Search Results (154)

The effects of wound healing on crop stand and productivity were examined on the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars Alturas (Alt), Russet Burbank (RB), and Clearwater Russet (CW). Tuber yields increased linearly with an advancing wound healing period irrespective of the cultivar (R² = 0.91). In contrast to unhealed controls, RB and CW wound-healed for 8 days produced a 6% and 8% greater yield, respectively, while a shorter wound healing period of 2 days increased Alt yield by 7%. Increases in tuber yield, a consequence of enhanced specific tuber weight across wound healing periods, contributed towards increased relative crop value in Alt (13%), RB (22%), and CW (19%). In further lab evaluations, Alt exhibited increased desiccation resistance and was associated with an earlier induction (24 h post-wounding) of feruloyl transferase (FHT) compared to CW and RB. Since FHT facilitates suberin and wax development, delayed FHT induction likely promoted fresh-weight loss in CW and RB compared to Alt. Enzymatic evaluations to assess the production of reactive oxygen species to protect fresh-cut seed found that RB had the highest activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase. This study demonstrates the broad benefits of planting wound-healed seed while highlighting opportunities to improve best practices and genetic improvement for wound healing response. Full article

Yam is a staple crop in Africa that is constrained by its low multiplication rate. This results in a short supply of seed tubers, which is a challenge to increased production. This study assessed the influence of different minisett weights (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 g) on tuber production and seed categorization in twelve Dioscorea rotundata and four Dioscorea alata varieties over two planting seasons in a Randomized Complete Block Design (r = 3). The yield parameters were collected and analyzed using ANOVA. The effects of varieties, the minisett weight (SW), and the variety × SW interaction were significant for the proportion of setts that produced seed tubers and ranged from 40.2 ± 5.0% (50 g) to 56.4 ± 5.0% (10 g) in 2013, from 46.4 ± 0.8% (40 g) to 60.5 ± 0.8% (30 g) in 2014, from 23% (TDa00/00194, 30 g) to 93.7% (Ojuyawo, 10 g) in 2013, and from 39.7% (TDa00/00194, 30 g) to 100% (TDr89/02665, 20 g) in 2014. The 10 g and 30 g produced more seed yam in 2013 and 2014, respectively, while 50 g produced more ware yam sizes (>300 g) and is thus recommended to farmers for intended yam production category. D. rotundata varieties produced a higher proportion of seed yam, while D. alata varieties produced are a higher proportion of yams above seed class. Full article

The potato is the third most important crop in the world, and more than 375 million metric tonnes of potatoes are produced globally on an annual basis. Potato Virus Y (PVY) poses a significant threat to the production of seed potatoes, resulting in economic losses and risks to food security. Current detection methods for PVY typically rely on serological assays for leaves and PCR for tubers; however, these processes are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and not scalable. In this proof-of-concept study, we propose the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) integrated with hyperspectral cameras, including a downwelling irradiance sensor, to detect the PVY in commercial growers’ fields. We used a 400–1000 nm visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) hyperspectral camera and trained several standard machine learning and deep learning models with optimized hyperparameters on a curated dataset. The performance of the models is promising, with the convolutional neural network (CNN) achieving a recall of 0.831, reliably identifying the PVY-infected plants. Notably, UAV-based imaging maintained performance levels comparable to ground-based methods, supporting its practical viability. The hyperspectral camera captures a wide range of spectral bands, many of which are redundant in identifying the PVY. Our analysis identified five key spectral regions that are informative in identifying the PVY. Two of them are in the visible spectrum, two are in the near-infrared spectrum, and one is in the red-edge spectrum. This research shows that early-season PVY detection is feasible using UAV hyperspectral imaging, offering the potential to minimize economic and yield losses. It also highlights the most relevant spectral regions that carry the distinctive signatures of PVY. This research demonstrates the feasibility of early-season PVY detection using UAV hyperspectral imaging and provides guidance for developing cost-effective multispectral sensors tailored to this task. Full article

Gastrointestinal parasites have been reported to have negative effects on chickens reared in rural areas in African countries. Hence, smallholder farmers use ethnoveterinary remedies to control these parasites in village chickens. This study used online databases (ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar) to search, gather, and review articles published between January 1990 and June 2024 where ethnoveterinary intervention was considered to control gastrointestinal parasites, following PRISMA guidelines. A total of 540 articles were generated, and only 17 articles passed the screening process and were considered for further analysis. The findings of this review indicate that ethnoveterinary remedies are used by smallholder farmers to control gastrointestinal parasites such as Ascaridia galli, Capillaria spp., Choanotaenia infundibulum, Eimeria spp., Heterakis gallinarum, and Raillietina cesticillus in village chickens. Aloe spp., Carica papaya, Musa paradisiaca, and Venonia amygdalina were reported as the most-preferred medicines, and farmers utilized different plant parts ranging from leaves (48.8%), bark and roots (12.2%), tubers (7.3%), and seeds (4.9%). These remedies are administered per os, topically, and dermally. The current review successfully summarized ethnoveterinary intervention used by smallholder farmers to control gastrointestinal parasites in chickens found in African countries. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the efficacy of these identified ethnoveterinary medicines against gastrointestinal parasites in chickens. Full article

The effects of the combination of the light intensity and photoperiod on the yield of virus-free potato and resource utilization are still poorly understood, especially under the same daily light integral. Here, we tested the responses of virus-free potato in terms of plant growth, photosynthesis, and the tuber yield to four light intensity and photoperiod combinations (T1, 200 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and 16.5 h; T2, 300 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and 11 h; T3, 400 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and 8.25 h; T4, 500 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and 6.6 h) under the same daily light integral. The tuber number and dry weight increased with the shortening of the photoperiod. The smaller number of tubers under the T1 treatment was due to the poor transport of photosynthates in the leaves and the uneven distribution of photosynthates in the tubers during the tuber formation stage. Changes in the light intensity and photoperiod combination did not significantly impact the distribution ratio of photosynthates between plants and tubers at the tuber growth stage; they only caused adjustments in the total amount of photosynthates. In addition, the photoinhibition under T1 was caused by the long photoperiod and that under T4 was caused by the high light intensity. However, the higher content of carotene in the T4 treatment alleviated the adverse effects of photoinhibition on the tuber yield. The results showed that the number and growth of tubers were extremely negatively correlated with shoot growth and extremely positively correlated with the accumulation rate of photosynthates in the plant and the tubers per day. In terms of energy consumption and the cost of the light source, we recommend the light intensity and photoperiod combinations of 300 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and 11 h or 400 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ and 8.25 h to cultivate virus-free potato in plant factories. Full article

In China, potatoes are predominantly cultivated using the tuber piece planting method. During the cutting process, it is essential to divide seed potatoes into tuber pieces based on the distribution of their bud eyes, ensuring that each tuber piece contains one to two bud eyes. These tuber pieces are subsequently sown into the soil. Currently, the preparation of potato tuber pieces relies heavily on manual labor, which presents challenges such as inefficiency and high operational costs. To address these issues, a seed potato cutting machine capable of posture adjustment, cutting, and spraying was designed. Three types of seed potato cutters were developed based on the distribution patterns of bud eyes. The movement mechanism of the posture adjustment process was analyzed, and a mathematical model was established. The key factors influencing the posture adjustment effectiveness were identified through discrete element simulation analysis. Using the qualified rate of potato cutting and the blind eye rate as evaluation metrics, a three-factor, three-level, orthogonal experimental design was implemented. The experimental factors included the rotational speed of the conical roller, the number of conical rollers, and the cutting angle. For the straight-shaped cutter, the optimal combination was determined as follows: a conical roller speed of 12 r/min, 44 conical rollers, and a cutting angle of 0°, yielding a qualified rate of 90.3% and a blind eye rate of 1.86%. For the Y-shaped cutter, the optimal parameters were 14 r/min, 44 conical rollers, and a 5° cutting angle, achieving a qualified rate of 87.9% and a blind eye rate of 2.86%. The cross-shaped cutter performed best at 14 r/min, 44 conical rollers, and a 0° cutting angle, with a qualified rate of 87.1% and a blind eye rate of 3.80%. All optimal configurations met agronomic requirements, demonstrating the efficacy of the designed machine and cutters. Full article

Cyperus esculentus is an invasive sedge causing high losses in many crops. Prevention is key in minimizing further spread and damage. Propagules (tubers or seeds) may spread via cattle manure. This study examined the effect of ensiling, digestion, and storage in manure on the viability of C. esculentus propagules. Propagules were subjected to five durations (0–16 weeks) in silage maize, seven durations (0–48 h) of ruminal digestion, and five durations of storage (0–16 weeks) in manure (slurry or farmyard), or combinations of previous processes. Afterwards, the viabilities were determined by a germination and tetrazolium test. After 6 weeks in a maize silo, the viability of the propagules was reduced by at least 96%. Incubation for 36 h in the rumen, followed by post-ruminal digestion in vitro, reduced seed viability by 30%. However, for the tubers, no effect was observed. The viability of seeds and tubers was reduced by 90% after 11.5 and 13.7 weeks of incubation in slurry, respectively. Compared with seeds, tubers were less tolerant to 12–24 h of animal digestion, followed by 8 weeks of storage in slurry. Keeping a maize silo closed for at least 6 weeks and maintaining slurry storage for at least 16 weeks are excellent measures to eliminate C. esculentus. For farmers, these preventive measures are relatively easy and cheap to implement compared to the requirements of curative control methods. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable agricultural practices requires the search for innovative solutions to improve crop yield and quality. This study investigated the soil-specific effects of the bio-growth regulator Supporter on seed potato yield and quality in different potato varieties, with the aim of unlocking its sustainable potential under different environmental conditions. Field trials were conducted on several soil types using the bio-growth stimulator Supporter at a rate of 300 mL per hectare. Standardized agronomic practices, including continuous fertilization, weed control, and pest control, were applied at all test sites to ensure comparability. The results showed that the use of the bio-growth stimulator Supporter significantly increased tuber yield and quality, especially in soils with moderate fertility levels. In the treatments, with the Supporter biostimulator, there was better tuber size uniformity and a higher fraction and number of seed potato. A higher average seed potato mass and higher multiplication coefficient were observed. The effectiveness of the Supporter varied across study locations and soil types, with sandy and sandy loam soils showing the most pronounced benefits, while clay soils showed more limited responses. The results underscore the potential of the Supporter as a sustainable tool for increasing potato seed production, while also emphasizing the need for soil-specific recommendations. This study highlights the importance of integrating growth regulators into precision agriculture to optimize crop performance and support global food security goals. Therefore, further research is needed on the use of biostimulants, which will allow us to understand the purpose of their action, which is important in agricultural practice. Full article

LEA_5 domain-containing proteins constitute a small family of late embryogenesis-abundant proteins that are essential for seed desiccation tolerance and dormancy. However, their roles in non-seed storage organs such as underground tubers are largely unknown. This study presents the first genome-scale analysis of the LEA_5 family in tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.), a Cyperaceae plant producing desiccation-tolerant tubers. Four LEA_5 genes identified from the tigernut genome are twice of two present in model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa. A comparison of 86 members from 34 representative plant species revealed the monogenic origin and lineage-specific family evolution in Poales, which includes the Cyperaceae family. CeLEA5 genes belong to four out of five orthogroups identified in this study, i.e., LEA5a, LEA5b, LEA5c, and LEA5d. Whereas LEA5e is specific to eudicots, LEA5b and LEA5d appear to be Poales-specific and LEA5c is confined to families Cyperaceae and Juncaceae. Though no syntenic relationship was observed between CeLEA5 genes, comparative genomics analyses indicated that LEA5b and LEA5c are more likely to arise from LEA5a via whole-genome duplication. Additionally, local duplication, especially tandem duplication, also played a role in the family expansion in Juncus effuses, Joinvillea ascendens, and most Poaceae plants examined in this study. Structural variation (e.g., fragment insertion) and expression divergence of LEA_5 genes were also observed. Whereas LEA_5 genes in A. thaliana, O. sativa, and Zea mays were shown to be preferentially expressed in seeds/embryos, CeLEA5 genes have evolved to be predominantly expressed in tubers, exhibiting seed desiccation-like accumulation during tuber maturation. Moreover, CeLEA5 orthologs in C. rotundus showed weak expression in various stages of tuber development, which may explain the difference in tuber desiccation tolerance between these two close species. These findings highlight the lineage-specific evolution of the LEA_5 family, which facilitates further functional analysis and genetic improvement in tigernut and other species. Full article

In view of raising concerns of climate change, the impact of temperature on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and productivity was investigated by planting at different times to expose plants to natural variations in air and soil temperatures. Over two seasons with differing temperature patterns, emergence, stem and tuber numbers, tuber size distribution, yield, processing quality, and seed tuber behavior were analyzed. Postharvest, tubers from each planting were stored and replanted to assess temperature carryover effects. Generally, delayed plantings increased the average number of stems per plant (37%) but did not alter the tuber numbers per plant. Early (18 April) and mid-season (9 May) plantings produced higher yields, while late planting (30 May) reduced total yield (42%), US No. 1 yield (48%), and tuber numbers (34%). Moreover, the storage period influenced subsequent stems per plant more than the prior-year temperature conditions. Optimal productivity was achieved by planting during cooler establishment temperatures, followed by warmer tuberization and relatively cooler bulking temperatures. Diurnal temperature variations and growing degree days had minimal effects on stems per plant, whereas storage duration (chronological age) and temperature significantly impacted physiological aging. These findings help growers optimize planting times to enhance tuber storability and yield to improve end use. Full article

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most widely consumed vegetable crops worldwide. During storage, potato tubers are vulnerable to various phytopathogenic fungi. Dry rot, caused by Fusarium incarnatum, is a common and serious disease that affects potato tubers, leading to partial or complete decay during storage. The current study assessed the effectiveness of three ethanolic extracts including cinnamon bark (CIB), clove buds (CLB), and avocado seeds (AVS) in controlling potato dry rot under both normal and cold storage conditions. In vitro bioassay demonstrated that all tested extracts exhibited a dose-dependent fungistatic effect against F. incarnatum, with inhibition percentages of 83.33% for CIB, 72.22% for CLB, and 67.77% for AVS at the highest tested concentration. Moreover, dipping potato tubers in the tested extracts markedly reduced the severity of dry rot disease under both normal and cold storage conditions. Additionally, treated tubers showed increased activities of defense-related enzymes, including catalase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase. Furthermore, there were higher levels of total soluble phenolics and flavonoids, along with an increase in lignin content and a reduction in the weight loss of stored potato tubers compared to the control group. Moreover, the extracts mitigated infection stress and lowered malondialdehyde levels in the treated potato tubers. These extracts show potential as environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fungicides for managing potato dry rot caused by F. incarnatum under normal and cold storage. Full article

Potatoes, a vital global food crop, have shown remarkable adaptability, significantly contributing to food security. Technological advancements now enable their cultivation from soil-based systems to liquid synthetic nutrient media, even in artificial closed environments without natural light or fertile soil. This study examined the effects of Benzylaminopurine (BAP) and Kinetin (Kin) at concentrations ranging from 0 to 5 mg/L and sucrose concentrations ranging from 20 to 120 g/L on in vitro tuberization, focusing on microtuber size, weight, and tuberization rate. Nodal segments from virus-free ‘Red Scarlet’ in vitro potato plantlets were used as explants. These explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium solidified with 0.5% agar. The study also compared minituber production efficiency under soil-based greenhouse and aeroponic conditions. The highest in vitro potato tuberization rate (90%) was achieved with 80 g/L sucrose and 3.0 mg/L BAP. After induction, virus-free microtubers were transferred to both greenhouse conditions and aeroponic systems for further assessment of minituber production and biochemical composition. These findings demonstrate the potential of aeroponics as a superior method for producing high-quality, pathogen-free minitubers. Aeroponics resulted in significantly higher minituber yields compared to soil-based greenhouse systems, offering a scalable and efficient solution for seed production. Full article

The study aimed to explore the potential of ultrasonication techniques in seed potato production as a sustainable agricultural innovation. By improving seed potato efficiency and promoting resource optimization, this research aligns with the goals of sustainable agricultural and rural development, addressing challenges such as food security, environmental preservation, and economic viability in rural farming communities. The study was conducted over three years in the central–eastern region of Poland, utilizing a randomized block design with a split-split-plot approach. The main experimental factor was the cultivation technology, which included (a) an innovative ultrasonic pre-sowing treatment method and (b) a traditional cultivation method without such treatment. The secondary factor was the potato varieties. The ultrasonic treatment of tubers was performed using an ultrasonic tub-type device equipped with piezoelectric transducers. Cultivation technology, potato varieties, and weather conditions had a significant impact on the yield of tubers in the seed potato fraction size, the number of tubers in this fraction, and the multiplication coefficient. Additionally, the genetic characteristics of the studied varieties and random environmental factors significantly influenced the weight of a single seed potato tuber and the number of shoots produced by each plant. Full article

This study explores the effects of ultrasonic treatment on the quality of potatoes processed into fries. Ultrasonic waves generate rapid pressure changes and cavitation effects, which can enhance seed vigor and growth. Over a three-year period (2015–2017) in east-central Poland, a field experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with split-plot divisions with three replications. The study compared two cultivation technologies: (a) with ultrasonic treatment of seed potatoes before planting, and (b) traditional technology. The second-order factor consisted of eight edible potato cultivars from all earliness groups (‘Denar’, ‘Lord’, ‘Owacja’, ‘Vineta’, ‘Satina’, ‘Tajfun’, ‘Syrena’, and ‘Zagłoba’). The sonication process was carried out using an ultrasonic bath with piezoelectric transducers. The results demonstrated significant impacts of the cultivation technology, potato variety, and weather conditions on the quality of fries. This research underscores the potential of ultrasonic treatment to improve the quality and consistency of potato products in the food industry. The use of ultrasound treatment on potato tubers before planting aligns with sustainable development by enhancing agricultural efficiency, reducing the environmental impact, and supporting socio-economic aspects of sustainable farming. It also aids in developing tools and methods for monitoring and quantifying sustainability efforts in potato processing, such as in the production of French fries. Future research should focus on optimizing ultrasonic parameters and exploring the long-term effects of sonication on potato storage and processing qualities. Full article

Background: Diet influences the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Plant-based diets rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, seeds, and nuts may reduce inflammation and improve gut health, while high-fat foods may worsen symptoms. Objective: We examined the association between plant-based and animal-based foods, selected demographic characteristics, and the likelihood of GERD in Al Madinah Al Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. Method: A cross-sectional study using the GerdQ tool assessed the GERD likelihood among 303 adults. Dietary diversity scores were used to assess the quality of their diet. quality. Results: The participants were predominantly women (68.6%) and had low education levels (88.4%). Cereals were the most consumed plant-based foods, while vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables were the least consumed. There was significant variation in the consumption of legumes, nuts, seeds, and milk and milk products among the GERD groups. The participants with a 50% GERD likelihood had the highest consumption (34.5%), followed by the 89% likelihood group (21.4%) and the 79% likelihood group (14.5%). The lowest consumption of milk and milk products was among those with an 89% GERD likelihood who also consumed more organ meat. In addition, GERD likelihood was inversely associated with age (r = −0.153; p = 0.008). The likelihood of GERD was negatively correlated with the intake of legumes, nuts, and seeds (r = −0.163; p = 0.005). Furthermore, the intake of cereals and tubers (r = 0.114; p = 0.047) and legumes, nuts, and seeds (r = 0.231; p = 0.0001) increased significantly with education. Conclusion: GERD prevention programs should target women, those with a low education level, and individuals consuming fewer plant-based foods and more organ meats. Full article