Search Results (92)

Anthocyanin-rich purple fruits and vegetables—such as blackcurrants, blueberries, purple sweet potatoes, and red cabbage—are increasingly recognized for their health-promoting properties. These natural pigments exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, making them relevant to both chronic disease prevention and exercise recovery. This review critically examines current evidence on the redox-modulating mechanisms of anthocyanins, including their interactions with key signaling pathways such as Nrf2 and NF-κB, and their effects on oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, vascular homeostasis, and post-exercise adaptation. Particular attention is given to their bioavailability and the challenges associated with their chemical stability, metabolism, and food matrix interactions. In light of these factors, dietary strategies and technological innovations to improve anthocyanin absorption are also discussed. The synthesis of preclinical and clinical findings supports the potential of anthocyanin-rich foods as functional components in health optimization, athletic performance, and recovery strategies. Full article

Phenolic compounds, which are a large group of plant pigments, are recognized as important antioxidants. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), particularly the pigmented varieties, could be a source of natural anthocyanins for producing dietary foods. In this study, we analyzed forty potato specimens from our germplasm collection and breeding nurseries using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and second-order mass spectrometry to identify anthocyanins. We found seven main anthocyanins in potato tubers: delphinidin-3-glucoside, delphinidin-3-rhamnosyl-5-glucoside, petunidin-3-glucoside, malvidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-glucoside, cyanidin-3-rhamnosyl-5-glucoside, and pelargonidin-3-glucoside. Two anthocyanins were found in potato inflorescences: peonidin-3-coumaroyl glucoside and cyanidin-3-coumaroyl glucoside. On average, varieties from the group with red-purple inflorescences contained 187.6 mg/kg of anthocyanins. Genotypes with white corollas had an anthocyanin content below 0.5 mg/kg or between 1.3 and 3.6 mg/kg. Two potato varieties, Vasilek (605.2 mg/kg) and Fioletovyi (501.1 mg/kg), with blue-purple corollas, had the highest total anthocyanin content. Studying the anthocyanin profile of leaves allowed us to identify eleven anthocyanins. The highest anthocyanin content (331.3 mg/kg) was found in varieties with purple or blue-purple tubers, while the lowest content (an average of 15.1 mg/kg) was found in varieties with yellow or cream tubers. Genotypes with purple and blue-purple tuber skin had an average anthocyanin content of 190.7 mg/kg. The group with yellow and cream tubers had an insignificant anthocyanin content (1.2 mg/kg). Varieties from the group with pink tubers had an average anthocyanin content of 43.2 mg/kg. Thus, this study identified diagnostic traits that could be used to assess the morphological characteristics of potato genotypes. Full article

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is highly dependent on water availability, with physiological sensitivity varying throughout its phenological cycle. In the context of increasing water scarcity and greater climate variability, identifying critical periods where water stress negatively impacts productivity and tuber quality is essential. This study evaluated the physiological response of potatoes under different deficit irrigation strategies in field conditions, and aimed to determine the irrigation reduction thresholds that optimize water use efficiency without significantly compromising yield. Five irrigation regimes were applied: well-watered (T1; irrigation was applied when the volumetric soil moisture content was close to 35% of total water available), 130% of T1 (T2, 30% more than T1), 75% of T1 (T3), 50% of T1 (T4), and 30% of T1 (T5). Key physiological parameters were monitored, including gas exchange (net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, and transpiration), chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv’/Fm’, ΦPSII, electron transport rate), and photosynthetic pigment content, at three critical phenological phases: tuberization, flowering, and fruit set. The results indicate that water stress during tuberization and flowering significantly reduced photosynthetic efficiency, with decreases in stomatal conductance (gs), effective quantum efficiency of PSII (ΦPSII), and electron transport rate (ETR). In contrast, moderate irrigation reduction (75%) lowered the seasonal application of water by ~25% (≈80 mm ha⁻¹) while maintaining commercial yield and tuber quality comparable to the fully irrigated control. Intrinsic water use efficiency increased by 18 ± 4% under this regime. These findings highlight the importance of irrigation management based on crop phenology, prioritizing water supply during the stages of higher physiological sensitivity and allowing irrigation reductions in less critical phases. In a scenario of increasing water limitations, this strategy enhances water use efficiency while ensuring the production of tubers with optimal commercial quality, promoting more sustainable agricultural management practices. Full article

Background: Geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate synthase (GGPS) is a pivotal enzyme in terpene biosynthesis, influencing the production of carotenoids, chlorophylls, and diverse phytohormones. This study aimed to identify and characterize the StGGPS gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum) to elucidate its involvement in carotenoid synthesis and responses to abiotic stresses. Methods: Employing bioinformatics approaches, including HMMER, SMART, and Pfam, we conducted a genome-wide identification of StGGPS genes. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis, gene structure characterization, conserved motif detection, and synteny analysis were performed to investigate evolutionary relationships within the family. The expression patterns of StGGPS genes were then analyzed using RNA-seq data and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in potato tubers exhibiting different pigmentation and under drought and salt stress conditions. Results: Eleven StGGPS genes were identified, unevenly distributed across seven chromosomes, and classified into three subfamilies based on phylogenetic and structural analyses. Synteny analysis revealed one intra-genomic duplicate pair (StGGPS1/StGGPS4) and conserved orthologs with other Solanaceae species. Promoter analysis identified cis-elements related to light response and abiotic stress (e.g., ABRE and CGTCA-motif). Expression data showed differential regulation of StGGPS genes in colored tubers, with yellow and red tubers exhibiting higher expression of carotenoid-related genes. Under drought stress, StGGPS10 was significantly upregulated (5.2-fold, p < 0.001), while StGGPS6 showed salt-responsive induction (3.8-fold, p < 0.001), linking them to ABA signaling and cytoskeletal dynamics, respectively. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive overview of the StGGPS gene family, highlighting their roles in carotenoid biosynthesis and abiotic stress responses. The stress-specific expression patterns of StGGPS10 and StGGPS6 offer potential targets for genetic improvement of potato stress resilience. Full article

The growing need for sustainable packaging materials with enhanced functionality has prompted our investigation into biodegradable polymers reinforced with nanostructures. In this work, we began by extracting anthocyanins from pigmented native potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and confirming their concentration via UV–Visible spectroscopy. The corresponding potato starch was then characterized according to its amylose and amylopectin contents. The natural pigments subsequently served as reducing and stabilizing agents in a green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), which were subsequently incorporated into starch matrices derived from the same tuber. To evaluate the performance of the resulting composite films, we examined their pH-responsive color behavior—demonstrating their potential as visual indicators—their molecular structure through FTIR analysis—to verify the successful integration of AgNPs—and their moisture content as a measure of barrier properties. The AgNP-containing films exhibited markedly improved color stability across varying pH levels and superior moisture retention compared to pure starch films. These results illustrate the promise of combining underutilized Andean crops with eco-friendly nanotechnology to produce advanced, biodegradable materials suitable for intelligent food-packaging applications. Full article

Enzymatic browning and cold-induced sweetening (CIS) affect the post-harvest quality of potato tubers. Browning is caused by polyphenol oxidase 2 (PPO2), which is activated by mechanical damage during harvest and storage. CIS occurs when vacuolar invertase converts sucrose into reducing sugars, which react with amino acids during frying, forming brown pigments and acrylamide. While cold storage prevents sprouting and disease, it also increases vacuolar invertase expression, leading to quality loss. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we developed gene-edited potato lines with improved resistance to browning and CIS. Line 6A (cv. Atlantic) and E03-3 (cv. Spunta) exhibited complete vacuolar invertase (InvVac) knockout, maintaining chip quality for at least 60 days at 4 °C. Line 6A, renamed PIRU INTA, was tested in field trials and preserved frying quality for up to 90 days under cold storage. PIRU INTA is currently undergoing registration as a new variety. Additionally, lines E04-5B and E03-3 (cv. Spunta) showed partial PPO2 gene edits, reducing enzymatic browning by 80% and 40%, respectively. This study demonstrates the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 to develop non-transgenic, gene-edited potatoes with enhanced storage quality, benefiting both growers and the food industry. Full article

The management of Dollar spot, the fungal disease of turfgrasses, is complicated and, today, tends to include new eco-friendly approaches. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of UV-B and UV-C lamps against the infection of Clarireedia species in warm- and cool-season turfgrasses. In vitro tests were performed to evaluate the growth of C. jacksonii mycelium on Potato Dextrose Agar, irradiated with UV-B and UV-C at heights of 5 and 15 cm, 5 s per day for three consecutive days. The same treatments, prolonged for seven days, were applied on naturally infected potted Agrostis stolonifera and Cynodon dactylon × C. transvaalensis, for in vivo tests. Disease severity, antioxidant capacity, and pigment content were assessed at the end of the experiment. Only UV-C reduced the growth of C. jacksonii after 48 h at 5 cm (−36%) and 72 h at both distances (−15 and −27%). Agrostis stolonifera showed symptoms, reduced by UV-C at 5 cm, and fungal structures, except in UV-C exposed samples. Total antioxidant capacity increased after UV-B exposure at 5 cm (+10%). No variations in terms of photosynthetic pigments were observed. These results confirm the potential of UV-C lamps for the containment of Dollar spot. Full article

The objective of this study was to optimise the potato dextrose agar (PDA) culture medium in terms of its potential for use in the growth of actinobacteria. The strain used in this study was a species of actinobacteria previously identified as Streptosporangium sp. (P1C3), characterised by slow growth (20 days of incubation), low aerial mycelium production, and no pigment production. To determine the optimal formulation, the Streptosporangium sp. (P1C3) strain was tested for incubation time and aerial mycelium growth across 27 formulations based on the PDA culture medium. A central composite rotational design (CCRD) experimental methodology was employed, where glucose concentration (g/L), yeast extract concentration (g/L), pH, and temperature were tested. Among the tested formulations, 01, 05, 09, and 13 showed a reduction in incubation time and complete aerial mycelium growth, which was linearly influenced by the four tested variables. Response surface analysis indicated that the optimal values for promoting aerial mycelium growth in the shortest incubation time were 10 g/L glucose concentration, from 1 g/L to 3 g/L yeast extract concentration, pH levels between 5.7 and 7.2, and temperatures between 24 °C and 32 °C. The optimisation of the PDA medium proved effective in improving the isolation of actinobacteria and enhancing the production of metabolites with potential antimicrobial activity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Stay-green proteins (SGRs) play a vital role in regulating plant chlorophyll degradation and senescence. However, this gene family has not been explored in Ipomoea species and sweet potato. Methods: A total of 19 SGR family genes (SGRs) were identified using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) methods. The proteins’ physiological properties, evolutionary and phylogenetic relationships, conserved domain and motifs, gene structures, collinearity, and promoter cis-elements were systematically analyzed. Moreover, expression patterns and protein interaction network analyses were performed for sweet potato. Results: In this study, we identified 19 SGRs in six Ipomoea species. These SGRs were divided into four subgroups according to their phylogenetic relationships. Domian analysis revealed that SGRs had the conserved “stay-green” domain. Gene structure analysis showed that SGRs had similar structures. The collinearity analysis revealed that the SGRs originated from two genes, with one gene undergoing duplication during evolution history; moreover, the SGRs experienced rearrangement throughout the evolutionary process in the Ipomoea species. Cis-elements related to pigment biosynthesis and hormone and stress responses were found. In addition, expression pattern analysis showed that IbSGRs, especially IbSGR1, IbSGR2, and IbSGR3, might play an important role in pigment accumulation. The SGRs could also respond to stress responses (i.e., cold, drought, and salt) and take part in hormone crosstalk (i.e., abscisic acid (ABA), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA)). Conclusions: Taken together, the findings of this study provide new insights for further understanding the functions of SGRs and candidate genes for pigment accumulation and stress tolerance in sweet potatoes. Full article

Carotenoids, the bright yellow, orange, and red pigments of many fruits and vegetables, are essential components of the human diet as bioactive compounds not synthesized in animals. As a staple crop potato has the potential to deliver substantial amounts of these nutraceuticals despite their lower concentration in tubers compared to edible organs of other plant species. Even small gains in tuber carotenoid levels could have a significant impact on the nutritional value of potatoes. This review will focus on the current status and future perspectives of carotenoid biofortification in potato with conventional breeding and biotechnological approaches. The high biodiversity of tuber carotenoid levels and composition is presented, with an emphasis on the under-exploited native germplasm that represents a wide reservoir of useful genetic variants to breed carotenoid-rich varieties. The following section describes the structural genes involved in carotenoid metabolism and storage known to have a major impact on carotenoid accumulation in potato, together with the strategies that harnessed their expression changes to increase tuber carotenoid content. Finally, the little information available on the regulation of carotenoid metabolism and the desirable future advances in potato carotenoid biofortification are discussed. Full article

Potato has great nutritional and economic importance in agriculture. However, Rhizoctonia solani represents a significant risk, reducing the yield and quality of potato production. Flesh-colored potato (FCP) extracts show in vitro inhibitory effects against R. solani, although environmental factors may reduce their stability. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SNLs) offer a solution by encapsulating these compounds, preventing degradation, and improving delivery, positioning solid lipid nanoparticles as a promising technology for sustainable extract application. A greenhouse potato assay at two phenological stages under R. solani inoculation was used to evaluate the photosynthetic response (photosynthetic parameters and pigments) to two doses of the nanoencapsulated extract (SNL + FCP). During inoculation and commercial fungicide application, stomatal conductance, the photosynthetic rate, and the internal CO₂ concentration increased compared with those of the non-inoculated control (NT), whereas the nanoencapsulated extract maintained levels similar to those of the NT, suggesting the possible regulation of the photosynthetic defense system. In terms of photosynthetic pigments, SLN + FCP maintained chlorophyll concentrations, unlike those in inoculated plants, which significantly decreased. Component analysis revealed that a lower dose primarily increased chlorophyll B synthesis, whereas a higher dose increased chlorophyll A compared with the inoculated control. These findings suggest an improved response from SLN + FCP to commercial fungicides, particularly with respect to photosynthetic pigments. However, further research is needed, and the results indicate promising potential for the eco-friendly control of phytopathogenic fungi in agriculture. Full article

Freshness indicator labels are crucial for food quality monitoring. However, existing labels often lack stability and sensitivity. This study aims to develop a safe freshness indicator label with high stability and sensitivity. By evaluating the pH response characteristics and stability of four natural pigments, purple potato anthocyanin (PA) was identified as having the best color properties. Mixing the more stable alizarin (AL) with PA improved the stability of the pigment solution without reducing sensitivity. These film labels are prepared with three natural biomolecules and polymers that are a two-by-two composite of them: soybean isolate protein, acacia bean gum, and sodium alginate. Through comparisons of ammonia response, color stability, water solubility, and mechanical properties, the soy protein isolate and locust bean gum composite were determined to be the optimal substrate system. The label of soybean protein isolate and locust bean gum was initially applied to the freshness identification of shrimp and chicken. The results show that the label can effectively respond to the spoilage of aquatic products and meat products and has great application potential in the field of food packaging. Full article

The effect of chemically synthesized nanocomposites (NCs) of selenium (Se/AG NC), copper oxide (Cu/AG NC) and manganese hydroxide (Mn/AG NC), based on the natural polymer arabinogalactan (AG), on the processes of growth, development and colonization of potato plants in vitro was studied upon infection with the causative agent of potato blackleg—the Gram-negative bacterium Pectobacterium carotovorum—and the causative agent of ring rot—the Gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter sepedonicus (Cms). It was shown that the infection of potatoes with P. carotovorum reduced the root formation of plants and the concentration of pigments in leaf tissues. The treatment of plants with Cu/AG NC before infection with P. carotovorum stimulated leaf formation and increased the concentration of pigments in them. A similar effect was observed when potatoes were exposed to Mn/AG NC, and an increase in growth and root formation was also observed. The infection of plants with Cms inhibited plant growth. Treatment with each of the NCs mitigated this negative effect of the phytopathogen. At the same time, Se/AG and Mn/AG NCs promoted leaf formation. The Se/AG NC increased the biomass of Cms-infected plants. The treatment of plants with NCs before infection showed a decrease in the intensity of the colonization of plants by bacteria. The Se/AG NC had the maximum effect, which is probably due to its high antioxidant capacity. Thus, the NCs are able to mitigate the negative effects of bacterial phytopathogens on vegetation and the intensity of colonization by these bacteria during the infection of cultivated plants. Full article

Diaphania indica (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is one of the most important pests infesting many cucurbitaceous vegetables. During the rearing of insect eggs, we observed a fungal infection in these insect eggs which causes the death of pests. Therefore, this work aimed to isolate and identify this fungus by amplifying the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rDNA, as well as evaluating the efficiency of this fungus in control. Aspergillus flavus, ‘PP125556’, showcased robust pathogenicity against a range of D. indica pests. The results showed that colonies of ‘PP125556’ cultivated on potato dextrose agar (PDA) exhibited distinctive morphological characteristics, transitioning from pristine white to verdant green. Bioassays demonstrated concentration-dependent mortality rates of D. indica larvae and adults when exposed to varying concentrations of ‘PP125556’ conidia, with the highest concentration (1 × 10⁹ conidia/mL) inducing significant death, with the highest mortality (53.06% for eggs, 70.57% for larvae, and 86.65% for adults). Furthermore, examination under a stereomicroscope revealed conspicuous external symptoms in infected larvae, including reduced mobility, darkened body pigmentation, and the emergence of white hyphae, indicative of mortality. Additionally, infected eggs exhibited inhibited hatching and the emergence of green hyphae, while infected adults displayed mortality and white hyphae colonization, underscoring the potent biocontrol efficacy of A. flavus ‘PP125556’ against D. indica across diverse developmental stages. Full article

The aim of this study was to obtain extracts of anthocyanin pigments from red and purple-fleshed potato juices characterized by stable color. For this purpose, potato juices were pasteurized at different temperatures or fruit and vegetable concentrates were added to them. Color stability tests of the obtained pigments were carried out in model pH and temperature conditions and after adding to natural yogurt. Both the pasteurization process and the addition of fruit and vegetable concentrates to the potato juices positively affected their color and its stability in time. However, the pasteurization of the potato juices had a negative effect on the content of biologically active compounds, in contrast to the juices stabilized with the addition of fruit and vegetable concentrates. Anthocyanin pigments from red-fleshed potato juices were more stable than those isolated from the purple-fleshed potato juices. The results of model tests of the anthocyanin pigment concentrates from the colored-flesh potatoes and natural yoghurts with their addition confirmed the high stability of the tested concentrates. Full article