Potato Cultivars Research Articles

Plant Growth–Promoting Microorganisms: Performance of Potato Cultivars in Aeroponics

Plant Growth–Promoting Microorganisms: Performance of Potato Cultivars in Aeroponics

Efficacy of natural and synthetic inhibitors in the elimination of viruses in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Background. Developing new effective plant protection methods against viruses is a vital task for seed potato production. The use of virus inhibitors (mainly synthetic ones) is the most common method in potato virus control. Products of natural origin might be a way to reduce the dependence on synthetic inhibitors. Among the former, extracts from seaweeds have high potential, producing a low or no negative impact on the environment or human health. Materials and methods. The materials of the research included potato cvs. ‘Poseidon’ and ‘Orion’ developed at the Federal Scientific Center of Agricultural Biotechnology of the Far East named after A.K. Chaika, the commercial antiviral product Ribavirin, and the sulfated polysaccharide – carrageenan – obtained from red algae at the G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry. A highly sensitive PCR method was employed to detect viral infections in plant samples. Results. The efficacy of chemotherapy with Ribavirin (0.03%) was established at 79.8% against PVY, 77.0% against PLRV, 80.3% against PVM, and 84.5% against PVS. The most successfully eliminated viruses were PVY, PVM, and PVS. Carrageenan as an antiviral substance eliminated potato viruses at the following rates: PLRV in 74.7% of the explants, PVM in 70.2%, PVS in 69.2%, and PVY in 16.9%. Conclusion. Analyzing the antiviral activity of natural and synthetic virus inhibitors in the case study of carrageenan and Ribavirin demonstrated their high efficacy against potato viruses. Natural polysaccharides – carrageenans – were observed to have a significant antiviral effect, so their use in agricultural biotechnology might be promising for new experiments. Our approach successfully eliminated viruses in two new promising potato cultivars, ‘Poseidon’ and ‘Orion’, which were included in the system of virus-free seed production. These cultivars were submitted for patenting and official testing under the State Variety Trials.

Streptomyces fradiae Mitigates the Impact of Potato Virus Y by Inducing Systemic Resistance in Two Egyptian Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars

In this study, the impact of culture media filtrate of QD3 actinobacterial isolate on two potato cultivars, Spunta and Diamond, infected with potato virus Y (PVY) was investigated. Various parameters, including infection percentage, PVY virus infectivity, disease severity scoring, PVY optical density, photosynthetic and defense-related biochemical markers, enzymatic profiling, phenolic compounds, proline content, salicylic acid levels, and growth and yield parameters, were assessed to elucidate the potential of the QD3 actinobacterial isolate culture filtrate in mitigating PVY-induced damage. The physiological and biochemical characteristics of the QD3 actinobacterial isolate, including its salinity tolerance, pH preferences, and metabolic traits, were investigated. Molecular identification via 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed its classification as Streptomyces fradiae QD3, and it was deposited in GenBank with the gene accession number MN160630. Distinct responses between Spunta and Diamond cultivars, with Spunta displaying greater resistance to PVY infection. Notably, pre-infection foliar application of the QD3 filtrate significantly reduced disease symptoms and virus infection in both cultivars. For post-PVY infection, the QD3 filtrate effectively mitigated disease severity and the PVY optical density. Furthermore, the QD3 filtrate positively influenced photosynthetic pigments, enzymatic antioxidant activities, and key biochemical components associated with plant defense mechanisms. Gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry (GC‒MS) analysis revealed palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester) and oleic acid (9-octadecanoic acid, methyl ester) as the most prominent compounds, with retention times of 23.23 min and 26.41 min, representing 53.27% and 23.25%, respectively, of the total peak area as primary unsaturated fatty acids and demonstrating antiviral effects against plant viruses. Cytotoxicity assays on normal human skin fibroblasts (HSFs) revealed the safety of QD3 metabolites, with low discernible toxicity at high concentrations, reinforcing their potential as safe and effective interventions. The phytotoxicity results indicate that all the seeds presented high germination rates of approximately 95–98%, suggesting that the treatment conditions had no phytotoxic effect on the Brassica oleracea (broccoli) seeds, Lactuca sativa (lettuce) seeds, and Eruca sativa (arugula or rocket) seeds. Overall, the results of this study suggest that the S. fradiae filtrate has promising anti-PVY properties, influencing various physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects in potato cultivars. These findings provide valuable insights into potential strategies for managing PVY infections in potato crops, emphasizing the importance of Streptomyces-derived interventions in enhancing plant health and crop protection.

Effects of In-Row Spacing on Yield, Tuber Size Profiles, Bruise Damage, and Crop Values for Cultivars Alturas, Clearwater Russet and Ranger Russet in the Columbia Basin

AbstractVariety selection and cultural management practices are the most common considerations for improved profitability in potato production systems. Planting density investigations have led to both within and between-row spacing recommendations to maximize profitability for commonly grown potato cultivars. Planting density can significantly alter tuber set, tuber size distribution, yield and profitability depending on end-use of the crop. However, rarely have such investigations included an assessment of the residual effects of changes in tuber size distribution on tuber bruising (blackspot and shatter bruise) and associated financial returns. The physics of impact injury suggests that larger tubers are more prone to tuber bruising than smaller tubers when dropped from a similar height. In this study we varied the in-row spacing of seed to investigate the extent to which the associated changes in tuber size distribution affect tuber bruising and crop values. The results demonstrated that: (1) the extent of tuber bruising was directly correlated with total marketable yield as altered by in-row spacing; (2) marketable yields decreased as in-row spacing increased; (3) while the absolute yield (MT ha−1) of bruised tubers increased with closer in-row spacing, the spacing-induced shifts in tuber size distribution had no effect on the percentage of bruised tubers as a proportion of total yield; (4) larger tubers were more prone to bruising; and (5) closer in-row spacing significantly improved financial returns for both processing and seed contracts despite the increase in bruise yield.

Influence of Storage Conditions on Four Chipping Potato Cultivars Developed in North Dakota

Cold temperature storage (lower than 10 °C) has been used as a management strategy to extend marketability and reduce potato storage losses. However, cold temperatures may result in dark-colored chips through a process known as cold-induced sweetening (CIS). ‘Dakota Crisp’ and ‘Dakota Diamond’ are two North Dakota State University potato breeding program cultivar releases selected for cold-chipping ability with high tuber yield potential. Two-year storage trials were conducted to examine sugar development and tuber processing quality of four cultivars grown at three nitrogen rates under irrigated and non-irrigated field conditions. The two-way interaction between storage period and storage temperature was significant for sucrose content, glucose content, visual chip color, and Agtron values, indicating a difference in sugar development for each storage temperature profile. Among the four cultivars evaluated under both irrigated and non-irrigated production conditions, ‘Dakota Pearl’ accumulated significantly less sucrose and glucose compared to other cultivars under the same storage conditions. ‘Dakota Crisp’ produced acceptable chip color from 8.9 °C after long term storage, while ‘Dakota Diamond’ produced acceptable chip color from 8.9 °C for up to 6 months of storage. These results emphasize the importance of developing cultivar-specific management profiles including storage and the informational need for producers and processors in determining the best practices for individual cultivars.

Deep Rooting as an Indicator of Deep Soil Water and N Uptake in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

AbstractBreeding for potato deep roots can increase water and nitrogen uptake by potatoes and it can be an option to maintain stable yields with decreased inputs. This study investigates the relationship between potato root characteristics, water stress resistance and deep soil nitrogen uptake, accessing variations among cultivars and nitrogen fertilization levels. Thirteen potato cultivars were grown during 2018 and 2020 at a semi-field root phenotyping platform in Denmark. Root growth was monitored via minirhizotron tubes down to 1.8 m soil depth. Drought treatment started in the mid-June and deep soil nitrogen uptake was tracked via 15N isotope application at 1.3–1.4 m soil depth during tuber formation. Water stress resilience was identified using 13C natural discrimination process in plants. Tuber samples were analyzed for 15N and 13C content. While drought affected potato yield (not always significantly), it did not affect nitrogen uptake. Root length and distribution varied among varieties, with deeper roots (down to 1.30 m) observed in August. Statistical differences (p < 0.05) in root length, yield and nitrogen uptake were found among varieties. Cultivars with longer growing season exhibited larger, deeper roots and increased nitrogen uptake from deep soil. High correlation (R = 0.8) between deep roots and 15N uptake was observed for all varieties. Deeper roots are contributing to deep soil nitrogen uptake, but 13C content in tubers is not a reliable indicator of water stress resilience. Despite this, the study suggests the potential for breeding potatoes with deep roots to achieve stable yields, considering differences in water and nitrogen uptake among varieties.

Genetic Diversity and Pathogenicity of Phytophthora infestans Isolates on Four Solanum tuberosum (Potato) Cultivars in Nariño, Colombia

Phytophthora infestans remains a major threat to global potato production. This study focused on characterizing and assessing the pathogenicity of P. infestans isolates on detached potato leaves and in greenhouse trials across four cultivars. Seven isolates were obtained from high potato-producing regions in the department of Nariño, Colombia. The isolates were analyzed using 12 microsatellite markers to determine genetic distances. Two genetically distinct isolates showed markedly different pathogenicity on detached leaves: isolate P00921 caused complete infection by day five, whereas P00321 showed no symptoms. These two isolates (P00921 and P00321) selected for having the greatest genetic distance and highest pathogenicity among the seven analyzed were further tested in a greenhouse setup on four potato cultivars using a randomized block design. Disease progression was monitored over nine days. The results indicated significant variations in pathogenicity linked to genetic diversity among isolates. Notably, Capiro and Margarita cultivars were more prone to severe disease than Suprema and Única. These findings highlight the complex nature of host–pathogen interactions and suggest the need for tailored approaches in disease management and cultivar selection.

Prevalence of the Potato virus Y strain composition impacting Michigan seed potato production

Potato virus Y (PVY) is a complex of multiple strains that cause a variety of foliar and tuber symptoms. Several current strains have potential to result in variety-dependent yield and quality losses. Understanding the local PVY strain population and variety responses are critical for detection and management. From 2019-2023, PVY strain composition was monitored across seven Michigan seed potato-producing counties growing prevalent chip, russet, and tablestock market classes. Using multiplex reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction methods, PVY strains were identified from potato tuber or leaf samples collected through the certification program (N = 78 positive lots). PVYN-Wi remained most prevalent in Michigan, however, tuber necrotic strains PVYNTN and PVYE also continued to be detected. These, as well as some PVYN-Wi isolates, are known to cause necrotic symptoms in tubers, causing yield and quality reductions for susceptible potato cultivars. As in other U.S. potato-growing regions, PVYN-Wi and PVYNTN were most prevalent in Michigan seed potato lots. Of note, mild to severe tuber necrosis was observed in diagnostic samples positive with local PVYN-Wi strains. Parental strain PVYO appeared to re-emerge in 2023 and should be considered in certification and management. Mild or asymptomatic reactions may still lead to yield or quality losses and may pose a risk to more susceptible cultivars. Due to the diversity of strains and varieties prevalent in the Great Lakes region, continued uniform certification is recommended. Information gathered from this and future survey efforts will be valuable for growers, inspectors, and future breeding and selection efforts.

Proteomics fingerprinting reveals importance of iron and oxidative stress in Streptomyces scabies-Solanum tuberosum interactions.

The Gram-positive actinobacterium Streptomyces scabies is the major causal agent of potato common scab. The main pathogenicity factor is thaxtomin A, a phytotoxin that causes atypical cell death, although other secondary metabolites have been described to play a role in S. scabies virulence. Despite this, many aspects of the interaction between S. scabies and its primary host Solanum tuberosum L. remain to be elucidated. Intracellular proteins of S. scabies EF-35 grown in the presence of in vitro produced tubers (microtubers) of the Russet Burbank and Yukon Gold potato cultivars were extracted and analysed by electrospray mass spectrometry (ES MS/MS). Based on the results of proteomic analysis, iron quantification by ICP-MS and nitrite quantification using Griess reagent in growth media as well as RT-qPCR analysis of the siderophore pyochelin gene expression were performed in the presence and absence of microtubers. Hydrogen peroxide accumulation was also determined in the nutrient medium used for co-cultivation of bacteria and potato microtubers. Potato microtubers caused an increase in the content of bacterial proteins involved in stress and defense, secondary metabolism, and cell differentiation, as well as secreted proteins. Co-cultivation with potato microtubers induced the accumulation of S. scabies proteins implicated in siderophore pyochelin biosynthesis, nitrite production and oxidative stress perception and response. The increase in the abundance of proteins related to pyochelin biosynthesis was consistent with a significant decrease in the iron content in the culture medium, as well as with induction of expression of pyochelin biosynthesis genes. Elevated nitrite/sulfite reductase protein levels were associated with increased nitrite excretion by S. scabies cells in the presence of host microtubers. The increase in the levels of proteins associated with signaling and oxidative stress response could have been caused by the accumulation of ROS, in particular hydrogen peroxide, detected in the studied system. These findings show that interactions of S. scabies with living potato microtubers induce the production of secondary metabolites, defense responses, and protection from oxidative stress. This study suggests the importance of iron during host - S. scabies interactions, resulting in competition between pathogen and its host.

Bioactive Compound Diversity in a Wide Panel of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Cultivars: A Resource for Nutritional Food Development.

This study provides an overview of the composition of the raw root flesh of a panel of 22 sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) cultivars, with a focus on bioactive compounds. The large diversity of the proximate and phytochemical compositions observed between cultivars and within and between different flesh colors pointed out the importance of composition analysis and not only color choice for the design of foods with nutritional benefits. The nutritional composition (starch, protein, total dietary fibers) and bioactive compound composition of 22 cultivars from Reunion Island, maintained in the Vatel Biological Resource Center, were investigated. Orange and purple cultivars stood out from white and yellow cultivars for their higher nutritional composition. Purple sweet potatoes were notable for their high contents of anthocyanins (55.7 to 143.4 mg/g dry weight (DW)) and phenolic compounds, in particular chlorogenic acid and ferulic acid, contributing to antioxidant activities, as well as their fiber content (14.1 ± 2.1% DW). Orange cultivars were rich in β-carotene (47.2 ± 0.7 mg/100 g DW) and to a lesser extent α-carotene (4.8 ± 1.2 mg/100 g DW). In contrast, certain white cultivars demonstrated suboptimal nutritional properties, rendering them less relevant even for applications where the lack of coloration in food is desired. Those characteristics enable the selection of sweet potato varieties to design food products ensuring optimal nutritional benefits and culinary versatility.

Identification of novel natural anti-browning agents based on phenotypic and metabolites differences in potato cultivars

This study aimed to elucidate the changes of browning-related metabolite in fresh-cut potato and to identify anti-browning agents. Metabolomics and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify metabolites and correlate them with potato browning traits. A total of 79 browning trait-positive-related metabolites and 19 browning trait-negative-related metabolites were obtained from four key modules via WGCNA. The accumulation of metabolites with rich reducing groups and acidic groups were found to enhance anti-browning activity in potatoes. Among these metabolites, only L-pyroglutamic acid (L-PA) and ascorbic acid had variable importance for the projection (VIP) values greater than 1.5. In addition, it was found that L-PA inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity by lowering pH and interacting with amino acid residues of PPO. L-PA also inhibited the growth of microorganisms in fresh-cut potato. Our results show that L-AP is an effective novel anti-browning agent with antibacterial activity.

Agronomic dataset on potato growth and yield in the Netherlands

Data was collected at two field locations in the Netherlands: on the clayey soils in Lelystad and the sandy soils of Vredepeel during 2019 and 2020. The original aim of this dataset was to calibrate and evaluate crop growth models for estimating potential, water-limited and nitrogen-limited yield levels for modern potato cultivars. Therefore, treatments include different cultivars, irrigation regimes, nitrogen fertilization, and light interception. During the two seasons extensive data was collected either passively, via non-destructive or via destructive measurements. Passive measurements consisted of weather and soil moisture data and were taken continuously throughout the season. Non-destructive data was collected on photosynthesis, reflection/light intensity, SPAD chlorophyll values, plant height, crop phenology, and groundwater level roughly every other week throughout the seasons. Destructive measurements were taken on biomass (leaves, stems and tubers), leaf area, NPK content (leaves), and the number of tubers between five and seven times per season. Additionally, during the final harvest data was collected on the tuber size distribution, marketability, and NPK content of the tubers.

Assessment of Susceptibility of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars to Root Lesion Nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, and Disease Impact on Plant Growth and Tuber Weight

Assessment of Susceptibility of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivars to Root Lesion Nematode, Pratylenchus penetrans, and Disease Impact on Plant Growth and Tuber Weight

Response of Solanum tuberosum L. to drip irrigation and nitrogen application: productivity, nutrition composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity

Sustainable crop cultivation is a crucial goal in modern agriculture, aiming to attain high productivity while conserving natural resources. This requires the implementation of rational cultivation techniques, with proper irrigation and fertilization practices playing a crucial role in ensuring plant well-being and providing natural protection against biotic and abiotic stresses. The health-promoting properties of crops are also significantly influenced by irrigation and fertilization. This study investigated the productivity, nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity of Vineta early potato cultivar tubers under drip irrigation conditions, combined with nitrogen fertilization through fertigation or broadcasting. Two-factor trials included drip irrigation (control or drip) and nitrogen application (broadcast or fertigation). Precise treatments, such as drip irrigation and N-fertigation were found to enhance all productivity traits. Both practices positively impacted tuber nutrient content. The highest levels of total polyphenols and chlorogenic acid were observed in non-irrigated and broadcasted tubers. Drip-irrigated and N-fertigated tubers exhibited high levels of vitamin C and antioxidant activity. In summary, the combination of drip irrigation with appropriate fertilization methods positively influenced potato crops, as evidenced by an increase in productivity and the quality of tubers.

Transcriptomic and Metabolic Analysis Reveals Genes and Pathways Associated with Flesh Pigmentation in Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Tubers.

Anthocyanins, flavonoid pigments, are responsible for the purple and red hues in potato tubers. This study analyzed tubers from four potato cultivars-red RR, purple HJG, yellow QS9, and white JZS8-to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying tuber pigmentation. Our transcriptomic analysis identified over 2400 differentially expressed genes between these varieties. Notably, genes within the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were enriched in HJG and RR compared to the non-pigmented JZS8, correlating with their higher levels of anthocyanin precursors and related substances. Hierarchical clustering revealed inverse expression patterns for the key genes involved in anthocyanin metabolism between pigmented and non-pigmented varieties. Among these, several MYB transcription factors displayed strong co-expression with anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, suggesting a regulatory role. Specifically, the expression of 16 MYB genes was validated using qRT-PCR to be markedly higher in pigmented HJG and RR versus JZS8, suggesting that these MYB genes might be involved in tuber pigmentation. This study comprehensively analyzed the transcriptome of diverse potato cultivars, highlighting specific genes and metabolic pathways involved in tuber pigmentation. These findings provide potential molecular targets for breeding programs focused on enhancing tuber color.

Adaptability, stability, and productivity of potato breeding clones and cultivars at high latitudes in Europe

The aim of potato breeding is to release cultivars that exhibit high and stable performance across the target population of environments. The objective of this research was therefore to investigate the use of various methods (site regression [SREG], coefficient of variation and regression deviation [σ2δ]) for determining the adaptability and stability of productive and quality traits in the Nordic region of Europe. The multi-environment trials included 256 breeding clones and released cultivars grown by EU farmers at three distinct testing sites over two years in Sweden. There was significant (P < 0.001) variation in tuber yield, starch percentage and reducing sugars in the tuber flesh among the breeding clones and cultivars, testing environments and the genotype by environment interaction (GEI). The environments were very diverse, as revealed by the SREG biplots and particularly for the GEI patterns noted in terms of their productive and quality characteristics. The percentage of stable high-tuber yielding germplasm was greater for breeding clones (23%) than for released European cultivars (2%), thus revealing the advantage of potato breeding in the target population of environments. SLU 1415001 and SLU 1314015 were the most promising breeding clones due to their stable high tuber yield. This characteristic was best for the starch potato cultivars, although none of them exhibited a significant different σ2δ. ‘Talent’ shows an almost stable good performance among low reducing sugar cultivars and breeding clones, which are often unstable in terms of their scoring across environments. Neither a breeding clone nor a cultivar was at the top for stable tuber yield, tuber flesh starch or reducing sugars in the tuber flesh, which shows the challenge faced by potato breeding while addressing the needs of different markets.

EVALUATION OF MORPHOBIOLOGICAL AND PRODUCTIVE INDICATORS OF POTATO CULTIVARS (Solanum tuberosum l.) IN THE AREA OF MYZEQE, LUSHNJE

The potato is spread all over the world, being planted in plain, hilly, sub-mountain, and mountain areas. In Albania, 10,000 to 14,000 ha of early, medium, and late potatoes are planted. In recent years, the yield of potatoes in large-scale production has increased for two reasons: First, it is planted in more productive soils and under irrigated conditions, so there are improvements in cultivation. Secondly, new cultivars with higher biological productive capacity have been introduced into cultivation. The study of morphobiological and productive indicators of potato cultivars is ongoing to achieve high and sustainable yields. This also includes the study carried out in Zhama, Lushnje, in which eleven cultivars were included, specifically: La Perla, Valencia, Aleksjo, Gaya 1, Amora, Gaya 2, Juveli, Fidel, Solo, Zisi and Melene 2. The experiment was set up on light soils according to a randomized block design with eleven variants and four replications. Planting was done with the workforce in two days, on February 8 and 9, 2023. During the vegetation, ten plants for each variant and repetition were determined on which biometric and production measurements were made, such as Plant height, number of shoots per plant, production per plant, number of grains per plant, production in percentage by weight; up to 30 g, 31 - 80 g, 81 - 120 g and over 120 g. The data was processed to determine the best cultivar.

Plant growth and nitrate absorption and assimilation of two sweet potato cultivars with different N tolerances in response to nitrate supply

In sweet potato, rational nitrogen (N) assimilation and distribution are conducive to inhibiting vine overgrowth. Nitrate (NO3-) is the main N form absorbed by roots, and cultivar is an important factor affecting N utilization. Herein, a hydroponic experiment was conducted that included four NO3- concentrations of 0 (N0), 4 (N1), 8 (N2) and 16 (N3) mmol L-1 with two cultivars of Jishu26 (J26, N-sensitive) and Xushu32 (X32, N-tolerant). For J26, with increasing NO3- concentrations, the root length and root surface area significantly decreased. However, no significant differences were observed in these parameters for X32. Higher NO3- concentrations upregulated the expression levels of the genes that encode nitrate reductase (NR2), nitrite reductase (NiR2) and nitrate transporter (NRT1.1) in roots for both cultivars. The trends in the activities of NR and NiR were subject to regulation of NR2 and NiR2 transcription, respectively. For both cultivars, N2 increased the N accumulated in leaves, growth points and roots. For J26, N3 further increased the N accumulation in these organs. Under higher NO3- nutrition, compared with X32, J26 exhibited higher expression levels of the NiR2, NR2 and NRT1.1 genes, a higher influx NO3- rate in roots, and higher activities of NR and NiR in leaves and roots. Conclusively, the regulated effects of NO3- supplies on root growth and NO3- utilization were more significant for J26. Under high NO3- conditions, J26 exhibited higher capacities of NO3- absorption and distributed more N in leaves and in growth points, which may contribute to higher growth potential in shoots and more easily cause vine overgrowth.

Overexpression of dehydroascorbate reductase gene IbDHAR1 improves the tolerance to abiotic stress in sweet potato.

Dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), an indispensable enzyme in the production of ascorbic acid (AsA) in plants, is vital for plant tolerance to various stresses. However, there is limited research on the stress tolerance functions of DHAR genes in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas [L.] Lam). In this study, the full-length IbDHAR1 gene was cloned from the leaves of sweet potato cultivar Xu 18. The IbDHAR1 protein is speculated to be located in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus. As revealed by qRT-PCR, the relative expression level of IbDHAR1 in the proximal storage roots was much greater than in the other tissues, and could be upregulated by high-temperature, salinity, drought, and abscisic acid (ABA) stress. The results of pot experiments indicated that under high salinity and drought stress conditions, transgenic Arabidopsis and sweet potato plants exhibited decreases in H2O2 and MDA levels. Conversely, the levels of antioxidant enzymes APX, SOD, POD, and ACT, and the content of DHAR increased. Additionally, the ratio of AsA/DHA was greater in transgenic lines than in the wild type. The results showed that overexpression of IbDHAR1 intensified the ascorbic acid-glutathione cycle (AsA-GSH) and promoted the activity of the related antioxidant enzyme systems to improve plant stress tolerance and productivity.

Chromosome-scale genome assembly and annotation of the tetraploid potato cultivar Diacol Capiro adapted to the Andean region.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an essential crop for food security and is ranked as the third most important crop worldwide for human consumption. The Diacol Capiro cultivar holds the dominant position in Colombian cultivation, primarily catering to the food processing industry. This highly heterozygous, autotetraploid cultivar belongs to the Andigenum group and it stands out for its adaptation to a wide variety of environments spanning altitudes from 1,800 to 3,200 meters above sea level. Here, a chromosome-scale assembly, referred to as DC, is presented for this cultivar. The assembly was generated by combining circular consensus sequencing with proximity ligation Hi-C for the scaffolding and represents 2.369 Gb with 48 pseudochromosomes covering 2,091 Gb and an anchor rate of 88.26%. The reference genome metrics, including an N50 of 50.5 Mb, a BUSCO (Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologue) score of 99.38%, and an Long Terminal Repeat Assembly Index score of 13.53, collectively signal the achieved high assembly quality. A comprehensive annotation yielded a total of 154,114 genes, and the associated BUSCO score of 95.78% for the annotated sequences attests to their completeness. The number of predicted NLR (Nucleotide-Binding and Leucine-Rich-Repeat genes) was 2107 with a large representation of NBARC (for nucleotide binding domain shared by Apaf-1, certain R gene products, and CED-4) containing domains (99.85%). Further comparative analysis of the proposed annotation-based assembly with high-quality known potato genomes, showed a similar genome metrics with differences in total gene numbers related to the ploidy status. The genome assembly and annotation of DC presented in this study represent a valuable asset for comprehending potato genetics. This resource aids in targeted breeding initiatives and contributes to the creation of enhanced, resilient, and more productive potato varieties, particularly beneficial for countries in Latin America.