Search Results (245)

This study evaluated the antifungal potential of essential oils (EOs): oregano (Origanum vulgare), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), and basil (Ocimum basilicum). These oils were tested against fungi isolated from banana peels (Musa paradisiaca). The fungi tested were identified through macroscopic and microscopic analyses and DNA sequencing, after being isolated in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium modified with 0.05% chloramphenicol. Subsequently, the antifungal properties of the tested essential oils were evaluated in vitro at concentrations of 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 ppm prepared in a 0.05% Tween 80 solution. Cinnamon EOs showed the highest antifungal activity, significantly inhibiting the growth of pathogens at a concentration of 400 ppm. Other EOs showed moderate effects at higher concentrations: rosemary inhibited fungal growth at 600 ppm, oregano at 800 ppm, and clove at 1000 ppm. These findings highlight the potential of EOs as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic fungicides, contributing to the development of sustainable agricultural practices and the post-harvest management of bananas. It is recommended to conduct future research to assess the economic viability and practical impacts of large-scale applications. Full article

Currently, in the context of the emphasis on introducing a reduction in mineral fertilization and the increase in pressure on sustainable agriculture, magnesium fertilization and the use of biostimulants are becoming an alternative tool to increase the quality of potato tuber yield. This study aimed to assess the impact of potato genotype, cultivation technology, and long-term storage on the susceptibility of tubers to enzymatic browning. Two edible potato varieties were examined: the early ‘Wega’ and the mid-early ‘Soraya’. It was demonstrated that the varieties maintained their characteristic browning susceptibility consistent with their breeding descriptions. The ‘Wega’ variety exhibited decreasing browning susceptibility immediately after harvest; however, after 6 months of storage, its susceptibility significantly increased, exceeding that of the ‘Soraya’ variety. Additionally, the application of magnesium fertilization (90 kg ha⁻¹) and biostimulant treatment (3 L ha⁻¹) most effectively reduced the oxidative potential of the tubers, thereby decreasing browning susceptibility. This is due to a significant change in the concentration of organic acids responsible for enzymatic browning processes. A decrease in the content of chlorogenic acid by 9.4% and 8.4% and an increase in the content of citric and ascorbic acid by 11.1%, 5.3%, and 13.6% were achieved. Storage significantly affected the chemical composition of the tubers. An increase in chlorogenic (7.3%) and citric (5.8%) acids and a decrease in ascorbic (34%) acid content were observed. These changes correlated with the intensification of browning, with the increase in chlorogenic acid and the decrease in ascorbic acid having the greatest influence. The results indicate that the technology based on supplementary fertilization and biostimulation improves the quality of potato raw material without a significant increase in production costs. Further research on varieties with different vegetation lengths and those intended for food processing and starch production is advised. Full article

In this paper, we presents a case study involving the implementation experience and a methodological framework through a comprehensive comparative analysis of the YOLOX and YOLOv12 object detection models for agricultural automation systems deployed in the Jetson AGX Orin edge computing platform. We examined the architectural differences between the models and their impact on detection capabilities in data-imbalanced potato-harvesting environments. Both models were trained on identical datasets with images capturing potatoes, soil clods, and stones, and their performances were evaluated through 30 independent trials under controlled conditions. Statistical analysis confirmed that YOLOX achieved a significantly higher throughput (107 vs. 45 FPS, p < 0.01) and superior energy efficiency (0.58 vs. 0.75 J/frame) than YOLOv12, meeting real-time processing requirements for agricultural automation. Although both models achieved an equivalent overall detection accuracy (F1-score, 0.97), YOLOv12 demonstrated specialized capabilities for challenging classes, achieving 42% higher recall for underrepresented soil clod objects (0.725 vs. 0.512, p < 0.01) and superior precision for small objects (0–3000 pixels). Architectural analysis identified a YOLOv12 residual efficient layer aggregation network backbone and area attention mechanism as key enablers of balanced precision–recall characteristics, which were particularly valuable for addressing agricultural data imbalance. However, NVIDIA Nsight profiling revealed implementation inefficiencies in the YOLOv12 multiprocess architecture, which prevented the theoretical advantages from being fully realized in edge computing environments. These findings provide empirically grounded guidelines for model selection in agricultural automation systems, highlighting the critical interplay between architectural design, implementation efficiency, and application-specific requirements. Full article

The application of animal manure and organic soil amendments as an alternative to expensive inorganic fertilizers is becoming more prevalent in the USA and worldwide. A field experiment was conducted on Bluegrass–Maury silty loam soil at the Kentucky State University Research Farm using the Kennebec variety of white potato (Solanum tuberosum) under Kentucky climatic conditions. The study involved 12 soil treatments in a randomized complete block design. The treatments included four types of animal manures (cow manure, chicken manure, vermicompost, and sewage sludge), biochar at three application rates (5%, 10%, and 20%), and native soil as control plots. Additionally, animal manures were supplemented with 10% biochar to assess the influence of combining biochar with animal manure on the accumulation of heavy metals in potato tubers. The study aimed to (1) determine the concentration of seven heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Mn, Zn, Cu) and two essential nutrients (K and Mg) in soils treated with biochar and animal manure, and (2) assess metal mobility from soil to potato tubers at harvest by determining the bioaccumulation factor (BAF). The results revealed that Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Mn concentrations in potato tubers exceeded the FAO/WHO allowable limits. Whereas the BAF values varied among the soil treatments, with Cd, Cu, and Zn having high BAF values (>1), and Pb, Ni, Cr, and Mn having low BAF values (<1). This observation demonstrates that potato tubers can remediate Cd, Cu, and Zn when grown under the soil amended with biochar and animal manure. Full article

Global challenges such as climate change and population growth require improvements in crop monitoring models. To address these issues, this study advances the identification of potato crop phenological stages using satellite remote sensing, a field where cereals have been the primary focus. We introduce a methodology using Sentinel-1 (S1) and Sentinel-2 (S2) time series data to pinpoint critical phenological stages—emergence, canopy closure, flowering, senescence onset, and harvest timing—at the field scale. Our approach utilizes analysis of NDVI, fAPAR, and IRECI2 from S2, alongside VH and VV polarizations from S1, informed by domain knowledge of the spectral and morphological responses of potato crops. We propose the integration of NDVI and VH indices, NDVI_VH, to improve stage detection accuracy. Comparative analysis with ground-observed stages validated the method’s effectiveness, with NDVI proving to be one of the most informative indices, achieving RMSEs of 12 and 14 days for emergence and closure, and 17 days for the onset of senescence. The integrated NDVI_VH approach complemented NDVI, particularly in harvest and flowering stages, where VH enhanced accuracy, achieving an overall R² value of 0.80. The study demonstrates the potential of combining SAR and optical data for post-season crop phenology analysis, providing insights that can inform the development of new methods and strategies to enhance on-season crop monitoring and yield forecasting. Full article

Background: Contemporary agriculture heavily relies on synthetic chemicals to ensure high yields and food security; however, their overuse has led to health issues and the development of pesticide resistance in pests. Researchers are now exploring natural, eco-friendly alternatives for pest control. Methods: This study evaluated two ethanol-based formulations (1.25% and 2.50%, v/v) derived from the tangerine peel (Citrus reticulata L. var. Clementina) against conventional chemical treatments and an untreated control group in the cultivation of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L. var. Capiro). A randomised block design was used, with three blocks per treatment containing 45 plants. The experiment was conducted during the wet season (February–April 2023). Results: According to visual inspections and yellow traps, following weekly application from days 30 to 105 post-planting to monitor pest (e.g., Frankliniella occidentalis, Aphididae) and beneficial insect (e.g., Coccinellidae, Apis mellifera) populations, the 2.50% formulation performed similarly to chemical treatments against pests, whilst being harmless to beneficial insects. Post-harvest analysis showed that the formulations achieved 73% of conventional yields, with comparable tuber damage and levels of Premnotrypes vorax larvae. Conclusions: Toxicological tests confirmed the eco-friendliness of the formulations, making them suitable for small-scale Andean ‘chakras’ in organic farming and honey production, without the use of chemicals. Full article

This study reviews and synthesizes published data to estimate the net carbon flux associated with the complete potato production process. It identifies the key components that contribute to this flux and explores potential mitigation strategies, including both cultivation and post-harvest storage. Data were compiled from field-scale studies (primarily using eddy covariance) and life cycle assessment studies. The results indicate that potato production can act as a carbon sink or a carbon source, depending on the production scenario. In Scenario 1, which represents the worst-case scenario, potato production acts as a carbon source, with a carbon flux of 13,874.816 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ season⁻¹. In contrast, in Scenario 2, the best-case scenario, potato production acts a carbon sink with a carbon flux of −12,830.567 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ season⁻¹. Similarly, in Scenario 3, which is the average scenario, potato production acts as a carbon sink, though a minor one, with a carbon flux of −90.703 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ season⁻¹. Notably, the growing phase has the most significant impact on potato production’s overall carbon flux, as it is the period in which the highest levels of carbon sequestration and emissions occur. Fertilization is the primary carbon source among all potato production operations, averaging 1219.225 kg CO₂ eq ha⁻¹ season⁻¹. Optimizing farming practices, including fertilization, irrigation, tillage methods, and cultivar selection, are essential to enhance carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, further research through controlled experiments is recommended to deepen the understanding of the relationships between various farming factors and carbon flux, ultimately supporting more sustainable potato production practices. Full article

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) are vital staple crops. They are prone to diseases from pathogens like Ralstonia and Fusarium, which cause significant agricultural losses. Detecting volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants under stress offers a promising approach for advanced monitoring of crop health. This study examines sensing materials for wearable plant sensors targeting VOCs as biomarkers under abiotic and biotic stress. Key questions addressed include the specific VOC emission profiles of potato and tomato cultivars, how materials and sensing mechanisms influence sensor performance, and material considerations for agricultural use. The analysis reveals cultivar-specific VOC profiles under stress, challenging the identification of universal biomarkers for specific diseases. Through a literature review, this study reviews VOC responses to fungi, bacteria, and viruses, and compares non-composite and hybrid chemiresistive and electrochemical sensors based on sensitivity, selectivity, detection limits, response time, robustness, cost-effectiveness, and biocompatibility. A superstructure bridging materials science, plant pathology, AI, data science, and manufacturing is proposed, emphasizing three strategies: sensitivity, flexibility, and sustainability. This study identifies recent research trends that involve developing biodegradable wearable sensors for precision agriculture, leveraging flexible biocompatible materials, multi-parameter monitoring, self-healing properties, 3D-printed designs, advanced nanomaterials, and energy-harvesting technologies. Full article

The current rising food prices, influenced by importation costs, the global food crisis, as well as pre- and post-harvest losses, have contributed majorly to malnutrition and food insecurity. Therefore, utilizing technologies that harness our indigenous agro-products as composite flours to develop functional foods will address these issues. In this study, dry raw samples of perishable and healthy yellow potato, yellow maize and pigeon pea were obtained from the agricultural development program, Edo State, Nigeria, and authenticated and processed into gluten-free fermented composite flours. The flours were profiled physicochemically and nutritionally, providing valuable insight into their multiple benefits. An experimental design software (Design Expert 13.0.) was applied to achieve optimum blended flours regarding the ratio of sweet potato–pigeon pea–maize, and mix 5 (67.70:20.00:12.31) displayed more outstanding attributes than other blends for the production of biscuits, bread and cakes using creaming and mixing methods. Various standard tests for flours and products were appropriately carried out to evaluate the proximate, techno-functional, mineral, antioxidant, anti-nutrient, sensory and color values. Individual antioxidant parameters were improved across all products compared to wheat-based products (control) under the same production conditions, showing a statistical significance at p < 0.05. A similar trend was observed in the proximate, anti-nutritional and mineral contents, while all products had a desirable color outlook. A sensory evaluation revealed the general acceptability, while an in vivo animal experimental model revealed that all animals fed with the various product samples gained weight with improved general body organs and no evidence of disease. This research underscores the potential of harnessing agri-value chain approaches in developing functional foods and promoting food security. Full article

To address the inefficiency and high cost of manual potato pickup in segmented harvesting, a dual-disc potato pickup and harvesting device was designed. The device utilizes counter-rotating dual discs to gather and preliminarily lift the potato–soil mixture, and combines it with an elevator chain to achieve potato–soil separation and transportation. Based on Hertz’s collision theory, the impact of disc rotational speed on potato damage was analyzed, establishing a maximum speed limit (≤62.56 r/min). Through kinematic analysis, the disc inclination angle (12–24°) and operational parameters were optimized. Through coupled EDEM-RecurDyn simulations and Box–Behnken experimental design, the optimal parameter combination was determined with the potato loss rate and potato damage rate as evaluation indices: disc rotational speed of 50 r/min, disc inclination angle of 16°, and machine forward speed of 0.6 m/s. Field validation tests revealed that the potato loss rate and potato damage rate were 1.53% and 2.45%, respectively, meeting the requirements of the DB64/T 1795-2021 standard. The research findings demonstrate that this device can efficiently replace manual potato picking, providing a reliable solution for the mechanized harvesting of potatoes. Full article

During field operations, the potato harvester is subjected to multiple sources of excitation, including internal vibratory mechanisms and field surface excitation, resulting in significant vibrations in the frame. Based on the physical parameters of the harvester’s internal structure and the connection parameters between components, a 12-degree-of-freedom (12-DOF) dynamic model of the entire machine was constructed. The corresponding simulation model was created in a MATLAB/Simulink environment to analyze the vibration characteristics of each component during harvesting operations. The comparison between actual and simulated signals shows that the RMS error of acceleration is only 2.42%, indicating that introducing two degrees of freedom in pitch and roll directions to the potato harvester can accurately describe its vibration characteristics. On this basis, the Bayesian optimization algorithm was used to obtain optimal connection parameters. The optimization results demonstrate a 0.85 m/s² and 0.45 m/s² increase in RMS values for the soil-cutting disc and lifting chain, respectively, effectively enhancing the harvester’s work efficiency, while the frame exhibited a 0.31 m/s² reduction in RMS value, significantly improving structural stability. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the parameter optimization of large-scale agricultural machinery. Full article

Due to their secondary metabolite content, plant extracts are an alternative method for controlling pathogenic organisms in agriculture and post-harvest operations. Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae are among the causative agents of diseases and losses in agricultural production. The species Larrea tridentata is abundant in the arid and semi-arid zones of Mexico and has no defined use; however, it contains secondary metabolites with microbicidal potential that could aid in biological control and enhance its harvest status. Growth inhibition (halo) of B. cinerea and P. syringae was evaluated by applying alcoholic extract of L. tridentata leaves at doses of 50, 100, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 µg mL⁻¹ in vitro, using poisoned medium and potato dextrose agar for the fungus and the agar well method for the bacteria, in a completely randomized design with five replicates. The flavonoids quercetin, apigenin, narigenin, kaempferol, and galangin were identified as possible agents of microbicidal activity. The extract inhibited the growth of B. cinerea from 100 µg mL⁻¹ and completely inhibited it with 1000 and 2000 µg mL⁻¹. For P. syringae, inhibition was observed from 250 µg mL⁻¹, demonstrating that the higher the concentration, the greater the growth inhibitory effect. The secondary metabolite content of the L. tridentata extract is sufficient to have an impact on microorganisms with economic impact in agriculture. Full article

The intensification of agricultural practices, such as the extensive use of synthetic fertilizers, the expansion of irrigation systems, and land use conversion, has led to substantial biodiversity loss and the disruption of ecosystem functions. Traditional washing procedures for fresh produce involve substantial water usage and can generate wastewater, which requires proper management to prevent environmental contamination. By skipping the washing stage, these reduced water and energy inputs contribute to more sustainable agricultural practices. Although this approach may benefit sustainability and the environment, the market success of a product with a sustainable attribute ultimately depends on consumer acceptance and their willingness to pay (WTP) for it. This study investigates consumer preferences and WTP for a local potato variety called “Agria”, with a specific focus on the sustainability attribute concerning the sale of washed versus unwashed potatoes. We conducted an experimental study with consumers in northeastern Spain, where this potato variety is grown, and simulated market shares under varying price scenarios. The methodology involved a choice experiment that evaluated three characteristics: price, local origin, and presentation (washed versus unwashed). The methodology also incorporated attribute non-attendance (ANA) to capture all aspects of the decision-making process. The findings reveal that consumers preferred the locally grown variety over those from other origins and were willing to pay a premium. Although consumers preferred washed potatoes, they would purchase unwashed potatoes at a discount price of EUR 0.2/kg. The results provide marketing and pricing strategies for local producers and retailers and market share projections aligned with consumer preferences for local food. Empirically, the study contributes to the literature on consumer preferences and sustainable food systems by (i) integrating the “washed versus unwashed” attribute with local origin to inform more effective marketing strategies; and (ii) supporting local potato growers through the identification of viable lunch strategies for a differentiated, unwashed product that extends shelf life, reduces food waste, and promotes sustainability by lowering water and energy use in post-harvest processing. For methodologically, it applies ANA in the context of potato choice experiments—an approach rarely used in this domain—to enhance the understanding of consumer decision-making. Full article

Knowledge of tuber growth and nutritional traits response of early potatoes to dynamic deficit irrigation is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate, over two growing seasons and using two potato cultivars (Arinda and Timate), the effects of five irrigation regimes on mean tuber weight and nutritional profile (starch, dry matter, protein, reducing sugars, and ash content) during tuber growth and at final harvest. The irrigation treatments included I₀ (dry control), I₁₀₀ (100% ETm from tuber initiation to the end of tuber growth), I_100-0 (100% ETm until 50% of tuber growth, then no irrigation), I_100-50 (100% ETm until 50% of tuber growth, then 50% ETm), and I_100-75 (100% ETm until 50% of tuber growth, then 75% ETm). Regardless of cultivars and seasons, I_100-50 led to higher starch content and comparable mean tuber weight, dry matter, protein, reducing sugars, and ash contents compared to I₁₀₀, with a saving of irrigation water of about 800 m³ ha⁻¹ per season. Moreover, I_100-0 did not substantially modify mean tuber weight compared to I₁₀₀ but improved tubers’ nutritional profile by higher starch and dry matter contents and comparable values of reducing sugars and ash, providing a water saving of about 1500 m³ ha⁻¹ per season. The studied cultivars behaved similarly with respect to the irrigation regimes. In conclusion, it was possible to effectively apply dynamic deficit irrigation to save irrigation water without compromising tuber weight and nutritional traits. 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