Andean Potato Research Articles

Development of Edible Films Based on Nostoc and Modified Native Potato Starch and Their Physical, Mechanical, Thermal, and Microscopic Characterization.

Considering the potential of biopolymers from underutilized Andean sources in Peru to improve the characteristics of edible films, this work aimed to evaluate the formation of a polymeric matrix composed of Nostoc and modified potato starch for the formulation of edible films for food coating. The effects of polymer matrix ratio and drying temperature on films obtained by thermoforming were studied, determining the water vapor permeability and mechanical properties using a multifactorial design. Additionally, thermal properties were characterized by TGA and DSC, and structural properties by FT-IR and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the films exhibited lower solubility, lighter hues, better water vapor resistance, higher tensile strength, and improved thermal stability with increasing modified starch content. The formulation with higher Nostoc content exhibited a more homogeneous surface according to microscopy images, and no new chemical bonds were formed by adding modified starch and Nostoc to the polymer matrix, according to FT-IR spectra. These findings are promising and suggest using Nostoc for elaborating edible films composed of native and modified starch from native Andean potatoes as bio-based materials with potential application in the food industry.

Carbon and water vapor exchanges coupling for different irrigated and rainfed conditions on Andean potato agroecosystems

The fundamental exchange of water for carbon lays the groundwork for understanding the interplay between carbon and water cycles in terrestrial ecosystems, providing valuable insights into global water and carbon balances and vegetation growth. Inherent water use efficiency (IWUE) was used as a study framework of the diurnal patterns and degree of coupling of carbon and water exchange to investigate the net ecosystem carbon exchange (NEE) responses of three water regime potato cropping systems [full-irrigation (FI), deficit-irrigation (DI), and rainfed (RF)] in Cundinamarca, Colombia. The eddy covariance method was used to determine CO2 and water fluxes, surface resistances, and the omega decoupling factor (Ω). Additionally, leaf area index (LAI), and specific leaf area (SLA) were assessed to determine the canopy influence on carbon and water exchange. The highest carbon sink activity (NEE = -311.96 ± 12.82 g C m−2) at FI, is primarily attributed to a larger canopy with high autotrophic activity and low internal resistance. This supported a highly coupled and synchronized exchange between evapotranspiration (ET) and gross primary production (GPP), as reflected in the highest IWUE (4.7 mg C kPa s−1 kg−1 H2O). In contrast, the lower sink capacity at DI (NEE = − 17.3 ± 4.6 g C m−2) and the net carbon source activity from RF (NEE = 187.21 ± 3.84 g C m−2) were related to a smaller leaf area available for water and carbon exchange, resulting in lower IWUE (2.3 and 1.01 mg C kPa s−1 kg−1 H2O, respectively) and a decoupled and desynchronized gas exchange caused by unbalanced restrictions on ET and GPP fluxes. These results provide new information on carbon–water interactions in potatoes and improve the understanding of carbon sequestration and drought effects on potato sink activity.

Effect of fertilization on the accumulation and health risk for heavy metals in native Andean potatoes in the highlands of Perú

Soil infertility is a global problem, amendments such as organic fertilizers and mineral fertilizers are used to improve crop yields. However, these fertilizers contain heavy metals as well as essential mineral elements. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of organic and inorganic fertilizer on the accumulation and health risk of heavy metals in tubers. The plants were cultivated at an altitude of 3970 m using four treatments (poultry manure, alpaca manure, island guano and inorganic fertilizer) and a control group. Soil contamination levels and the degree of metal accumulation in the tubers were also determined. As a result, it was found that the use of inorganic fertilizer and poultry manure increased the values of Cu and Zn in soils, exceeding the recommended standards. The accumulation of heavy metals in potato tubers did not exceed the maximum recommended limits with the exception of Pb, which exceeded the limit allowed by the FAO/WHO (0.1 mg kg−1). Poultry manure contributed to the highest accumulation of Zn, Cu and Pb in tubers with 11.62±1.30, 3.48±0.20 and 0.12 ±0.02 mg kg-1 respectively. The transfer of metals from the soil to the tubers was less than 1. Individual and total non-carcinogenic risk values were less than 1, indicating a safe level of consumption for children and adults. The cancer risk was found to be within an acceptable range. However, poultry manure and inorganic fertilizer treatments had the highest total cancer risk values in both age groups, suggesting a long-term carcinogenic risk.

Pest survey card on members of the Andean Potato Weevil complex

Pest survey card on members of the Andean Potato Weevil complex

Physicochemical and technofunctional properties of high Andean native potato starch

In the high Andean areas of Peru, a diversity of native potatoes improved at the germplasm level is grown, with higher nutritional and amylose quality, for use mainly in fries. The research aimed to evaluate the rheological behavior, thermal and technofunctional starch extracted from native potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum spp Andigena), cultivated in Andahuaylas, Peru. Native potatoes of the Azul Helada (AH) and Amarilla Reyna (AR) varieties were collected from the district of Champaccocha, Andahuaylas, Peru, and the starch was extracted by hydro extraction. The AH and AR starch in aqueous solution was observed to present dilatant behavior, with a behavior index of n > 1.0; represented by the Power Law and Herschel-Bulkley model, with low retrogradation speed. The starches reported gelatinization temperatures of 61.8 and 66.4 °C and melting of 132.2 and 133.5 °C, thermal degradation with mass losses of up to 89.90 and 86.16 %, 43.56 and 42.09 % of apparent amylose for HA and AR respectively. The solubility, swelling power, water adsorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, emulsifying capacity, and apparent density were higher for HA, with aw around 0.50. The color presented L* values > 95.17, and a whiteness index greater than 94.80. The ζ potential of the starches indicates medium stability, with a granule size of 42.17 and 57.67 nm. They also respond to type B with a degree of crystallinity of 58.95 and 43.12 % and a crystal size of 6.55 and 6.01 nm for AH and AR respectively. The native high Andean potato AH and AR are potential sources for starch extraction, with good techno-functional properties.

Characterization of the Starch Extracted from an Ancestral Andean Meal: Chuño

AbstractThe ancestral method of preparing chuño (freeze‐dried potato) involves three steps: freezing, soaking, and drying. The objective of this study is to identify the changes in microstructure, in physicochemical properties, and rheology of gels and suspensions of Andean potato starches caused by the procedure used to obtain chuño. A laboratory simulation of the procedure is performed using the potato variety “Rosadita” (Solanum tuberosum ssp. Andigenum). From the tests carried out on the starches extracted from the chuño obtained in the field and in the laboratory, differences phosphate content and gelatinization temperature are found. Marked differences are observed with respect to the control starch in the soluble amylose content, RVA profiles, textural attributes, and dynamic and viscous rheological properties. The chuño starches present greater resistance to granular breakdown. These observations suggest a different hydration, swelling, and gelation mechanism for the Rosadita and chuño starch samples compared to conventional potato starch and at the same time a modification due to the effect of freezing, which is more noticeable in the chuño obtained at −5 °C.

Application of an edible coating developed with Andean potato starch and carboxymethyl-cellulose for lipid reduction during frying

This work aimed to search for alternative uses for different varieties of Andean potatoes (Solanum tuberosum ssp andigenum) which have been reintroduced in north-western Argentina. Specifically, the development of simple and compound films made with hydrocolloids such as carboxymethyl-cellulose (CMC) and starch (S) extracted from Andean potatoes var. Runa, and its application as a cover in the deep frying of Andean potato chips var. Waycha was studied to minimize oil absorption. The effect of prior bleaching of the chips with different media was also evaluated: water, calcium chloride solution, and ascorbic acid. The coatings were applied to potatoes chips before being fried. The results showed that the type of oil used did not affect absorption by the chips. The bleaching treatments with calcium chloride and coating with S/CMC, showed a significant reduction in oil absorption (39.5 % ± 0.7), delayed its oxidation, and decreased the loss of tocopherols during the frying process. It also contributed to the physical and sensory characteristics of the final product, which presented high acceptability by consumers.

Effect of Inlet Air Temperature and Quinoa Starch/Gum Arabic Ratio on Nanoencapsulation of Bioactive Compounds from Andean Potato Cultivars by Spray-Drying

Nanoencapsulation of native potato bioactive compounds by spray-drying improves their stability and bioavailability. The joint effect of the inlet temperature and the ratio of the encapsulant (quinoa starch/gum arabic) on the properties of the nanocapsules is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the best conditions for the nanoencapsulation of these compounds. The effects of two inlet temperatures (96 and 116 °C) and two ratios of the encapsulant (15 and 25% w/v) were evaluated using a factorial design during the spray-drying of native potato phenolic extracts. During the study, measurements of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, anthocyanins, antioxidant capacity, and various physical and structural properties were carried out. Higher inlet temperatures increased bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity. However, a higher concentration of the encapsulant caused the dilution of polyphenols and anthocyanins. Instrumental analyses confirmed the effective encapsulation of the nuclei in the wall materials. Both factors, inlet temperature, and the encapsulant ratio, reduced the nanocapsules’ humidity and water activity. Finally, the ideal conditions for the nanoencapsulation of native potato bioactive compounds were determined to be an inlet temperature of 116 °C and an encapsulant ratio of 15% w/v. The nanocapsules obtained show potential for application in the food industry.

Exploring virus presence in field-collected potato leaf samples using RNA sequencing

BackgroundThe quick and accurate identification of viruses is essential for plant disease management. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology may allow the discovery, detection, and identification of plant pathogens. This study adopted RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology to explore the viruses in three potato plants (S3, S4, and S6) growing under field conditions. ResultsPotato-known infecting viruses, such as alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), potato leafroll virus (PLRV), and potato virus Y (PVY), were identified using bioinformatics programs and validated using RT-PCR. The presence of these potato viruses was also confirmed by visual inspection of host symptoms. In addition, the nearly complete genome of PLRV and the complete or partial genome sequence of multipartite virus segments have been identified. Besides the three major potato viruses that BLASTn analysis revealed were present in our samples, BLASTx analysis revealed some reads are derived from other potato viruses, such as potato virus V (PVV), Andean potato latent virus (APLV), and tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV), which are not frequently reported in potato field screenings in Egypt. Other microbial agents, such as bacteria and fungi, were also identified in the examined sample sequences. Some mycovirus sequences derived from ourmia-like viruses and Alternaria alternata chrysovirus were also identified in sample S4, confirming the complexity of the potato microbiome under field conditions. ConclusionNGS quickly and accurately identifies potato plant viruses under field conditions. Implementing this technology on a larger scale is recommended to explore potato fields and imported plants, where symptoms may be absent, unspecific, or only triggered under certain conditions.

Novel Starchy Materials Isolated from Andean Native Potatoes: Physical–Chemical and Functional Characterization and Application in Edible Film Production

AbstractStarchy materials are extracted from five Andean native potato varieties—Yana Puma Maqui (YP), Yana Winku (YW), Mulu Mata (MM), Qeqorani (Q), and Kuchi Aqcha (KA)—and characterized. Edible films from potato starchy materials are then produced and characterized. The YP and YW starchy materials show better antioxidant activity. The YP starchy material presents the largest particle size, the lowest starch content, and the highest amylose content, which decreases its swelling power and prevents granules from being disrupted at high temperatures. The YP starchy material films have high mechanical strength, but they are the most hydrophilic. The KA starchy material yields a gel with greater clarity and less tendency to retrograde. Because of its high amylopectin content, its films are more elongatable and less hydrophilic and have the lowest mechanical strength. The MM starchy material presents the smallest particle size, which increases its thermal stability and decreases its swelling power and amylose leaching. This starchy material yields a less soluble gel with less clarity at 25, 4, and −18 °C, and its films are the most elongatable. Meanwhile, the YW starchy material has the greatest swelling power, which results in thicker films with better mechanical properties and water resistance.

Co-Microencapsulation of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana) Oil with Natural Antioxidants Extracts.

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia huayllabambana) oil was co-microencapsulated with natural antioxidant extracts (NAE), such as camu-camu (Myrciaria dubia (HBK) Mc Vaugh) fruit, Añil variety Andean potato (Solanum tuberosum andigenum, and elderberry fruit (Sambucus peruviana). Gum Arabic and the ternary combination of gum Arabic (GA) + maltodextrin (MD) + whey protein isolate (WPI) at different formulations were used as coating materials for the encapsulation process using spray-drying. The moisture content, particle size distribution and morphology, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, fatty acid and sterol composition, oxidative stability, and shelf-life were evaluated. Co-microcapsules of sacha inchi (P. huayllabambana) oil with camu camu skin extract (CCSE) at 200 ppm encapsulated with GA + MD + WPI had the highest total polyphenol content (4239.80 µg GAE/g powder), antioxidant activity (12,454.00 µg trolox/g powder), omega-3 content (56.03%), β-sitosterol (62.5%), greater oxidative stability (Oxidation Onset temperature of 189 °C), higher shelf-life (3116 h), and smaller particle sizes (6.42 μm). This research enhances the knowledge to obtain microcapsules containing sacha inchi (P. huayllabambana) oil with natural antioxidant extracts that could be used for the development of functional foods. Further research is needed to study the potential interactions and their influence between the bioactive components of the microcapsules and the challenges that may occur during scale-up to industrial production.

Red-purple Andean potato polyphenols have an in vitro anti-neuroblastoma effect via mitochondrial dysfunction-induced apoptosis

Andean potatoes (Solanum tuberosum ssp. andigena) are a good source of dietary polyphenols, such as phenolic acid and flavonoids. These polyphenols have several beneficial effects on human health due to their antioxidant properties. Previously, we demonstrated that polyphenol extracts from Andean potato tubers exerted a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect in human neuroblastoma cells. However, the mechanisms involved in this cytotoxic activity were not explored. Here, we show that polyphenols from Santa María tuber activated programmed cell death by caspase-independent apoptosis. They induced cell morphology changes, including the nucleus, and slightly affected the cell cycle. Furthermore, tuber polyphenols altered redox homeostasis and mitochondrial function of neuroblastoma cells, which increased the number of apoptotic cells. We also showed that neither Bcl-2 nor caspase-3 was involved in this mechanism of death. In summary, our results demonstrated that polyphenols from Santa María tuber are bioactive compounds that have mitochondria as a target and contribute to revalorizing Andean potatoes as a functional food. These findings suggest that they would be a good source of anti-tumor compounds that could induce tumor cell death even in apoptotic-resistant tumors, opening new therapeutic avenues.

Metabolite profiling and cytotoxic activity of Andean potatoes: Polyamines and glycoalkaloids as potential anticancer agents in human neuroblastoma cells in vitro

Andean potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L. ssp. andigena) are a good source of dietary antioxidant polyphenols. We have previously demonstrated that polyphenol extracts from Andean potato tubers exerted a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, being skin extracts more potent than flesh ones. In order to gain insight into the bioactivities of potato phenolics, we investigated the composition and the in vitro cytotoxic activity of total extracts and fractions of skin and flesh tubers of three Andean potato cultivars (Santa María, Waicha, and Moradita). Potato total extracts were subjected to liquid–liquid fractionation using ethyl acetate solvent in organic and aqueous fractions. We analyzed both fractions by HPLC-DAD, HPLC-ESI-MS/MS, and HPLC-HRMS. Results corroborated the expected composition of each fraction. Organic fractions were rich in hydroxycinnamic acids (principally chlorogenic acid isomers), whereas aqueous fractions contained mainly polyamines conjugated with phenolic acids, glycoalkaloids, and flavonoids. Aqueous fractions were cytotoxic against SH-SY5Y cells and even more potent than their respective total extracts. Treatment with a combination of both fractions showed a similar cytotoxic response to the corresponding extract. According to correlation studies, it is tempting to speculate that polyamines and glycoalkaloids are crucial in inducing cell death. Our findings indicate that the activity of Andean potato extracts is a combination of various compounds and contribute to the revalorization of potato as a functional food.

Pest categorisation of Atalodera andina.

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Atalodera andina (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) for the European Union (EU) territory. A. andina belongs to the order Rhabditida, subfamily Ataloderinae. This species has not been reported from the EU. It is not included in the EU Commission Implementing Regulation 2019/2072. It is present in the area of the Lake Titicaca of both Peru and Bolivia and in valleys of the region. There is a report in literature stating that specimens were obtained from Chile and identified as A. andina but details on their geographical origin were not given. The identity of A. andina is well established and methods of its identification are available. Natural hosts include the tuber crops Ullucus tuberosus, Oxalis tuberosa and the Andean potato (Solanum tuberosum subsp. andigenum). Experimental hosts include plants of the genus Brassica (such as B. oleracea, B. napus, B. campestris), sugar beet, tomato and clover. Pathways of entry are host plants for planting including seed tubers, subterranean parts of plants intended for consumption, soil as such or attached to plants for planting, machinery or footwear, soil in packaging (bags). Suitable climates exist in the EU but their extent is uncertain and depends on assumptions made on the occurrence of the pest around Lake Titicaca. In the EU, potato, which is grown on about 1,500,000 ha annually, is expected to be the main host of the nematode. Soil and plants for planting are prohibited from import to the EU from third countries where the pest is known to occur. However, this does not cover hosts of A. andina other than species of Solanaceae. The nematode has been reported to damage Andean potato crops, although this has not been quantified. Following its introduction in the EU, A. andina is expected to cause impacts on potato (S. tuberosum subsp. tuberosum), although there is uncertainty on the magnitude of this impact. Also damage on other hosts cannot be excluded. Therefore, the Panel concludes that A. andina satisfies all the criteria that are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest.

Where to Invest Project Efforts for Greater Benefit: A Framework for Management Performance Mapping with Examples for Potato Seed Health

Policymakers and donors often need to identify the locations where technologies are most likely to have important effects, to increase the benefits from agricultural development or extension efforts. Higher-quality information may help to target the high-benefit locations, but often actions are needed with limited information. The value of information (VOI) in this context is formalized by evaluating the results of decision making guided by a set of specific information compared with the results of acting without considering that information. We present a framework for management performance mapping that includes evaluating the VOI for decision making about geographic priorities in regional intervention strategies, in case studies of Andean and Kenyan potato seed systems. We illustrate the use of recursive partitioning, XGBoost, and Bayesian network models to characterize the relationships among seed health and yield responses and environmental and management predictors used in studies of seed degeneration. These analyses address the expected performance of an intervention based on geographic predictor variables. In the Andean example, positive selection of seed from asymptomatic plants was more effective at high altitudes in Ecuador. In the Kenyan example, there was the potential to target locations with higher technology adoption rates and with higher potato cropland connectivity, i.e., a likely more important role in regional epidemics. Targeting training to high management performance areas would often provide more benefits than would random selection of target areas. We illustrate how assessing the VOI can contribute to targeted development programs and support a culture of continuous improvement for interventions.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

Impact of initial explants on in vitro propagation of native potato (Solanum tuberosum, Andigena group)

The high nutritional potential of native potatoes makes them an invaluable genetic resource for breeding. However, pathogens have caused both yield and industrial quality losses, and plant tissue culture is a promising alternative to obtain clean plant material. We compared distinct segments excised from apical and lateral sprouts taken from tubers as initial explants for in vitro culture of sixteen native potato genotypes. Thus, apical-distal (AD), mid-apical, lateral-distal, and mid-lateral segments were all grown on Murashige & Skoog medium. These explants were aseptic, reactive, and viable for all genotypes (with a probability greater than 30%), yielding cumulative proliferation rates of up to 1:10 individualizable segments, and about 86% of in vitro plants with 2 to 11 roots of up to 117 mm long. Responses were genotype-dependent during all stages of cultivation, and the best responding genotypes were Maravillosa, Duraznillo and Pepina Rodeo. On the other hand, AD sprouts were the best sprout type and segment for in vitro establishment, regardless of genotype. This is the first study of its kind with such a large range of Andean potato genotypes and should contribute to their germplasm conservation and increased multiplication efficiency.

Andean potato mottle virus (Andean mottle of potato)

Andean potato mottle virus (Andean mottle of potato)

Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Relatedness in an Andean Potato Collection from Argentina by High-Density Genotyping

Native potatoes are the most diverse among cultivated potato species and thus constitute a valuable source for identifying genes for potato improvement. Nevertheless, high-density mapping, needed to reveal allelic diversity, has not been performed for native Argentinian potatoes. We present a study of the genetic variability and population structure of 96 Andigena potatoes from Northwestern Argentina performed using a subset of 5035 SNPs with no missing data and full reproducibility. These high-density markers are distributed across the genome and present a good coverage of genomic regions. A Bayesian approach revealed the presence of: (I) a major group comprised of most of the Andean accessions; (II) a smaller group containing the out-group cv. Spunta and the sequenced genotype DM; and (III) a third group containing colored flesh potatoes. This grouping was also consistent when maximum likelihood trees were constructed and further confirmed by a principal coordinate analysis. A group of 19 accessions stored as Andean varieties clustered consistently with group Tuberosum accessions. This was in agreement with previous studies and we hypothesize that they may be reintroductions of European-bred long day-adapted potatoes. The present study constitutes a valuable source for allele mining of genes of interest and thus provides a tool for association mapping studies.

Virus Incidence Associated with Native Potato Yield in Microcenters of Potato Genetic Diversity of Bolivian

In the Bolivian Andean region, a diversity native potatoes species (Solanum spp) are cultivated. Areas where many types of native potato are grown are known as microcentres of potato genetic diversity. However, yields are low in these places, apparently related to viral infections. The incidence of the potato-affecting viruses Potato Virus X (PVX), Potato Virus Y (PVY), Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV), Andean Potato Latent Virus (APLV) and Andean Potato Mottle Virus (APMoV) was examined by DAS-ELISA in microcentres of two high Andean regions of Bolivia, i.e. an Aymara culture region in the north of La Paz, and a Quechua culture region in the Dept. of Cochabamba. The relationship between viral incidence and potato yield was explored as well. The presence of all five viruses was detected in both regions, except APMoV in the Aymara region. The mean overall incidence of viral infection was greater in the Aymara than in the Quechua region. The most commonly detected viruses were PVX, PVY and APLV. Mix-infections of PVY + PVX and PVY + PLRV were most common in the Aymara region, and PVX + APLV and PVX + APMoV in the Quechua region. Potato yield was less in Aymara than in Quechua region and it was correlated to higher incidence of PVY and PVX in Aymara region. Low yields and high incidence of viral infection seems to be related to the ancestral management by planting native seed potatoes of poor quality. In conclusion, four of the five viruses sought were detected in the Aymara region, and all five in the Quechua region, although the overall incidence of viral infection was greater in the Aymara region, where the yields recorded were also lower.Resumen.En la región andina boliviana se cultivan una diversidad de especies nativas de papa (Solanum spp). Las áreas donde se cultivan muchos tipos de papa nativa se conocen como microcentros de diversidad genética de la papa. Sin embargo, los rendimientos son bajos en estos lugares, aparentemente relacionados con infecciones virales. Se examinó la incidencia de los virus que afectan a la papa, el Virus X de la Papa (PVX), Virus Y de la Papa (PVY), Virus del Rollo de hoja de Papa (PLRV), Virus Latente de la Papa Andina (APLV) y Virus moteado de la Papa Andina(APMoV) por DAS-ELISA en microcentros de dos regiones altoandinas de Bolivia, por ejemplo, una región de cultivo Aymara en el norte de La Paz y una región de cultivo Quechua en el Departamento de Cochabamba. También se exploró la relación entre la incidencia viral y el rendimiento de la papa. Se detectó la presencia de los cinco virus en ambas regiones, excepto APMoV en la región Aymara. La incidencia global media de infección viral fue mayor en la región Aymara que en la región Quechua. Los virus más comúnmente detectados fueron PVX, PVY y APLV. Las infecciones por mezcla de PVY + PVX y PVY + PLRV fueron más comunes en la región Aymara, y PVX + APLV y PVX + APMoV en la región Quechua. El rendimiento de papa fue menor enAaymara que en la región Quechua y se correlacionó con una mayor incidencia de PVY y PVX en la región Aymara. Estamos evidenciando que los bajos rendimientos y la alta incidencia de infección viral parecen estar relacionados con el manejo ancestral mediante la siembra de papas de semilla nativa de mala calidad. En conclusión, cuatro de los cinco virus buscados se detectaron en la región Aymara, y los cinco en la región Quechua, aunque la incidencia general de infección viral fue mayor en la región Aymara, donde los rendimientos registrados también fueron menores.

First signs of late blight resistance in traditional native potatoes of Pasco\u2014Peru, a preliminary assay

BackgroundThe native Andean potatoes, despite their low yield, have a large diversity that is conserved by subsistence farmers in Peru, due to their culinary characteristics and other qualities. However, this diversity is threatened by the impacts of climate change, which would directly affect the food security of these people, and eventually ours. Among its qualities of resistance to pests and diseases, there could be a genetic source of resistance to late blight, one of the most damaging diseases of the potato crop in the world. In this assay, 103 native landraces collected from local farmers in the Pasco region of Peru were subjected to natural infection conditions with Phytophthora infestans to identify potential resistant landraces within them.ResultsThe 103 landraces assessed showed a broad variety of responses and were classified as “resistant” (22%), “moderately resistant” (57%), and “susceptible landraces” (21%). A relative effect of the disease in the yield is also shown, which is already low for commercial intentions.ConclusionWithin this representative sample of the native potato diversity of the Pasco region, at least 23 local varieties grown by subsistence farmers have resistance qualities against eventual late blight disease.