of antimicrobial metabolites, highlighting A30's role in enhancing the host resistance against pathogen attack. This A30-induced resistance relied on the early activation of jasmonic acid signaling and its production in tubers, while defense signaling mediated by salicylic acid was suppressed. In the late phase, A30 actively interferes with plant immunity by inhibiting stress- and defense-related genes expression. Simultaneously, the genes involved in cell wall remodeling and indole-3-acetic acid signaling were activated, thereby enhancing cell wall remodeling to establish symbiotic relationship with the host. The endophytic colonization of A30 coincided with the induction of genes involved in the biosynthesis and signaling of ethylene and abscisic acid, while downregulating those related to gibberellic acid and cytokinin. This combination suggested fitness benefits for potato tubers by preserving dormancy, and delaying sprouting, which affects durability of tubers during storage. This study contributes valuable insights into the tripartite interaction among S. plymuthica A30, D. solani, and potato tubers, facilitating the development of biocontrol system for soft rot pathogens under storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is of great economic importance for Mauritius. During a disease survey carried out in a field in one of the major potato‐growing regions of Mauritius, corky cracked lesions with halo and mycelial growth were observed on the skin surfaces of around 45% of tubers. The suspected fungus from the affected areas was isolated on amended potato dextrose agar and after 7 days, several fast‐growing, pale brown Rhizoctonia‐like colonies with a few sclerotia were observed. Additionally, microscopic analysis revealed some cells being multinucleate, forming hyphal branching at right angles with slight constriction together with septum near the branch base. Pathogenicity tests confirmed development of the same symptoms on potato tubers and the causal agent was reisolated successfully. Sequence analysis of the ITS region of representative isolate P114 amplified using ITS1F/ITS4 primers showed that it was identical to several isolates of multinucleate Rhizoctonia solani AG‐4 HGI, and neighbour‐joining phylogenetic analyses confirmed the identification. To our knowledge, this is the first report of R. solani AG‐4 HGI‐infecting potato tubers and causing corky cracks in Mauritius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of root zone cooling in aeroponic systems is an alternative method to enhance potato seed production in lowland tropical areas. This method requires further investigation of various hydroponic systems in lowland areas to improve seed production. Therefore, this research aimed to obtain growth and yield for potato seed using root zone cooling in aeroponic and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) in lowland areas of Indonesia. The factors tested included hydroponic type (H): H1 (Aeroponics) and H2 (NFT), as well as origin of tubers: U1 (shoot cuttings), U2 (root cuttings), and U3 (tubers). A factorial randomized block design was used with four replicates and the data obtained were analyzed using ANOVA. In cases of treatment effects, further comparisons were made using the DMRT test at a 5% significance level. The results showed that aeroponic with root zone cooling application yielded higher average plant height, leaf count, tuber count, and weight compared to NFT system. The average number of seed produced in aeroponic ranged from 9.6 to 12.2 tubers plant-1, while 1.0 to 1.2 tubers plant-1 was obtained in NFT system. Furthermore, the highest average seed weight was obtained from aeroponic, ranging from 3.3 to 3.5 g, and 0.8 to 1 g in NFT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peeling is an essential unit operation before further processing of cassava. This study presents functional and proximate composition of gari and HQCF as affected by peeling methods and cassava cultivars. An abrasive peeling machine with dual function of mechanical and mild chemical peeling of cassava roots by recycling of fruit water was developed. The peeling machine utilizes abrasive peeling surface inscribed with indented 0.12 cm stainless steel of 77 cm height with 245 cm diameter, a stainless steel based cavity, fruit water recovery tank, water pump and the transmission system. The fruit water was used to soak the cassava tubers before peeling with the machine for 60 minutes. Peeling of cassava by hands were used as control for this study. Improved cassava varieties: TMS 30572 and TME 419 were used. High quality cassava flour (HQCF) and gari produced from the varieties with three different peeling methods: manual, mechanical and mechanical/chemical (hybrid), were analyzed. The moisture content (MC), crude fat (CFT), crude protein (CP), ash, carbohydrate, cyanide content (CC), pH, packed bulk density (PBD), oil absorption capacity (OAC), least gelation concentration (LGC), water absorption capacity (WAC), swelling power (SP) and solubility from proximate composition and functional properties of HQCF for TME 419 were 11.00%, 0.00%, 0.35%, 0.0%, 0.20%, 88.45%, 1.98 mg kg-1, 5.50, 0.64 g ml-1, 144%, 6.67%, 147.5%, 887.05%, and 6.28%, respectively while values for TMS 30572 were 10.8%, 0.0%, 0.24%, 0.0%, 0.10%, 88.86%, 2.04 mg kg-1, 5.96, 0.61 g mL -1, 125%, 4.00%, 152.5%, 854.38%, and 6.00%. The MC, CP, CFT, CF, ash, carbohydrate, CC, pH, PBD, WAC, SP and solubility from proximate composition and functional properties of the gari produced for TME 419 were 6.51%, 1.42%, 0.31%, 2.21%, 0.80%, 88.75%, 2.92 mg kg-1, 4.82, 0.56 g ml-1, 320.21%, 830.55% and 6.25%, respectively, while that of TMS 30572 were 7.00%, 1.52%, 0.42%, 2.33%, 0.71%, 88.02%, 3.14 mg kg-1, 4.35, 0.675 g mL -1, 430.39%, 860.38% and 6.50% across the peeling methods. HQCF and gari had proximate and functional properties that compared favourably with those of manual peeling of cassava for the products. The functional properties were well improved by the hybrid and mechanical peeling methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants, with their natural and nutritional properties, are also important sources of medicine. The study aimed to determine total phenolic, total flavonoid, total oxidant, total antioxidant, antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities of parts of the celery (Apium graveolens L.) plant. Samples of celery were gathered in Turkey and Iraq. Celery parts (leaves, tuber, and seed) were extracted with ethanol and methanol using the Soxhlet apparatus. Total phenolic (Folin-Ciocalteu reagent), total flavonoid (aluminum chloride assay), total antioxidant and total oxidant (Rel Assay kits) and antimicrobial (agar dilution method) activities of parts of the celery plant were determined. Using the MTT assay, the antiproliferative activity against the human lung cancer cell line A549 was ascertained. The study's findings indicate that, in terms of biological activity, plant samples obtained in Turkey exhibited higher levels of total oxidant activity than those collected in Iraq; additionally, the antiproliferative activity of the plants were observed to be dose dependent. Plant samples also demonstrated high levels of activity against Acinetobacter baumannii. In conclusion, it has been established that the celery plant possesses natural antibacterial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is a main staple tuber crop in Nigeria and the West African region. Its performance is determined by genotypes and also the environment of growth. This study assessed the agronomic performance and yield stability of elite white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) genotypes across diverse Nigerian environments. A total of 25 genotypes were evaluated at three locations in two consecutive growing seasons, 2022 and 2023, for fresh tuber yield, disease resistance, and tuber quality traits. The genotype's performance and stability for the measured traits were assessed using various analytical tools such as additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and multi-trait stability index (MTSI). The AMMI analysis revealed significant differences among the genotypes and across the environments for all traits (p < 0.001, p < 0.01). The PCA revealed that the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) explained a substantial portion of the total variation (49.84%). The MTSI identified four clones: G18, G19, G24, and G16 as promising candidates for improved yam production in Nigeria with high and stable performance for the multiple traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on a multi-locus phylogeny of a combined dataset of ITS, LSU, tef1-α, and rpb2 and comprehensive morphological analyses, we describe three new species from the Melanosporum group of genus Tuber and synonymize T. pseudobrumale and T. melanoexcavatum. Phylogenetically, the three newly described species, T. yunnanense, T. melanoumbilicatum and T. microexcavatum, differ significantly in genetic distance from any previously known species. Morphologically, T. yunnanense is distinctly different from its closest phylogenetically related species, T. longispinosum, due to its long shuttle-shape spores (average the ratio of spore length to spore width for all spores (Qm) = 1.74). Tuber melanoumbilicatum differs from the other species in having a cavity and long shuttle-shaped spores (Qm = 1.65). Although T. microexcavatum sampled ascomata have relatively low maturity, they can be distinguished from its closely related species T. pseudobrumale by the ascomata size, surface warts, and spore number per asci; additionally, phylogenetic analysis supports it as a new species. In addition, molecular analysis from 22 newly collected specimens and Genebank data indicate that T. pseudobrumale and T. melanoexcavatum are clustered into a single well-supported clade (Bootstrap (BS) = 100, posterior probabilities (PP) = 1.0); and morphological characteristics do not differ. Therefore, based on the above evidence and publication dates, we conclude that T. melanoexcavatum is a synonym of T. pseudobrumale. By taking into account current knowledge and combining the molecular, multigene phylogenetic clade arrangement and morphological data, we propose that the Melanosporum group should be divided into four subgroups. Diagnostic morphological features and an identification key of all known species in the Melanosporum group are also included. Finally, we also provide some additions to the knowledge of the characterization of T. pseudobrumale, T. variabilisporum, and T. pseudohimalayense included in subgroup 1 of the Melanosporum group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The tubers of Gastrodia elata, used in traditional medicine for over two thousand years, are highly susceptible to fungal infections, making tuber rot a common issue during its cultivation. This study investigated a significant outbreak of brown rot disease affecting G. elata f. elata in Hunan Province, China. Typical symptoms include initial brown spots on the tuber surface that expand and darken, with the spots spreading inward and causing the surrounding tissue to transition from brown to black. In this study, the fungal pathogen causing brown rot disease on G. elata was isolated and examined in detail for morphological characteristics, including color, sporulation structures, and spore size. Its identification was further supported by phylogenetic analysis. The findings indicated that the fungal pathogen causing brown rot disease on G. elata f. elata was Clonostachys rosea. Gastrodia elata, commonly known as Tian Ma, is a perennial mycoheterotrophic orchid. Qianyang Tian Ma (QTM), a geographical indication agricultural product from Hongjiang City, Hunan Province, China, is primarily characterized by the red variety, G. elata f. elata. A severe outbreak of tuber brown rot disease was documented in QTM during the harvesting season in Hunan. The fungal pathogen associated with the disease was isolated on potato saccharose agar (PSA) and identified through morphological and phylogenetic analyses. Pathogenicity tests were performed on healthy tubers of G. elata f. elata. The results showed that the representative isolate, named TMB, produced white hyphal colonies with a ring structure, broom-like phialides, partially curved ellipsoidal conidia, and orange–yellow spherical ascocarps on PSA. Phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, LSU, rpb2 and tub2 sequences using Bayesian and maximum-likelihood methods identified the isolate TMB as Clonostachys rosea, based on morphological and phylogenetic data. Pathogenicity tests revealed typical disease symptoms on healthy G. elata tubers 15 days post-inoculation with the isolate TMB. C. rosea is known to cause diseases in economically important crops, but there are no reports of its occurrence on G. elata f. elata in China. This study provides valuable insights into the occurrence, prevention, and control of brown rot disease in G. elata f. elata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop disease often leads to field epidemics with serious threats to yield. Early symptoms are sometimes difficult to identify, so the origin of primary inoculum is a critical focal point in the study of plant diseases, as it can help design management strategies to reduce crop losses. Here, we investigated whether anthracnose of water yams (Dioscorea alata L.) caused by the species complex Colletotrichum gloeosporioides can start from infected seed tubers from the previous harvest. Over two years, we collected tubers with varying pathogen prevalence in the field directly from producers and conducted fungal isolations in the lab to sample C. gloeosporioides. We also proceeded to artificially inoculate tubers before planting and monitored disease development. Finally, we genotyped isolates from leaves in the fields and assessed fixation indices between plots based on plot ownership (plots with a common seed tuber origin from a single farmer) vs. samples in plots from unrelated producers in Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Barbados. We were unable to isolate the fungus from harvested tubers in either sampling survey nor did any plants grown from inoculated tubers develop any disease symptoms during growth. Also, the genetic structure of samples within each plot was independent of plot ownership, though this occurred with varying levels in the different islands. These results suggest that contaminated planting material from seed tubers is not the primary source of the disease, which is in contrast to the common perception of yam anthracnose prevalence in the Antilles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grafting is a traditional research and crop production technique used to study the long-distance movement of molecules, reduce disease susceptibility, and improve yield, quality, and nutrient content. Tomato/potato grafts are rare examples of successful interspecies grafting, even resulting in commercially available products. Nevertheless, information on the effect of tomato on the quality parameters of potato tubers is scarce. In this study, the tomato cultivar 'Mobil' was grafted with the potato cultivars 'White Lady', 'Hópehely', and 'Désirée', and the phenotype, metabolite composition, and starch and protein contents of the tubers were analysed. Anthocyanins were isolated from the tuber skins, and the expression level of the transcription factor ANTHOCYANIN1 (StAN1) was evaluated. Out of the 112 identified metabolites, the concentrations of twelve compounds were altered in the same direction in all three cultivars. Compared to the self-grafted control, the starch content of tubers was increased in each cultivar, while the protein level remained unaltered in 'White Lady' and 'Hópehely'. The oval tubers became roundish. The tomato scion increased the anthocyanin content of 'Hópehely' and 'Désirée' tuber skins, which was correlated with the upregulation of StAN1 expression. These results indicate that tomato scion has a significant impact on the quality parameters of potato tubers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gene-editing technology, specifically the CRISPR-Cas13a system, has shown promise in breeding plants resistant to RNA viruses. This system targets RNA and, theoretically, can also combat RNA-based viroids. To test this, the CRISPR-Cas13a system was introduced into tomato plants via transient expression and into Nicotiana benthamiana through transgenic methods, using CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) targeting the conserved regions of both sense and antisense genomes of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd). In tomato plants, the expression of CRISPR-Cas13a and crRNAs substantially reduced PSTVd accumulation and alleviated disease symptoms. In transgenic N. benthamiana plants, the PSTVd levels were lower as compared to wild-type plants. Several effective crRNAs targeting the PSTVd genomic RNA were also identified. These results demonstrate that the CRISPR-Cas13a system can effectively target and combat viroid RNAs, despite their compact structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine functional, morphological, pasting, and digestibility properties, native bagana starch is subjected to physical, chemical, and dual modification respectively through heat moisture treatment, crosslinking, and combination of heat moisture and crosslinking. Accordingly, all modified starches except cross‐linked starch has showed higher solubility (heat moisture treated [23.33–27.33%] and heat moisture‐cross‐linked [21.33–26%]) and lower swelling power (2.07–3.83 g g−1) and (2.22–3.86 g g−1) respectively than native bagana starch (16.33–25%) and (2.03–6.82 g g−1). Heat moisture treated and cross‐linked starches have showed similar morphology with native starch. The lower breakdown and setback viscosities for cross‐linked starch (68.67 and 182 cp) and heat moisture‐cross‐linked starches (38.67 and 194.67 cp) have resulted in adequate capability for good shear resistance and anti‐retrogradation properties than same viscosities of native starch (126.67 and 770 cp). The in vitro digestibility of dual modified starch has resulted in good resistant starch content (26.40%) than native bagana (17.89%), heat moisture treated (15.68%), and cross‐linked (24.93%) starches. The study reveals dual modification using heat moisture and cross‐linking is an effective method to improve the physicochemical and thermal properties of starch and can advantageously result in a good resistant starch content, which is the most emphasized health issue; thus, attention should be given to broaden its application in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ethiopia, fertilizer consumption has shown a linear increment. One-year-on-farm research was conducted in the Amhara region to identify major determinant nutrient types for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and tuber yields in Amhara region. The experiment was conducted in 2021 under rain fed conditions on eight farm fields in the Amhara region classified under three major potato-growing domains (Quarit-Yilmana Densa, Dembecha, and Baja-Sekela). A total of ten treatments (NPSZnBK, NPSZnK-B, NPSBK-Zn, NPZnBK-S, NPSZnB-K, NSZnBK-P, PSZnBK-N, NPS, NP, and control) were evaluated in the experiment. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) and replicated three times. The improved potato variety "Gudenie (CIP-386423–13)" was used as a test crop. Urea, TSP (triple super phosphate), KCl (muriate of potash), MgSO4 (magnesium sulfate), EDTA, and Borax were used for the sources of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) nutrients, respectively. Except for urea, all fertilizer sources were applied once at planting, while urea was applied in three equal splits at different crop stages (planting, flowering, and tuber initiation). Before planting, one composite soil sample from each experimental site was taken at 0–20 cm depth, and analysed for some important soil parameters. Both potato yield components and biological yield (tuber yield) were taken. Marketable and total tuber yields of potato showed highly significant differences among treatment means at each experimental site as well as from combined analysis in the study domains. The main driving force for the occurrence of significant differences between treatment means in the ANOVA was due to omitting N and P nutrients. Tuber yield of potato showed quick and automatic responses to omitting N followed by omitting P. However, both marketable and total tuber yields did not show any significant differences, either due to adding or omitting S, Zn, B, and K nutrients. This showed that currently N and P nutrients are major potato yield-limiting nutrients in Amhara region, Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aims to analyse the performance of two varieties of potato (K. Jyoti, K. Himalini) derived from four plant sources (stem cuttings, in vitro plants, apical rooted cuttings, and sprouts from minitubers) grown using aeroponics to demonstrate their potential as a seed potato source. The genotype (cultivar) and material type for planting (plant origin) had a significant impact on the total number of minitubers generated by the plant, minituber mass, and the overall production of potato growth that takes place in the aeroponic system. Depending on the plant sources, the pattern of distribution of minituber formation was different between the varieties. However, early tuberization was recorded in all plant sources except in vitro plants. Most of the productive traits, like the number of harvests and number of tubers per plant, were much greater in plants generated in vitro, allowing for the full use of plants for minituber production in aeroponic setups. This indicates that in vitro plantlets have the potential to give a viable planting material for seed potato tuber production under aeroponics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is considered the second world's major potato producing and consuming country after China. To determine the processing nutrient quality using standard protocols, 86 diverse potato genotypes were evaluated for different parameters under mid-hill conditions in Himachal Pradesh (Kufri-Shimla), India. Dry matter, specific gravity, TSS, protein, starch, glucose, carotenoids, Vit-C, and anthocyanin contents ranged from 16.35 ~ 28.36%, 1.06 ~ 1.113 (kg/L), 4.86 ~ 6.79 (oBrix), 0.83 ~ 3.43%, 10.59 ~ 20.72%, 10.73 ~ 25.13 (g/kg), 55.89 ~ 516.53 (mg/kg FW), 16.53 ~ 28.23 (mg/kg FW), respectively. Anthocyanin content in the flesh, skin, and whole tubers ranged from 0.07 ~ 8.34, 0 ~ 3.17, and 2.47 ~ 34.80 mg/kg FW, respectively. CP-4104, 4085(6), CP-4116, SSP. Andigina, B. 6739–2, BR 6609–7, MISO VALLEY, JUICE VALLEY, and TPS-13, which contained high dry matter (>20%), starch (>13%), specific gravity (>1.08), and total phenols in whole tubers (<30) are suitable for processing. One-way ANOVA analysis revealed significant differences for all these parameters. White, cream, and too-yellow coloured tubers producing genotypes took first place in this experiment among all-genotype tubers. Our lines namely Andigina, B 6739–2, 4085(6), and CP-4104 may be considered for processing given the quality of their potatoes produced. Based on our results, our study will conclude that several landraces available worldwide can be utilized in future breeding programs to develop new varieties that can produce processing-quality tuber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The survival and productivity of potato plantlets transplanted from in vitro to commercial hydroponic minituber culture are crucial. Mycorrhizal fungi are an efficient tool to enhance potato nutrient uptake, survival, and productivity under these conditions. This study aimed to assess the effect of mycorrhizal fungi on improving the yield of minitubers and nutrient uptake in potatoes transferred from the in vitro environment to the greenhouse. This study was conducted in a greenhouse in Hamadan province, I.R. Iran, in 2013. The experimental design was factorial, including treatments with and without inoculation with the mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis and varying phosphorus (P) concentrations in Hoagland's solution (100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% of its maximum content, i.e. 0.965, 0.482, 0.241, and 0.12 mM H2PO4-) with three replications on potato plantlets transferred from in vitro to pots. The results indicated that the highest colonization percentage was achieved with 25% P and inoculation. The highest number of minitubers (8.9), total minituber weight per plant (53.2 grams), plant height (54.6 cm), minituber (0.38%) and leaf (0.363%) P content, minituber (33 mg/kg) and leaf (65 mg/kg) manganese (Mn) content, and minituber (38 mg/kg) and leaf (65 mg/kg) zinc (Zn) content were obtained with inoculation and 75% P of Hoagland nutrient solution, which was statistically comparable to the inoculation with 100% P treatment. In summary, inoculating potato plantlets with mycorrhiza can enhance minituber yield and nutrient uptake and potentially replace approximately 50% of the P requirement in hydroponic solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important staple crop, especially for resource-poor populations. Cassava-based diets are rich in calories but grossly deficient in essential mineral elements. A field study in southeastern Nigeria aimed at increasing yields and concentrations of bioavailable mineral elements in a β-carotene cassava variety, UMUCASS 38 (TMS 01/1371), through agronomic biofortification. A randomized complete block design experiment in triplicate, with foliar application of Zn (3.0 kg ha−1 Zn as ZnSO4), I (4.0 kg ha−1 I as KI), Se (0.25 kg ha−1 Se as Na2SeO3) and Zn + Se + I in combination at vegetative, tuber initiation and bulking stages of cassava. Results indicated neither phytotoxicity nor altered physical and chemical soil properties. Application of Zn or Zn + Se + I at the vegetative stage significantly increased cassava tuber yields. More Zn, Se, and I accumulated in fresh and processed cassava tuber products (gari, lafun), especially when Zn + Se + I was applied at tuber initiation stage. The combined application of Zn + Se + I consistently outperformed sole applications indicating a synergistic interaction effect between the three elements. It is concluded that in the Zn-deficient soils of southeast Nigeria, yield of cassava root tubers can be significantly increased by foliar application of Zn-containing fertilizer at the vegetative stage, but for optimal accumulation of elemental Zn, Se, and I, a combined Zn + Se + I fertilizer be applied at the tuber initiation stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of information on plant traits limits our understanding of how plant species and communities will respond to ongoing global changes. The biodiversity-rich Anatolian steppes have remained unexplored in terms of belowground plant traits. We documented the distribution and representation of belowground organs (excluding roots that do not form a bud bank) in Anatolian steppe plants, categorizing them by taxonomic family and growth form. Comparisons and analyses were made using data from the published Flora of Türkiye. Our results show that one-fifth (736 taxa) of all Anatolian steppe plants and one-third (514 taxa) of polycarpic hemicryptophytes bear a belowground organ with clonality or perennation functions. The proportion of belowground organ types varied between growth forms, as polycarpic hemicryptophytes had mainly rhizomes or rootstocks whereas geophytes had bulbs. Some families, such as the Amaryllidaceae, Asparagaceae and Liliaceae, possessed a specific type of belowground organ, while some others, including the Rosaceae, Caryophyllaceae and Asteraceae, had a higher diversity of belowground organ types. We conclude that the seasonal climate with cold winters and dry summers can be a driver of this belowground organ diversity in Anatolian steppes. The presence of bulbs, rhizomes and tubers appears to be phylogenetically clustered, with the representation of these organs differing between the monocot clade and the eudicot clade; indeed, bulbs and corms are, in this case, exclusive to monocot families. Further measurements of belowground plant traits in the field and laboratory are needed to fully understand the patterns and processes in Anatolian steppe ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at measuring nitrate levels in different vegetables from Tehran's markets that are consumed raw and fresh and to evaluate human health risk. Basil, parsley, radish leaves, cress, leek, radish, spring onion were randomly collected from local markets and the nitrate content was analysed by spectrophotometry. Average nitrate levels in the samples were 40.1, 45.2, 50.0, 51.8, 55.4, 90.2 and 110 mg kg−1 in parsley, leek, basil, radish leaves, cress, radish and spring onion, respectively. The average content in all samples was below Iranian standard limits. Tuber vegetables had significantly higher nitrate content than (green) leafy vegetables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most sub-Saharan African countries, cassava propagation occurs through dry farming techniques that involve cultivation without irrigation, which inhibits water management culture. This study investigated the water productivity of enhanced cassava cultivars in tropical rain-fed locations with dry farming conditions. Soil samples were obtained from three locations in the field using a soil auger and sieve analysis. Four enhanced stem cassava varieties free of disease (TMS 30572, TMS 980505, TMS 920326, and TMS 090581) were analyzed for growth characteristics for 90, 120, and 150 days after planting (DAP), and the number of tubers per plant, tuber length, tuber circumference, root depth, above ground biomass, and tuber yield were measured. Agronomic growth metrics, including height of plant, stem diameter, and number of nodes and stems, were also measured. The cassava crop coefficient was obtained and the reference crop evapotranspiration was computed using CropWat 8.0 software. TMS 090581 had the highest tuber productivity of 1.64 kg/m3, 3.77 kg/m³ and 3.05 kg/m³ and the highest average tuber yield value of 5.68 t/ha,16.06 t/ha and 18.75 t/ha at 90, 120 and 150 DAP, respectively. TMS 920326 resulted in the highest stem productivity of 1.98 kg/m³ and 2.72 kg/m³ at 90 and 150 DAP respectively while TMS 30572 had the highest stem productivity of 2.59 kg/m3 at 120 DAP. The highest leaf productivity of 1.94 kg/m³ was attained by TMS 980505 at 90 DAP while TMS 30572 yielded the highest leaf productivity values of 2.32 kg/m³ and 2.02 kg/m³ at 120 and 150 DAP, respectively. Despite being susceptible to white flies, TMS 30572 yielded the highest number of nodes, resulting in increased leaf production. TMS 090581 is recommended for tuber water productivity, and TMS 30572 and 980505 for leaf and stem productivity in water-scarce environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potato tuber harvesting machines cause mechanical damage due to the intensity of operation and having metal moving parts. The amount of these damages varies according to the constructing, the number of moving parts and the way the harvester works. Also, the increase in the sensitivity of potato tubers to mechanical damage during harvesting has caused an increase in these damages, while it also causes more spoilage of potato tubers during storage and increases the damage caused by it. Therefore, in this research, based on the results and recommendations of the research done inside the country, in the form of a systematic review and meta-analysis method, the effect of some harvesting machines on the amount of mechanical damage of potato tubers has been investigated. Articles published in scientific journals, final reports of research projects, papers presented in scientific conferences, and student theses were reviewed using standard keywords. Then, those who met the criteria to enter the research, entered the meta-analysis process after quality control using a random model. The results showed that the potato picker machine with a one-part conveyor chain without a shaker, with the least mechanical damage of 19.04%, is the most suitable machine for harvesting potato tubers, and the mechanical damage of potato picker machine with a single-part conveyor chain with a shaker, potato picker machine with Two-part conveyor chain, potato picker machine with long conveyor chain, potato picker machine with vibrating sieve and potato picker machine with short one-part conveyor chain with shaker, respectively were 19.04, 19.46, 20.26, 21.85, 24.04 and 24.14 percent. Therefore, in order to reduce mechanical damages, it is recommended to use a potato harvester with a one-part conveyor chain in light soils and a two-part conveyor chain in heavy soils. Before harvesting, it is necessary to bring the humidity of the field to an acceptable level with light irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of this research lies in determining the potential use of microbial preparations with varying functionalities to optimise the nutrition and stimulate the growth processes of sweet potato plants, as well as the synergistic effects of different preparations. The developed nutrient optimisation systems are designed to restore soil fertility, reduce the anthropogenic load on vegetable agroecosystems, produce high-quality yields, and increase sweet potato productivity without relying on energy-intensive production methods. This study aimed to investigate the impact of biological fertilisation systems on the biometric parameters, yield, and quality of sweet potato tubers. The research programme was implemented through field, statistical, computational-analytical, and laboratory methods. An increase in the number (7.33-9.83 per plant) and length (175.55-184.89 cm) of shoots was observed with the application of the biological preparations “Groundfix” + “Humifriend”, “Help-Rost for vegetables”, and “Mycofriend”. The use of foliar fertilisations in three terms of “Help-Rost for vegetables”, both in combination with “Mycofriend” during fertigation and with the foliar fertilisation “Humifriend”, resulted in maximal leaf mass formation on the plant (2.41-2.56 m2 /ha in the third decade of June and 23.12-27.45 m² /ha in the third decade of August). Microbial preparations significantly increased net photosynthetic productivity by 28.9-63.9% during the period from the third decade of June to the third decade of July, especially when “Groundfix” and “Humifriend”, or “Humifriend” and “Help-Rost for vegetables” were combined. A substantial commercial yield of tubers (17.4 t/ha) was achieved by applying the mycorrhizal preparation “Humifriend” (1.5 L/ha) in the first fertigation and conducting three foliar applications of “Help-Rost for vegetables” at 2.0 L/ha. Treatments involving biological preparations demonstrated improvements in key biochemical parameters. The use of “Groundfix” + “Humifriend” and “Humifriend” + “Help-Rost for vegetables” resulted in a decrease in nitrate levels in the produce. The authors hypothesise that the optimal supply of micronutrients, particularly iron, manganese, and molybdenum, enhances the transformation of nitrates into organic matter. This research provides valuable insights for the rational application of biologically enhanced fertilisation systems to achieve high yields and quality of sweet potato tubers in various agricultural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article mentions how potatoes play an important role in people's lives, planting technology, potato plant care rules, productivity. At the same time, the soil and climatic conditions of the potato plant, the vegetation period, and the irrigation technology were noted. The most productive regions of the country for growing this crop are the southern steppes, where potatoes can produce high yields with sufficient irrigation. At the same time, it is noted that the conditions for growing plants in the summer months are quite harsh during this period. High air temperature, strong warming of the soil, frequent dry winds and uneven precipitation, etc. It is noted that the influence of all the above-mentioned factors leads to the development of small tubers, especially for mid-ripening, late and mid-late varieties. Also, the results obtained from potato varieties planted for research purposes in Nakhchivan Autonomous Respublic were mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reported the dark dyeing properties of Dioscorea cirrhosa Lour. tuber extracts with different molecular weights on silk. The study on component analysis indicates that the molecular weight of most condensed tannins and polyphenols in D. cirrhosa L. tuber extracts is higher than 1000. The kinetic study demonstrates that the adsorption processes of D. cirrhosa L. tuber extract components with molecular weights higher than 1000, and components with molecular weights lower than 1000 toward silk fabrics are fitted with the pseudo-second order model, and the survey of adsorption isotherms reveals that multiple interactions occurred between dyes and silk, encompassing hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces. The dyeing research shows that the dyed silk achieves its darkest color when employing D. cirrhosa L. tuber extract components with molecular weights lower than 1000 with a Fe2+ mordant concentration of 4 g/L and a pH value of 5. The K/S and L* values of dyed silk are 9.05 and 30.77, respectively. Under this dyeing condition, the complex, Fe element content, and Fe2+ ratio on the silk dyed with D. cirrhosa L. tuber extract components with molecular weights lower than 1000 surface are higher than those of D. cirrhosa L. tuber extracts and D. cirrhosa L. tuber extract components with molecular weights higher than 1000. The present study indicates that condensed tannins in D. cirrhosa L. tuber extracts are not the sole active compounds involved in the silk dark dyeing process. Polyphenols with molecular weights below 1000 in D. cirrhosa L. tuber extracts are shown to influence significantly and, in some cases, dominate the silk dark dyeing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During retail storage, potato tubers are exposed to light that results in tuber greening. Green tubers are toxic and rejected by consumers. In the present study, the effect of Citrashine® natural wax on the postharvest tuber greening of two potato cultivars ('Mondial' and 'Sifra') was studied. The tubers were irradiated with white light during a 12-day storage period at ambient temperature. During light exposure, tubers were evaluated for colour, pigmentation, chlorophyll fluorescence and starch granule distribution at 3-day intervals. The results showed that wax-treated tubers had significantly (p < 0.05) less green colour as represented by visual and objective colour parameters (a*, b*, C* and h°), compared to those treated with water (control). The pigmentation of the tubers was significantly influenced by the postharvest Citrashine® natural wax treatment. The total chlorophyll content was significantly lower in wax-treated tubers, while the carotenoid content was significantly higher in wax-treated tubers compared to their contents in control samples. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the starch granule size was normally distributed in wax-treated tubers compared to the untreated ones, which was negatively skewed. In conclusion, Citrashine® natural wax showed the potential to be a postharvest technology for controlling greening defects on potato tubers. The results provide a possible effective strategy for controlling the postharvest greening of potato tubers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory safety is a critical area of broad societal concern, particularly in the detection of abnormal actions. To enhance the efficiency and accuracy of detecting such actions, this paper introduces a novel method called TubeRAPT (Tubelet Transformer based on Adapter and Prefix Training Module). This method primarily comprises three key components: the TubeR network, an adaptive clustering attention mechanism, and a prefix training module. These components work in synergy to address the challenge of knowledge preservation in models pre-trained on large datasets while maintaining training efficiency. The TubeR network serves as the backbone for spatio-temporal feature extraction, while the adaptive clustering attention mechanism refines the focus on relevant information. The prefix training module facilitates efficient fine-tuning and knowledge transfer. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of TubeRAPT, achieving a 68.44% mean Average Precision (mAP) on the CLA (Crazy Lab Activity) small-scale dataset, marking a significant improvement of 1.53% over the previous TubeR method. This research not only showcases the potential applications of TubeRAPT in the field of abnormal action detection but also offers innovative ideas and technical support for the future development of laboratory safety monitoring technologies. The proposed method has implications for improving safety management systems in various laboratory environments, potentially reducing accidents and enhancing overall workplace safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purple nutsedge (Cyperus rotundus L.) poses a significant challenge to Florida tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) producers due to its ability to puncture plastic mulch, resilient tubers, and rapid rhizome proliferation. Preemergence herbicides effectively suppress purple nutsedge in tomatoes under plastic mulch. Although the impact of co‐application of herbicides with fertilizers has been studied in row crops, its potential in vegetable plasticulture systems remains unexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and crop safety of the preemergence herbicide S‐metolachlor, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with a fertilizer enhancer or chelated iron in tomato plasticulture. Field trials at the University of Florida's Southwest Florida Research and Education Center, Immokalee, FL, involved applying S‐metolachlor at the recommended rate of 1 kg a.i. ha−1 on raised beds before installing plastic mulch. The herbicide was applied as a blanket spray alone, mixed with fertilizer enhancer, and coated on chelated iron fertilizer. Results indicate that using S‐metolachlor alone effectively reduced purple nutsedge density compared to the nontreated control in both trials I and II. Combining S‐metolachlor with fertilizer enhancer or chelated iron resulted in a >30% and 57% reduction in purple nutsedge density, respectively, compared to the nontreated control in trial II. These treatments did not adversely impact chlorophyll content or crop yield (p > 0.05) compared to the nontreated control. Notably, tomato yield significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with increased purple nutsedge density at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after transplanting. Overall, the results from both trials suggest that using S‐metolachlor is an effective approach to reduce purple nutsedge infestation in plastic‐mulched raised beds without negatively impacting tomato health and productivity. Core Ideas: Preemergence herbicide S‐metolachlor effectively reduced purple nutsedge pressure in plastic mulched tomato beds.S‐Metolachlor application in tomato beds did not result in any adverse impacts on tomato health or productivity.Effects of coapplying fertilizer enhancer or chelated iron with S‐metolachlor were inconsistent between the trials.Tomato yield declined with the increase in purple nutsedge density at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after transplanting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are an important plant crop, whose yield may vary significantly depending on pedo-climatic conditions and genotype. Therefore, the analysis of the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) is mandatory for the setup of high-yielding and stable potato genotypes. This research evaluated the tuber yield (t ha−1) and yield characteristic of nine potato cultivars over 3 years and 4 organic farms in Poland by additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMIs) and genotype plus genotype environment interaction (GGE) biplot analyses. The results of these analyses indicated significant differentiation of tuber yield among genotypes in individual environments. It was found that the environment (E, where E = L (localization) × Y (year)), genotype (G) and GEI, but not replication, significantly affected tuber yield. The AMMI analysis showed that the environment factor explained the most considerable part of tuber yield variations (52.3%), while the GEI and G factors explained a much lower part of the variations. The AMMI and GGE analyses identified five cvs.: Twister (46.4 t ha−1), Alouette (35.8 t ha−1), Kokra (34.8 t ha−1), Levante (33.1 t ha−1), and Gardena (30.4 t ha−1), as leading cultivars in the studied organic farms due to their high productivity coupled with yield stability. The statistical measure Kang (YSi) showed that these cvs. can be considered as adaptable to a wide range of organic environments. In the case of morphological traits of tubers (tuber shape and depth of tuber eyes), the most important factor influencing both these traits was genotype (G). Influence of other factors, like localization (L), year (Y), and all interactions (double and triple), were much less significant or insignificant. In case of taste and non-darkening of tuber flesh, the main effects which significantly affected the values of these traits were genotype (G) and localization (L). We observed that cooking type can vary depending on the year (Y) and the localization (L). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the least effecting time of shoot tip removal on sweet potato tuber yield and find the best tender shoot removal time, which has the highest nutritional content in sweet potato tender shoots to use as a leafy vegetable with the lowest effect for tuber growth. Research Method: The experiment was established in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates and six treatments. Eighteen-inch piece of the tender shoot was removed from the apical ends of every branch of sweet potato (TJ 01 pipeline variety) vines on 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 weeks after planting (WAP). Removed tender shoots were cut into five node cuttings from basal ends and were taken as planting materials. Tips of tender shoots with less than five nodes were taken as leafy vegetables. The weight of both planting materials and leafy vegetable parts was considered as the fresh weight of tender shoots. Number of tender shoots and fresh weight, number of planting materials, and fresh weight were recorded. Tuber yield was taken after 3½ months. Findings: The number of tender shoots/ha and number of planting materials/ha were significantly higher in 10WAP while their fresh weights were not significantly different among treatments. Protein content was highest in 12WAP and 14WAP. The total weight of tubers/ha was higher in 10WAP. The best time to obtain tender shoots from sweet potato (TJ 01 pipeline variety) either as planting materials or leafy vegetables is 10WAP without adversely affecting tuber yield. Value: Since nutritionally valued sweet potato foliage is wasted after harvesting, identification of alternative uses will help to introduce sweet potato as a multidisciplinary crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented plant-based products are rapidly gaining popularity. Jerusalem artichoke is a medicinal plant that can be used to make fermented beverages. Samples were subjected to pretreatment (ultrasound at 35 kHz for 2, 4, and 6 min, freezing at –80 °C and −17 °C) while an untreated sample was used as control. It was shown that all types of pretreatments did not lead to an increase in protein, solids, polyphenols, and carbohydrates compared to the control sample. The greatest decrease in the values of these indicators occurs when pre-freezing tubers are used for Jerusalem artichoke dispersion production. It was also found that samples frozen at –80 °C had a significantly higher concentration of Ca, Si, Mg, and P whereas untreated samples frozen at –17 °C had more Al, K, Cu, Sr, and Cr. The processing method can affect the sensory descriptors of Jerusalem artichoke tuber dispersions to different extents, but the preference was for the control sample without pre-treatment. The fermentation of Jerusalem artichoke tuber dispersions demonstrated that S. thermophilus induced the most rapid fermentation (pH 4.75 in 5 h). The highest antioxidant activity after fermentation (55.39% FRSA) was shown for L. acidophilus H9, while the highest % FRSA value during the storage period was for L. bulgaricus (67.5%) on day 5 after fermentation. The highest viability among all selected microorganisms was detected for L. bulgaricus, L. acidophilus AT-41, and B. coagulans MTCC 5856 with the increase in biomass content by 2.3, 2.27, and 2.12 log10CFU/ml after fermentation. According to the results of sensory evaluation using hybrid hedonic scale the best results were shown for samples fermented with L. bulgaricus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]