Search Results (51)

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a globally important food crop, but its tetrasomic inheritance and diploid self-incompatibility have limited the discovery of potato genes and progress in breeding. Here, we developed an F₂ segregating population consisting of 174 lines by crossing a self-compatible genome-homozygous diploid line (Y8, female parent) with a heterozygous diploid line (IVP101, male parent), followed by selfing. Using whole-genome resequencing, we constructed a high-density genetic map containing 4464 recombinant bin markers with an average physical distance of 165.51 Kb. Phenotypic evaluation of 8 traits related to yield, tuber shape, and tuber eye number across three environments revealed significant parental differences and wide phenotypic variation within the F₂ population. QTL (Quantitative trait loci) mapping using this genetic map and multi-environment phenotypic data identified 89 QTLs, including 7 previously reported QTLs/genes. In addition, 10 QTLs were stably detected across multiple seasons (stable QTLs). Further genetic effect analysis showed that favorable alleles of these stable QTLs significantly enhanced phenotypic values. Notably, two pleiotropic QTLs were identified on chromosomes 5 and 12; the major-effect QTL on chromosome 12 (qTY-12-6, qTS-12-3, and qTE-12-4) exhibited high phenotypic variance explained (PVE). Its favorable allele from Y8 significantly increased mean tuber weight, tuber number per plant, and promoted rounder tuber shape while reducing eye number, simultaneously improving yield and quality. Collectively, this study provides a reference for genetic mapping using homozygous and heterozygous diploid parents, and the identified QTLs offer valuable genetic resources for potato breeding and molecular mechanism research, enhancing our understanding of the genetic regulation of yield, tuber shape, and eye number in potato. Full article

Aim: A precise understanding of the morphometric characteristics of the infraorbital foramen (IOF) is essential for ensuring safe and effective surgical interventions and regional anesthesia in children and adolescents with cleft lip and palate (CLP). This study aimed to investigate the morphometric characteristics of the IOF using CBCT in children and adolescents with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) and to compare the cleft side (CS) with the non-cleft side (NCS). Materials and Method: CBCT scans of 48 individuals with UCLP were analyzed, evaluating a total of 96 IOFs. Reference anatomical landmarks included the supraorbital margin (SOM), infraorbital margin (IOM), nasion (N), anterior nasal spine (ANS), tuber maxilla (TM), sella (S), lateral margin of the apertura piriform (LAP), jugale (J), and midline (M). Distances from the IOF to these landmarks were measured and compared between the CS and NCS. Soft tissue thickness over the IOF was also assessed, and the IOF shape was evaluated separately for each side. Results: The V-oval form was the most common IOF shape on both sides. No significant differences were found in vertical or horizontal diameters between the CS and NCS (p > 0.05). Distances from the IOF to IOM, SOM, S, N, LAP, and midline were significantly shorter on the CS (p < 0.05), whereas distances to ANS and J were significantly longer on the CS (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in IOF-TM distances or soft tissue thickness (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In individuals with UCLP, the IOF exhibits significant side-specific variations relative to key anatomical landmarks. These differences should be considered in infraorbital nerve block administration and surgical planning to improve accuracy and safety. Full article

Potato leafroll virus (PLRV, species Polerovirus PLRV) is a major pathogen affecting potatoes worldwide. Since 2018, PLRV incidence has increased in Scottish potato crops. Deep sequencing of PLRV in Scottish potato plants revealed the prevalence of a novel PLRV type which became predominant in 2023, displacing the phylogenetically distinct variants that have been present in the region since at least 1989. Analysis of the infection dynamics of the cDNA clone-derived PLRV isolates in potato plants indicated that the novel PLRV may accumulate to higher levels compared to the historic one. Analysis of the genetic diversity of PLRV in early and late field generations (FGs) of seed potatoes showed a significantly reduced genetic diversity of the PLRV structural genes in the early FGs compared to the late FGs, while divergency of the non-structural genes remained similar across all FGs. Considering that late FGs are more likely to be infected with PLRV via tuber transmission, and early FGs via aphid transmission, these findings suggest that aphid transmission imposes a genetic bottleneck on the structural genes of PLRV, but not on its non-structural genes. Full article

Anchote (Coccinia abyssinica) is a neglected high-potential food and nutrition security tuber crop in Ethiopia. Phenotyping core germplasm collections using agro-morphological and physiological markers is essential for effective crop improvement and utilization. A total of 282 anchote germplasms were profiled using six qualitative and twenty-six quantitative agro-morphological and physiological traits. Augmented Block Design was used for the experiment at the Debre Zeit Agricultural Research Center. The chi-square test and Shannon diversity index indicated the presence of substantial phenotypic variation and diversity among the accessions based on the predominant qualitative traits studied. The quantitative agro-morphological and physiological traits showed wider variability and ranges for the accessions. The broad-sense heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean were notably high for quantitative traits such as root yield, vine length, and leaf area index. A significantly positive correlation was observed among agronomically important traits such as root yield and root diameter as well as root yield and leaf area. The principal component analysis for qualitative and quantitative traits found that ten components explained 72.2% of the variation for qualitative traits, whereas nine components accounted for 69.96% of the variation in quantitative traits. The primary contributors to the variations are traits such as root (shape, flesh color, and yield), leaf (color, length, diameter, area) and fruit (length, diameter, and weight). Further, the accessions were grouped into two and three clusters based on qualitative and quantitative traits, respectively, indicating that quantitative characters better differentiated among the accessions. Similarly, the tanglegram showed little similarity between the qualitative and quantitative agro-morphological and physiological traits in clustering the accessions. These findings indicate the presence of sizable trait variation among the accessions that can be exploited as a selection marker to design and facilitate conservation and breeding strategies of anchote. Full article

Dioscorea is a genus comprising over 600 species, many of which possess edible tubers that are commonly referred to as yams. While Dioscorea is a significant crop across the globe, it holds a unique cultural significance to the people of Tonga in western Polynesia. Presently, Dioscorea is known for its essential role in festivals and ceremonies, as well as for its nutritional contributions to Tongan diets. To understand and to assess the significance of Dioscorea in the distant past, however, archeologists rely on plant residues (e.g., starch granules) preserved on ancient tools. This study provides the necessary first step in archeological starch analysis by examining the granule morphometrics of two culturally significant Dioscorea species, D. alata and D. bulbifera from Tonga. Tubers from three individuals of each species were collected on the island of Vava’u and processed for starch granule extraction and analysis. Morphometric characteristics, including two novel that describe shape (eccentricity ratio and hilum angle), were measured on approximately 300 granules per species. When statistically compared, these novel characteristics allow D. alata and D. bulbifera to be readily distinguished from one another, and therefore increase confidence in assigning archeological granules to a specific taxon. Full article

This study focused on 48 landraces from Yunnan Province, with seven commercially bred varieties as controls. Descriptive analysis and variance analysis were employed to evaluate the landraces across various aspects, including agronomic traits, tuber characteristics, and quality attributes. The results indicated that compared with commercial varieties, landraces exhibited unique appearances with deeper eyes and smaller and irregularly shaped tubers. In terms of texture, landraces had greater firmness and poorer mealiness but possessed a richer potato flavor, resulting in higher overall scores than commercial varieties. The mineral content of landraces was slightly lower than that of commercial varieties but similar to that of Andean landraces. The starch from landraces demonstrated better thermal stability but was more prone to retrogradation. Textural properties showed that landraces had greater hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, and chewiness compared with commercial varieties, indicating a denser texture, poorer mealiness, greater firmness, and consistent results with the sensory evaluation. In summary, landraces represent crucial genetic resources in breeding programs. A comprehensive study of the sensory characteristics, agronomic traits, and mineral content of landraces is essential for effectively utilizing these resources to broaden the genetic base of potato germplasm. 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

The advent of social commerce platforms fueled by the growing commercialization of social media and networking sites represents a significant evolution in e-commerce dynamics. This study investigates the pivotal role of key opinion leaders (KOLs), particularly YouTubers, in shaping consumer purchasing behavior. Recognizing the powerful influence exerted by KOLs, we examined their ability to promote product diffusion through credibility, specialized knowledge, and strategic word-of-mouth campaigns. This study employs a robust theoretical framework that foregrounds the influence of KOLs while integrating critical constructs, such as perceived value and risk, into a comprehensive model. Our empirical analysis, based on data from 411 valid responses, yields the following insights: the expertise and renown of KOLs exert a profound effect on consumer purchase intentions; consumer perceptions of value positively correlate with trust, whereas perceived risk negatively affects it; and trust mediates the relationship between KOL characteristics (popularity and professionalism) and consumers’ relationship strength with purchase intentions. The findings advocate leveraging KOLs’ renown and expertise while mitigating perceived risks to amplify consumer purchase intentions, thus providing actionable strategies for marketers in the burgeoning social commerce landscape. Full article

Potato is the third most important food crop in the world in terms of adaptability, yield potential, and nutritional advantages. This study aimed to conduct potato breeding work for cultivation in Kazakhstan; potato breeding for further processing into chips with cultivation in the northern regions; and the selection of potatoes for processing into frozen French fries with cultivation in the southern and south-eastern regions. Potato varieties (Fontane, Santana, and Punchy) were used as reference varieties to check molecular markers linked to maturity, tuber shape, and flesh color. A total of 42 potato breeding lines crossed from Yagodnyi 19 and CIP clone 397079-6 were used in this study to identify prospective breeding lines. The research was carried out between 2023 and 2024 and under greenhouse conditions. According to the results of molecular analysis and phenotypic data, 21 breeding lines were identified as prospective potato breeding lines. The majority of these potato breeding lines had a round tuber shape and were recommended for chip processing. Three breeding lines had a long oval tuber shape, making them suitable for French fries. Six breeding lines with short-oval and oval tuber shapes were found for consumer potato processing. It is recommended that the breeding process and studies of biochemical properties are continued in all of these identified potato breeding lines. Full article

The continued success of any conventional sweet potato breeding program is limited by knowledge of the inheritance of the traits under study, such as flesh color and tuberous root shape, because of the difficulty of segregating color frequencies by visual separation. The objective of this study was to understand the mode of inheritance of these genetic traits. The cross blocks were established at the Research Institute of Tropical Roots and Tuber Crops (INIVIT-Cuba). Eight parental genotypes of known compatibility were selected, with contrasting phenotypic characteristics to develop segregating populations. To express color objectively, the CIE L*a*b* color space was used (L*: lightness; a* and b*: chromatic coordinates), and four morphometric variables related to the shape and dimensions of the tuberous root were evaluated. From 2419 reciprocal crosses, 2045 botanical seeds and 1764 seedlings were obtained. Incomplete dominance of the white and purple flesh colors over the orange color was observed, as well as transgressive segregation for purple, orange, and white flesh colors and for the shape of the tuberous root. The results allowed us to propose a genetic model of biparental crosses for the improvement of the flesh color of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam.), as well as a predictive formula of the progeny to be selected. Full article

Deciphering the genetic mechanisms underlying key agronomic and quality traits in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is essential for advancing varietal improvement. Phenotypic instability in early clonal generations and inbreeding depression, coupled with the complexity of tetrasomic inheritance, pose significant challenges in constructing mapping populations for the genetic dissection of complex traits. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) offer an efficient method to establish trait–genome associations by analyzing genetic recombination and mutation events in natural populations. This review systematically examines the application of GWASs in identifying agronomic traits in potato, such as plant architecture, yield components, tuber shape, and resistance to early and late blight and nematodes, as well as quality traits including dry matter, starch, and glycoalkaloid content. Some key chromosomal hotspots identified through GWASs include chromosome 5 associated with tuber yield, starch content, and late blight resistance; chromosome 4 and 10 associations with tuber shape and starch content; chromosomes 1, 9, and 11 associated with plant height, tuber number, glycoalkaloid content, and pest resistance. It elucidates the advantages and limitations of GWASs for genetic loci identification in this autotetraploid crop, providing theoretical insights and a reference framework for the precise localization of key genetic loci and the discovery of underlying genes using GWASs. Full article

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

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

The winged bean is only one of the members of the leguminous species that has the potential for duo-purpose for its pod and tuber yields. The protein and nutritional content in the tuber can be used as alternative crops for animal feed. Previous studies identified the winged bean varieties as having high potential for tuber production, although their tuber development remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the development of winged bean tubers based on their size and weight during eight months of growth. Tuber yields of high-potential winged bean varieties (W018 and W099) were compared to commercial varieties (Ratchaburi) under field conditions over two years. The experiments were laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications in the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 growing seasons. The tuber formation of winged bean exhibited a significant increase in tuber weight and size in the fourth month of growth in all varieties, with a gradual change from fibrous roots to tubers. Particularly in the W018 and W099 varieties, tuber development persisted up to eight months after transplanting. On the other hand, the Ratchaburi variety had small tuber size, resulting in the tubers weighing less than in the W018 and W099 varieties. The results indicated that winged bean varieties had different tuber development, with the W018 and W099 varieties being suitable for tuber harvesting at eight months. The large tuber size can be an appropriate alternative to animal feed materials. At the same time, the Ratchaburi variety requires only five months since it is cultivated primarily for tuber consumption, which is concerned with size and shape. Moreover, the yields of the W018 and W099 varieties were significantly higher compared to Ratchaburi at 22.4, 19.3, and 7.423 T/ha in the 2021–2022 growing season and 8.4, 7.9, and 5.6 T/ha in the growing season of 2022–2023, respectively. The protein content in the winged bean tubers increased to 13.00% at eight months. The years (Y) and genotypes (G) differed considerably for tuber formation. The variation in both Y and G and the shoot/root ratio are also discussed in this study. Full article

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