Search Results (674)

Ranked 30th globally in dryness, South Africa faces severe challenges in ensuring fodder security, which is worsened by climate change impacts on agriculture. However, there is still limited knowledge about optimising fodder radish cultivation under shifting climatic conditions. This study investigated the effects of planting dates (December to March), cultivars (Nooitgedacht, Line 2 and Endurance) and seasons (2020/21 and 2021/22) on growth, yield, and crude protein (CP) and mineral concentrations under rainfed conditions. Seasonal variation significantly (p < 0.05) influenced emergence, relative growth, and flowering across planting dates. Fresh tuber yield was highest when Nooitgedacht was planted in December (2052 and 2102 kg ha⁻¹). In contrast, January planting enhanced aboveground biomass and crude protein (CP) yield, with Endurance recording the highest biomass (1260 and 1157.95 kg ha⁻¹ DM) and tuber CP yield (19.2 and 18 kg ha⁻¹). December planting favoured tuber production, whereas January planting optimised biomass, CP yield, and persistence. Planting date and cultivar significantly affected leaf and tuber mineral concentrations. December–January plantings generally enhanced leaf P, K, and Zn concentrations. Endurance and Nooitgedacht accumulated higher micronutrients than Line 2, particularly under early planting. The late flowering of Endurance extended the grazing period, aligning with late-winter forage demand under rainfed conditions. Overall, this study offers practical guidance for improving the quantity and quality of fodder radish in diverse agricultural settings. Future work should evaluate these cultivars across more sites to confirm performance stability under variable rainfall patterns. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), as a shallow-rooted crop, is relatively sensitive to soil water deficits; therefore, irrigation plays a crucial role in achieving economically viable production and quality. However, due to the scarcity of water, which has become more precious and less available due to climate change, it is essential to optimize irrigation management and enhance water productivity. The present systematic review, drawing on the most relevant scientific literature, discusses the current state of knowledge on irrigation management and water productivity in potato crop production in semi-arid regions, particularly within Mediterranean countries. Overall, the main findings indicate different possible solutions for saving irrigation water and increasing water productivity by adopting a combination of water-saving strategies, such as static or dynamic deficit irrigation, or partial root-zone drying, and by using a suitable irrigation method like drip irrigation. In addition, the importance of other agronomic factors, namely planting dates, soil texture, and fertilization management, has also emerged, prompting scientists to pay greater attention to them in the future, along with the selection or breeding of appropriate cultivars, which may represent the long-term solution to the problem of water scarcity. Full article

Yam is a tuberous crop with great potential for enhancing food security and rural development thus contributing significantly to the lives of people in production areas. Despite its importance, productivity is low, with poor adoption rates of released commercial varieties. Yam exhibits complex growth patterns, including tuberization and dormancy. The yield, food quality and consumer preferences differ by variety. Understanding the dynamics of yam production system and best practices is critical for its improvement. Our review delved into the flowering dynamics as well as yield determinants. We dissected the phenomena of dormancy, photosynthesis, photoperiodism and food quality with a view to adding values on crop improvement efforts. Yam production systems can be repositioned to play a greater role in sustainable food security and poverty alleviation through the development and deployment of more productive, profitable and resilient yam varieties and sustainable technologies that will improve the current yam cropping system and value chain. Future research perspectives focusing on yield improvement, climate-smart adaptations/cultivation practices, and value chain development to ensure sustainable yam production and utilization are thus highlighted. Full article

Background: Gastrodia elata Blume (GE) is a valuable traditional Chinese medicine with a wide range of clinical applications, yet the relationship between its developmental stages, phytochemical profiles, and functional properties remains poorly characterized. Methods: In this study, an integrated approach combining chemical assays and UHPLC–Orbitrap–MS/MS-based untargeted metabolomics was employed to characterize three growth stages: Mima (MT, seed tubers), Baima (BT, immature tubers), and Jianma (JT, mature tubers). Results: Multivariate statistical analyses demonstrated clear stage-dependent discrimination in metabolic profiles. A total of 31 differential metabolites were identified, including parishin derivatives, phenolics, amino acids, and organic acids. Specifically, Parishin E, Parishin G, total phenolics, and total flavonoids predominated in the early stage (MT), whereas gastrodin and Parishin C progressively accumulated and peaked in the mature stage (JT). Bioactivity assays revealed that GE extracts exhibited significant antioxidant and hypoglycemic (α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory) effects, which followed an initial decrease followed by a subsequent recovery during development. Correlation analysis further established a strong relationship between phenolic-associated metabolites (particularly Parishin E/G/H) and the observed bioactivities. Conclusions: In summary, these findings elucidate the metabolic dynamics of GE across developmental stages and provide a scientific basis for optimizing harvest timing and raw-material grading to enhance the functional properties of GE-derived products. Full article

Ulluco (Ullucus tuberosus Caldas) is an Andean tuber crop of high nutritional and genetic importance. However, its vegetative propagation promotes the accumulation of pathogens and limits the availability of uniform, high-quality planting material. In this study, an efficient and reproducible in vitro micropropagation protocol was established for an ulluco genotype from the Amazonas region of Peru. Nodal segments were cultured on MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium supplemented with 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) or kinetin (KIN) at increasing concentrations (0.0–2.0 mg L⁻¹). For rooting, in vitro-derived shoots were transferred to MS medium supplemented with indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) or 1-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) at the same concentration range (0.0–2.0 mg L⁻¹). The explants exhibited a high basal morphogenetic capacity; however, the addition of cytokinins significantly enhanced the response. KIN at 2.0 mg L⁻¹ achieved 100% regeneration, whereas BAP at 0.2 mg L⁻¹ maximized shoot proliferation, producing 2.07 shoots per explant. Shoot elongation was greater with KIN at 1.0 mg L⁻¹, reaching 39.15 mm. In the rooting phase, the response varied depending on the type and concentration of auxin. NAA at 0.1 mg L⁻¹ resulted in 100% rooting and produced the greatest root length (41.93 mm), whereas IBA at 0.1 mg L⁻¹ maximized the number of roots (4.67), although roots were shorter. Rooted plantlets exhibited 100% survival after eight weeks of acclimatization. This protocol provides an effective system for the rapid production of vigorous and uniform clonal plants and represents a useful tool for the propagation, conservation, and future biotechnological improvement of ulluco. Full article

Chinese yam (Dioscorea opposita Thunb.) is a nutrient-rich tuber with recognized health benefits, yet its application in beverage products remains limited due to processing and formulation challenges. In this study, a sequential fermentation strategy was adopted, using Saccharomyces bayanus followed by Lactobacillus brevis to enhance microbial viability and metabolic activity in Chinese yam juice. Samples were collected as an unfermented control (CY), yeast-fermented juice (SP), and sequentially fermented juice (LB). Microbial analysis showed that sequential fermentation supported high LAB viability, reaching 8.92 log CFU/mL in LB, accompanied by a progressive decrease in pH from 5.67 (CY) to 4.27 (LB). Untargeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics identified 1442 metabolites and revealed distinct shifts in the metabolic composition of CY, SP, and LB, indicating stage-dependent modifications of metabolic pathways. Targeted analyses confirmed substantial depletion of sucrose and maltose during fermentation, while trehalose accumulated from undetectable levels in CY to 5.23 mg/g in SP and 7.49 mg/g in LB. Organic acid profiling demonstrated marked increases in lactic and succinic acids, consistent with microbial carbohydrate metabolism. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents increased by 58% and 30%, respectively, while antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) improved by up to 120% after sequential fermentation. The final fermented beverage (LB) contained a low ethanol concentration of 0.8% (v/v). Sensory evaluation indicated that sequential fermentation improved the overall flavor, aroma, and acceptability of the Chinese yam juice. These findings demonstrate that sequential fermentation with S. bayanus and L. brevis effectively enhances the bioactive composition and antioxidant potential of Chinese yam juice, supporting its development as a functional fermented beverage. Full article

This study provides an integrated agronomic–functional–nutritional–bioactive characterization of three Oxalis tuberosa varieties (Yellow, Pink, and Black) cultivated under open-field conditions. Unlike previous studies that have typically examined isolated trait groups or single quality dimensions, this work simultaneously evaluates yield-related morphology, starch functional behavior, proximate composition, antioxidant activity, and pigment-associated color attributes within a unified experimental framework, enabling robust varietal comparison and application-oriented interpretation. The Yellow variety matured later (125 ± 2 days) and produced the highest total biomass (587 ± 32 g) and yield per plant (462 ± 28 g), with the longest tubers (8.7 ± 0.3 cm) and the greatest tuber number (12.1 ± 1.1 per plant). Functional assessments indicated that the Yellow variety exhibited superior swelling capacity (10.2 g/g) and solubility index (6.3%), together with the highest starch content (68.4 ± 2.1 g/100 g DW). Nutritional profiling further showed lower moisture and higher carbohydrate levels in the Yellow variety compared with the other varieties, supporting its suitability for food processing and agricultural production. In contrast, the Black variety showed the strongest antioxidant potential, with higher DPPH scavenging activity (46.2 ± 1.3%), total phenolics (5.9 ± 0.3 mg GAE/g DW), and flavonoids (2.3 ± 0.1 mg QE/g DW), consistent with its darker pigmentation and greater nutraceutical potential. The novelty of this study lies in its integrated, multi-trait comparison of oca varieties under the same open-field conditions with standardized agronomic management, allowing for the first simultaneous assessment of agronomic performance, starch functionality, nutritional quality, antioxidant capacity, and color attributes. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of varietal selection in determining agronomic performance, starch functionality, nutritional composition, and bioactive traits in Oxalis tuberosa, providing actionable evidence for targeted agricultural and industrial applications. Full article

Modern agriculture is undergoing a paradigm shift toward eco-friendly methodologies that enhance seed material quality while minimizing chemical inputs. This study evaluates the impact of Effective Microorganism (EM) exposure (variants E1 and E2) on the morpho-physiological parameters and phytosanitary health of potato tubers. The primary objective was to determine the efficacy of microbial priming in suppressing the infection rates of Streptomyces scabies (common scab) and Rhizoctonia solani (black scurf) across 14 genetically diverse cultivars. A three-year field experiment (2019–2021) was conducted using a split-plot design with three replications. The study analyzed the interaction between EM exposure times and the genetic resistance potential of the selected cultivars. Statistical analysis confirmed that pre-planting microbial treatments significantly inhibited pathogen development. EM applications (E1 and E2) reduced the infection rates of both S. scabies and R. solani through an “escape mechanism,” whereby treated tubers exhibited accelerated biomass accumulation and reached physiological maturity before peak pathogen pressure. Furthermore, treatments optimized the physiological state and vigor of the tubers, establishing a robust physiological barrier against soil-borne infections. The application of EMs proves to be a highly effective, non-invasive biostimulation method. A significant difference was observed in the responding varieties between EM treatments and the cultivars innate genetic resistance, particularly in cultivars with higher baseline resistance. The use of EM biostimulants significantly modifies the health of tubers, and the direction of these changes is strictly determined by the variety factors. The results suggest that microbial priming not only enhances plant growth kinetics but also induces systemic resistance, offering a viable ecological alternative to traditional chemical seed dressings in sustainable potato production. Full article

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), the world’s fourth most significant food crop, faces a critical sustainability challenge: meeting escalating global demand while mitigating the substantial environmental footprint of its production. Potato exhibits high nitrogen requirements, which makes conventional fertilization significantly inefficient, with nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) being below 40%, contributing to severe environmental losses, including nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions. In this comprehensive review, global research is examined regarding enhanced-efficiency nitrogen fertilizers, such as nitrification inhibitors (NIs), urease inhibitors (UIs), and slow-released fertilizers, which promote a pivotal strategy for sustainable potato cultivation. An extensive analysis is provided exploring the biochemical mechanisms of these inhibitors, their complex interactions with potato physiology, and also their impact on tuber yield, quality, and environmental footprint. These insights are combined with sustainable strategies to optimize nitrogen fertilization in potato cropping systems. Lastly, essential knowledge gaps, such as ongoing soil-health impacts and climate-change interactions, are underlined, and future directions of research are proposed to advance inhibitor utilization on potato production. Full article

In Alberta, extreme weather events, such as hailstorms, have negative impacts on agriculture. Previous studies have found that potato crop yield and quality losses from hail are dependent on both the severity and the timing of the event. It has also been demonstrated that biostimulant products can positively impact crop yields by increasing plant growth and stress resistance. In the current study, we examined whether the application of biostimulants lessens the negative impacts of simulated hailstorms on potato growth. Potato plants were defoliated at three timepoints during the growing season. Tuber yield was reduced by ~25–40%, depending on at which timepoint the plants were defoliated, and specific gravity declined for plants defoliated later in the growing season. The overall fry color increased for plants defoliated earlier in the growing season, as did the incidence of sugar ends. The application of biostimulant products prior to defoliation lessened the impact of defoliation in terms of both overall yield and tuber processing quality. Tuber yields for defoliated plants treated with biostimulants were ~12–60% higher, depending on the defoliated/treatment timepoint, compared to defoliated control plants. Specific gravity was increased for defoliated plants treated with biostimulants at later timepoints. The overall fry color and incidence of dark ends decreased for defoliated plants treated with biostimulants at early timepoints. Defoliation early in the growing season, around tuber initiation, had the most negative impact on both tuber quality and yield, and treatment with biostimulants had the greatest impact on reducing yield and quality losses when applied at this timepoint. Full article

The present study investigates the potential of olive mill wastewater (OMW), supplemented with expired commercial glucose syrup, as a sustainable substrate for the submerged cultivation of Tuber spp. wild mushrooms. OMW contains considerable quantities of phenolic compounds, making it both a challenging pollutant and a promising nutrient source. To assess fungal performance under increasing phenolic stress, culture media were prepared with varying OMW concentrations (0–75% v/v on agar; 0–50% v/v in liquid media), while glucose was adjusted to ~30 g/L using expired glucose syrup. A sequential experimental approach was followed, beginning with Petri dish screenings on substrate/strain selection (measuring the mycelial growth rate; Kr, mm/day), progressing to 25-day shake flask fermentations and subsequently scaling up the most promising strain (Tuber mesentericum) in a controlled stirred-tank bioreactor. Throughout cultivation, substrate consumption (glucose, phenolics), pH evolution and decolorization were evaluated, while the resulting biomass was analyzed for polysaccharides, β-glucans, proteins, lipids, fatty acids, antioxidants, phenolic acids and triterpenoids content. Results showed that increasing OMW concentration enhanced tolerance and metabolic activity in selected Tuber species, with T. mesentericum exhibiting the highest resilience and achieving comparable or higher biomass yields in OMW-based media than in glucose (control). Phenolic removal exceeded 60% in flasks and 50% in the bioreactor, confirming simultaneous bioremediation capacity. Bioreactor cultivation demonstrated efficient substrate utilization and biomass production, while OMW-grown biomass presented high lipid content, enriched with unsaturated fatty acids, high β-glucan levels and increased antioxidant and phenolic profiles. Overall, this study demonstrates that OMW (supplemented with expired glucose syrup) can serve as a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial substrate for Tuber biomass production with dietary and antioxidant properties, offering an alternative source to mushroom carposomes, as well as supporting the circular bioeconomy strategies within olive oil processing industries. Full article

This study conducted a multi-criteria assessment of farming systems (organic vs. integrated) and hydrothermal conditions on the productivity and quality of seven potato cultivars in Southern Poland (2022–2024). The objective was to identify genotypes with the highest plasticity for adaptation to Sustainable Land Management (SLM) strategies. Using a split-plot design, analyses covered total and marketable yield, tuber architecture, and starch and dry matter concentration. Statistical evaluation utilized ANOVA and variance component analysis to determine the contribution of genetic and environmental factors to phenotypic variability. Results showed that productivity was strongly determined by the cultivation system, with organic yields being 20–57% lower due to Phytophthora infestans and virus pressure. Notably, the lack of a significant three-way interaction (S × V × Y) for quality traits suggests high predictability of starch and dry matter based on genotype selection, regardless of management-induced stressors. The ‘Lawenda’ cultivar demonstrated superior adaptation to organic frameworks. We conclude that organic potato production is viable in warming climates if supported by rigorous cultivar selection and biological innovations. Future research should focus on the long-term monitoring of soil organic matter dynamics and the economic viability of these systems throughout a full crop rotation cycle. Such an approach is essential to provide a more comprehensive and robust foundation for sustainable land-use policies. Full article

Potato is a vital crop in the United States, and increasing its production is essential. Due to their differences in rooting characteristics and nitrogen (N) needs, each potato cultivar generally receives specific research-based N recommendations. However, limited research exists on how other fertilizer nutrients, including micronutrients and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), affect potato yield and quality. This study evaluated the response of Mesa Russet potatoes to various pre-plant and foliar fertilizer treatments on sandy, alkaline soil in Colorado, USA for two growing seasons. Six fertilizer treatments were tested in a randomized complete block design with four replications: (1) 4-13-17-1S (control), also known as the Farmer’s Standard, (2) 3-10-13, (3) 3-10-13 + PGPR, (4) 3-10-13-1S-1Zn, (5) 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + K-acetate foliar, and (6) 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + 0-0-15-5S foliar. The results showed that treatment PGPR maximized tuber bulking rate by 1.5 g plant⁻¹ day⁻¹, and 3.3 g plant⁻¹ day⁻¹ in 2016 and 2017, respectively, compared to the control treatment. Also, treatment 3-10-13 + PGPR had the highest total and larger tuber (>114 g, >170 g and >284 g) yields in both years. In contrast, the control (4-13-17-1S) had the lowest yield in both years. Treatment 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + K-Ac foliar resulted in total yields in both years that were statistically similar to the PGPR treatment; this treatment had the highest N, P, and Zn applications compared to all other treatments. Treatment 9-15-3-1S-0.25Zn + 0-0-15-5S foliar exhibited marketable yields (tubers > 114 g) comparable to the PGPR treatment in both years; this treatment had the highest S application as compared to the others. Further testing of PGPRs, S, and Zn individually and in combination is needed to evaluate their impact on other Russet potato cultivars grown in sandy soils prior to broadening these recommendations. Full article

The Chinese black truffle (Tuber sinense) is an economically vital ectomycorrhizal fungus threatened by unsustainable harvesting. Cultivating truffles using mycorrhizal seedlings is essential for sustainable production, yet the rhizosphere microbiome dynamics remain unclear. This study explored microbial community succession in the rhizosphere of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima) seedlings inoculated with T. sinense over 8 months. High-throughput sequencing and soil physicochemical analysis were conducted at 1, 3, and 8 months post-inoculation. Significant changes in soil properties, such as decreased pH and increased total nitrogen (TN), total potassium (TK), available phosphorus (AP), and calcium (Ca), influenced microbial assembly. Tuber relative abundance rose from 0.02% in non-inoculated samples to 8.81% at 8 months. Inoculation altered microbial structures, enriching fungal genera like Tuber, Staphylotrichum, and Sphaerosporella. Network analysis showed 79.23% positive bacterial-fungal interactions, crucial for rhizosphere stability. Tuber correlated positively with Staphylotrichum and Spizellomyces, indicating potential synergies in mycorrhizal development and nutrient cycling. Tuber also showed significant positive correlations with TN, TK, AP, and Ca, highlighting its preference for nutrient-enriched conditions. This study provides the first comprehensive profile of microbial succession during the mycorrhizal development of T. sinense on chestnut, offering a scientific basis for optimizing truffle seedling production and supporting sustainable cultivation. Full article

This review examines the potential impact of potato biofortification on boosting climate resilience and enhancing the nutritional content of potato tubers to combat hidden hunger. It also explores future possibilities for biofortified potatoes as a food source during space travel or colonization. Widespread mineral deficiencies are prevalent globally, particularly in developing countries. Additionally, climate change could adversely affect potato production and soil nutrient absorption. In this context, developing breeding methods to develop cultivars that respond better to biofortification amid climate change is essential. These cultivars may be physiologically efficient at absorbing and transporting minerals into tubers. The review covers various approaches, including identifying germplasm accessions with enhanced micronutrient storage, understanding mechanisms of micronutrient uptake and translocation, and pinpointing genes related to micronutrient, oligopeptide transport, and ligands. It also discusses in vitro selection and screening of calli with improved capacity for micronutrient absorption and transport. Full article