Fresh Tuber Research Articles

Effect of Urea and Nano-Nitrogen Fertigation and Foliar Application of Nano-Boron and Molybdenum on some Growth and Yield Parameters of Potato

Investigating the effect of urea and nano-nitrogen fertigation and foliar application of nano B and Mo on growth and yield of potato Solanum tuberosum L. [Rivera-A]. The study was conducted in a private farm located in the Al-Taleah area - Babylon governorate. The experiment consisted of (12) treatments consisting of separated fertigation of nano nitrogen (25% N) and urea (46% N), single treatments of leaf spraying of nano Mo (5%), Nano B (9%), nano-binary combinations (Mo+B) and (U+ Nano Mo), (U+Nano B), Nano (N+Mo), Nano (N+B), and tricombination treatments of (U+Mo+B), Nano (N+Mo+B) additional to the control treatment. Randomize Complete Block Design (RCBD) and one way simple experiment with three replicates. Fertilizers were applied at levels of 40 liters h-1 of Nano-N fertilizer (25% N) and 300 kg h-1 urea fertilizer (46% N). They were sprayed early in the morning after (40) days after planting four times. Two weeks is the period between an application and another according to the recommendation of (1) kg h-1 nano-fertilizer of (B) and (500) g h-1 of Mo. Fertilizers were injected and sprayed at (10, 20, 30 and 40)% of the total amount of the fertilizer were applied as the first, second, third and fourth applications, respectively. Some growth traits were tested including the chlorophyll content in the leaves, the total dry vegetative yild, the soft tubers yield, and the biological yield, proteins and ascorbic acid yield compared to the control (spray water only). The results of the Duncan test showed a significant increase in most of the studied traits of nano-tricombination (N+Mo+B) in the fresh tubers yield, dry vegetative yield , the biological yield, starch yield ,the total protein and ascorbic yield (37.53, 1.799, 8.138,4.152 , 481.3and 653.8 meg ha-1) respectively .compare to control (21.58 , 0.890, 4.463 ,2.323 , 366.1 and 215.5 meg ha-1) respectively.

Biochemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Fresh Tuber of Water Yam (Dioscorea alata L.) Local Accessions from East Java, Indonesia

Water yam (Dioscorea alata L.) is an important tuber crop containing essential nutrition as an alternative food source. This study aimed to analyze the biochemical composition and nutritional value of fresh tuber of fifteen local accessions of water yam from East Java and followed by the accession selection for the recommendation of accession with the best nutritional value. Results showed that the nutritional value of proximates including moisture, carbohydrate and fiber were significantly different; except in protein, fat, and ash, with the range of moisture (65.47-82.46%), carbohydrate (17.10-29.37%), protein (1.29- 3.00%), fat (0.00-0.29%), fiber (6.70-11.62%) and ash (0.85-1.44%). The ranges of mineral contents (mg/100g) were K (224.54-483.21), Ca (15.63-61.97), Mg (16.75-43.06), Fe (1.40-13.40), Zn (0.43-2.83) and P (329.37-699.91); Na mostly not detected. The anti-nutritions contents (mg/100g) comprised tannin (63.36-167.68) and oxalic acid (12.73-44.92). Analysis through HCA showed three clusters with a range of similarity from 67% to 96%; through PCA scatter biplot clearly illustrated the variation and correlation pattern among local accessions. Six promising accessions are recommended for further breeding and development i.e. Uwi Perti/30, Uwi Bangkulit/36, Uwi Bangkulit/42, Uwi Bangkulit/43, Uwi Biru/58 and Uwi Legi/66, based on their highest carbohydrates and protein content, and the lowest fat content.

Peningkatan Hasil Bawang Merah dan Perubahan Sifat Kimia Tanah dengan Pemupukan Berimbang Semi Organik pada Tanah Inceptisol

Increased Yields Onion Plant and Changes of Soil Chemical Properties with Semiorganic Fertilization on Inceptisol Soil Tabanan. Thisexperiment to study the effects of inorganic fertilizer (P) and organic fertilizer (K) on the chemical properties as well as onion yields. A Factorial Randomized Block Design pot Experiment was conducted under Inceptisol soil conditions located at Kerambitan District, Tabanan Regency. The inorganic treatments consisted of P0 (control), P1 (50kg Phonska ha-1 + 200 kg ZA ha-1), P2 (100 kg Phonska ha-1 + 150 kg ZA ha-1), P3 (150 kg Phonska ha-1 + 100 kg.ZA ha-1). The organic treatments consisted of K0 (control), K1 (2 tons ha-1), K2 (4 tons ha-1), K3 (6 tons ha-1). Plant parameters observed including: plant height (cm), maximum number of leaves, maximum number of tubers, fresh and oven dry weight of tubers and hypothetical tubers fresh yields. The observed chemical soil properties including: soil pH and CEC. All data were analyzed using variance analysis and Duncan's test (0.05). The results showed that all fertilization treatments have significant effects on most parameters observed except plant height, soil pH and CEC. The P2K2 (100 kg Phonska ha-1 + 150 kg ZA ha-1) and (4 tons ha-1) treatment resulted in the best effects on the number tubers (7.7 tubers), weight of fresh tubers (37.9 g), tubers dry weight (6.5 g) per pot respectively. The highest hypothetical yields (9.5 tons ha-1) were also found under this treatment as well as the highest soil pH (6.6) and CEC (46.8 me 100g-1 of soil).

Using bioenergy crop cassava (Manihot esculenta) for reclamation of heavily metal-contaminated land

Heavy metal contamination of agricultural lands may give rise to health risks by cultivation and consumption of food crops from such lands, as well as result in economic loss. Phytoremediation is an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to restore contaminated soil. However, the restoration process is slow and its sustainability is difficult to maintain. Bioenergy crops may provide alternative economic benefits to agriculture sector and reduce the risks associated with transfering heavy metals into food webs. In this study, a field experiment was carried out to determine the level of reclamation that would be attained in severely heavy metal-contaminated land by planting cassava (Manihot esculenta), a bioenergy crop. The results showed that cassava could grow well on the derelict land, with a fresh tuber yield of 23.13–26.22 t ha−1 in one growing season, which could potentially produce 3680–4160 L ha−1 bioethanol. The economic income of the cassava was estimated to be 11.6–13.1 × 103 CNY ha−1. Among the cassava tissues, metal concentrations were lowest in the tuber. The soil fertility and acidity were ameliorated after cassava plantation, and the mobile and bioavailable metal fractions in the soils were decreased. The cultivation of cassava as a renewable energy crop appears applicable for sustainable utilization and reclamation of heavy metal-contaminated land.

Effect of water soluble humic acid applied to potato foliage on plant growth, photosynthesis characteristics and fresh tuber yield under different water deficits

Water scarcity is the main limiting factor in agricultural crop production in arid and semi-arid areas in northern China. Humic acid could improve the plant resistance to mitigate the abiotic drought damages, which is a potential strategy to improve the crop production in these regions. An experiment to investigate the effect of water soluble humic acid on plant growth, photosynthesis characteristics and fresh tuber yield of potato under different water deficits was carried out under greenhouse conditions in 2014 and 2015. Treatments included foliar application of fresh water (FW), humic acid diluted with water 500 times (HA) and control (CK), and the water deficits included 45%, 60% and 75% of the field water holding capacity. The HA treatment showed highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) effect on dry biomass, root/shoot ratio and photosynthesis parameters, improved the dry biomass above ground (DM-AG) by 14.12–36.63%, 11.62–36.26% and 7.85–20.85% over the whole growing season at water deficits of 45%, 60% and 75% of the field water holding capacity respectively in 2014 and 2015; decreased the root/shoot (R/S) ratio in the early growing season and increased the R/S ratio in the later growing season; showed an improved effect on leaf soil plant analysis development (SPAD), photosynthesis rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs) and decreased transpiration rate (Tr) and intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) compared with the control. HA usually showed a better effect on photosynthesis parameters in 60% of the field water holding capacity than 45% and 75% except on Pn. Compared with control, HA increased fresh tuber yield by 34.47–63.48%, 35.95–37.28% and 23.37–27.15% at 45%, 60% and 75% of the field water holding capacity respectively. HA enhanced the potato plant growth, and improved photosynthesis parameters and fresh tuber yield under different water deficits under green house conditions, and represents an opportunity to improve crop production and sustainability of agriculture in arid and semiarid regions.

The effect of sprinkler irrigation system on shallot growth and yields in dry land of Sigi district

Shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) cultivation is conducted on dry land and requires irrigation. A pressurized irrigation system which is highly water efficiency was suitable in on dry land. The study purpose is to determined irrigation system effect on the growth and yield of shallot. The research location was Kotarindau Village, Dolo subdistrict, Sigi in April-June 2019. The study used a Randomized Block Design (RBD) in 3 (three) treatment of irrigation systems (I1 = permanent sprinkler irrigation, I2 = portable sprinkler irrigation and I3 = conventional irrigation) in 5 (five) repetitions. The shallot variety is Tajuk. Observations were plant height, tillers, plants and tubers in fresh weight, plants and tubers in dry weight, and yields. Data were analyzed using variance at 5% and DMRT test. The results showed that the application of permanent sprinkler irrigation systems (except plant height and number of tillers) gave the best results when compared to portable sprinkler watering systems and conventional irrigation.

Effects of Storage Temperature and Packaging Combinations on the Storage Quality of Fresh Yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.) H. Rob.

The yacon tuber has gained interest due to its health-promoting components, such as high amounts of fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant properties. However, the high water content and the soft, delicate internal tissues render it highly perishable, leading to significant losses during postharvest handling. The packaging and storage temperatures, two important factors in maintaining quality when storing fresh yacon tubers, were studied. The results showed that modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) combined with low temperature (10°C) had positive effects on the visual quality of yacon. Weight loss and shriveling were reduced in MAP compared to the unpacked yacon under room and 10°C storage temperatures. The use of MAP under room temperature for an extended storage period was limited by the development of disease and the occurrence of root sprouts and surface cracks in yacon, which reduced its visual quality. FOS hydrolysis by fructan exohydrolase occurred during storage, leading to higher amounts of fructose, glucose, and sucrose. The use of MAP regardless of storage temperature delayed the onset of rapid FOS decline. The total phenolic contents in the range of 4.84-5.98 mg Gallic acid equivalent per gram dry sample and antioxidant activity of yacon did not decrease relative to its initial content. Yacon could be stored at 10°C in conjunction with MAP to maintain quality and extend the shelf life of fresh yacon tubers.

Foliar Application of Glycine Betaine and Potassium Silicate and Its Effect on Growth Performance of Jerusalem Artichoke Grown on Calcareous Soil Under Water Stress Conditions

This investigation aims to evaluate the effect of water stress and foliar application of two different antitranspirants on growth, yield, quality and water use efficiency of Jerusalem artichoke grown a calcareous soil using drip irrigation system. For this purpose, two field experiments were carried out at soil salinity lab. Res., Agricultural Research Center, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt during the summer seasons of 2017 and 2018 using the split plot design. Jerusalem artichokeplants were irrigated by 100, 75 or 50% of water requirements (ETC). The antitranspirants included glycine betaine (200 mg/l), potassium silicate (5 cm3/l) and their combination i.e. potassium silicate (P.S) x glycine betain(G.B) in comparison with spraying distilled water as control treatment. The gained results revealed that increasing irrigation water levels from 50% up to 100% significantly (P 0.05) by the two independent variables. In addition, potassium silicate at 100% ETc; brought about the highest value for tuber yield in both seasons. Jerusalem artichoke plants irrigated with 75% of water requirements gave insignificant decrease in number of tubers/plant, tuber fresh weight and tuber yield than the treatment received 100% of water requirements. The interaction between irrigation tested levels and foliar application treatments was highly effective on tuber yield character in both seasons. The highest average values for tuber yield/feddan were recorded due to the treatments of water level of 75%ETc with spraying potassium silicate at 5cm3/ l., while the lowest mean values were achieved due to apply at 50 % irrigation level compare with control treatment. Also, the interaction between irrigation levels foliar glycine betaine, potassium silicate, and G.B. x P.S. had a significant (P<0.05) effect on K of tuber content during both seasons. The compositional elements N, P and carbohydrate content in tubers were not significantly affected by this interaction during the two seasons except inulin content during the first season only. The best results were recorded due to apply water irrigation level of 100% ETC and 75%ETC with spraying of potassium silicate at 5cm3 /l.Crop water use efficiency (CWUE) was doubled in the case of 50% ETC compared with consumptive 100% ETC. The water use efficiency increased as the irrigation level reduced.

Cyanide in Cassava Varieties and People’s Perception on Cyanide Poisoning in Selected Regions of Tanzania

Cassava, an important food crop in the tropical regions of the world, is known to carry varying levels of cyanogenic glucosides that are potential poison to humans. In Tanzania, cases of cyanide poisoning have been reported in many cassava producing areas. This study was launched to quantify cyanide in fresh tubers of so called “sweet” cassava varieties and to gauge peoples’ perception on cyanide poisoning in Kagera and Morogoro regions. The study employed a questionnaire survey and a cross-sectional research design to identify different cassava varieties and their cyanide content using alkaline titration method. Findings showed that cyanide content in all of the analyzed tubers were above the internationally accepted levels in human consumables. Some sweet varieties were found to be wrongly classified as sweet because their cyanide content was above acceptable limits. For the same variety tubers sampled from a lowland area had significantly higher (P &lt; 0.01) cyanide content than those from a highland point. It was also found that the upper (slippery) parenchymal tissue had more cyanide content (P &lt; 0.05) than the inner tissue. Nearly 80% of the studied population was unaware of cyanide poisoning, its health effects and how to reduce cyanide content prior to consumption. It is concluded that consumption of raw cassava tubers can lead to undesirable health effects despite of some of them being categorized as sweet. The public should be sensitized on the issues of cyanide in cassava and should avoid consuming raw cassava tubers as preventive measures against cyanide poisoning.

Critical Value of Soil Potassium for Potato Crops in Volcanic Soils

The critical value of soil exchangeable potassium (K) (mg K kg−1) is a valuable tool for an efficient K fertilization management in potato production systems. The aim of the present study was to determine the critical value of soil exchangeable K for potato crops grown in different environments and differing availabilities of initial exchangeable K. The data used in this study were taken from 34 experiments on K fertilization conducted in southern Chile from 1977 to 2017 by the National Potato Center at the Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (INIA). Yield responses to K fertilization rates were assessed with linear-plateau and Mitscherlich models in order to determine the critical soil exchangeable K across environments. Across experiments, the average fresh tuber yield ranged between 18 and 91 Mg ha−1. Fresh tuber yields decreased by up to 70% when no K fertilization was applied. Yield reduction was concentrated around 25% in response to K deficiency. Relative yields were described as significant by both linear-plateau and Mitscherlich models. However, relative yields were better described by the linear-plateau model (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.62; SEE = 0.11). The critical soil exchangeable K value identified with the linear-plateau model was 224 mg K kg−1. This critical K value will be useful for potato farmers that produce their crops in volcanic soils, such as Andisols. Moreover, this critical K value will help to increase K use efficiency through better K fertilization management strategies aimed at building and/or maintaining K levels in soils.

The acute toxicity of water hemlock (Cicuta douglasii) in a goat model

Water hemlock (Cicuta douglasii) is one of the most toxic plants to livestock and humans. Little is known regarding the amount of plant required to cause death. The objective of this study was to determine a lethal dose of water hemlock in a goat model. Plants were dosed to goats via oral gavage of freeze-dried ground plant material. The results from this study suggest that 1–2 fresh tubers would be lethal to goats.

Analysis of physiological characters and yield quality of several sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) genotypes at various watering levels in rainfed paddy field

Analysis of the physiological characteristics of several sweet potato genotypes at various watering levels in rainfed paddy field indicated that the adaptability of sweet potato genotypes was resistant to drought stress. This research aims to determine the physiological character and yield quality of several sweet potato genotypes (Beta 1 Variety, Perbaungan Accession, and Cengkeh Turi Accession) at various levels of watering (P1 (1 month watering), P2 (2 months watering), and P3 (4 months watering)) in rainfed paddy fields. The research was carried out in the paddy field of Tandem Hilir I Village Deli Serdang and the analysis was carried out in the Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, the University of Sumatera Utara from March-July 2019. The results of this research indicated that some sweet potato genotypes had no significant effect on the physiological character but had a significant effect on fresh tuber grading. Cengkeh Turi accessions with orange colour tuber had the highest production in the A-class fresh tuber grading category while the Perbaungan accession with orange colour tuber had the lowest production in C-class fresh tuber grading. The watering levels treatment also did not have a significant effect on the physiological character and tuber yield quality.

Integrated Application of Organic and Blended Mineral Fertilizers Improves Potato Productivity and Income for Smallholder Farmers in Acidic Soils

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the world&amp;rsquo;s third most important food crop. However, potato productivity is very low in acidic soils that cover about 50% of the arable land in the world. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sole and integrated farmyard manure (FYM) and different types mineral fertilizers on yield, yield components and economic returns of potato in acidic soil of Ethiopia. Six treatments: 1) Control (without fertilizer), 2) sole application of the recommended NP (RNP) fertilizer (11 kg/ha N and 40 kg/ha P), 3) sole FYM (28.8 t/ha FYM), 4) half dose of recommended NP fertilizer and half dose of the FYM, 5) blended fertilizer formulated as 17.3 kg N, 34.7 kg P2O5, 7.41 kg S, 2.23 kg Zn, 0.3 kg B + 100 kg/ha), and 6) half blended and half FYM, were arranged in a randomized complete block design. The results revealed that potato plants amended with sole blended fertilizer, and integrated FYM and mineral fertilizers doubled fresh tuber yield as compared to the control. The RNP fertilizer gave the lowest (&amp;alpha; &amp;lt; 0.05) marketable potato yields of all the fertilizer treatments. Applications of sole blended or integrated FYM and mineral fertilizers resulted in the highest net benefit with acceptable marginal rate of return. Integrated use of FYM and mineral fertilizers is crucial for improved and sustained smallholder potato production in acidic soils. Further studies are required to examine the long-term effects of blended fertilizers on soil properties.

Контроль чисельності картопляної молі за використання меброкарбонових сумішей

Goal. To minimize the consumption of methyl bromide in the mixture with carbon dioxide in the states of saturated vapor and supercritical fluids, while maintaining their 100% technical efficiency against potato moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zell.) in fresh potato tubers. Methods. Analysis of knowledge systems in the areas of physics, chemistry and biology for more detailed information on physicochemical properties of the fumigant, biological characteristics of pests, etc.; analogy (simulation), namely the application of norms of consumption of fumigant, time of exposure to species with similar morphological and biological characteristics; study of the scientific sources (paper and electronic), books and laws and regulations in sphere of fumigants; expert estimates — acquaintance of experts with the task of research in order to obtain useful recommendations; experimental — conduct fumigation treatment in the laboratory with necessary equipment (fumigation chamber, gas analyzing devices, etc.); mathematical-statistics — B. O. Dospehov’s method, computer mathematical functions embedded in Microsoft Excel 2010. Results. The rate of flow of methyl bromide in the mixture with carbon dioxide in the states of saturated vapor of carbon dioxide fell by half, and supercritical fluid CO2 — 4 times. Conclusions. The quarantine treatment using the method of fumigation of fresh potato tubers with a mixture of carbon dioxide and methyl bromide against quarantine pests (potato moth) is possible in the dose of CH3Br which is 4 times lower the dosage it applied in its pure form.

Development of an Open-Source Thermal Image Processing Software for Improving Irrigation Management in Potato Crops (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Accurate determination of plant water status is mandatory to optimize irrigation scheduling and thus maximize yield. Infrared thermography (IRT) can be used as a proxy for detecting stomatal closure as a measure of plant water stress. In this study, an open-source software (Thermal Image Processor (TIPCIP)) that includes image processing techniques such as thermal-visible image segmentation and morphological operations was developed to estimate the crop water stress index (CWSI) in potato crops. Results were compared to the CWSI derived from thermocouples where a high correlation was found ( = 0.84). To evaluate the effectiveness of the software, two experiments were implemented. TIPCIP-based canopy temperature was used to estimate CWSI throughout the growing season, in a humid environment. Two treatments with different irrigation timings were established based on CWSI thresholds: 0.4 (T2) and 0.7 (T3), and compared against a control (T1, irrigated when soil moisture achieved 70% of field capacity). As a result, T2 showed no significant reduction in fresh tuber yield (34.5 ± 3.72 and 44.3 ± 2.66 t ha−1), allowing a total water saving of 341.6 ± 63.65 and 515.7 ± 37.73 m3 ha−1 in the first and second experiment, respectively. The findings have encouraged the initiation of experiments to automate the use of the CWSI for precision irrigation using either UAVs in large settings or by adapting TIPCIP to process data from smartphone-based IRT sensors for applications in smallholder settings.

The Use of the WOFOST Model to Simulate Water-Limited Yield of Early Potato Cultivars

In this work, an attempt was made to use the WOFOST (WOrld FOod Studies) model to simulate the potential and water-limited yield of early potato cultivars Lord and Denar. Data from cultivar experiments carried out at the Polish Research Centre for Cultivar Testing in 2004–2013 were used in the study. The Lord cultivar yielded 22.4–67.8 t fresh tuber weight per ha and 3.8–11.5 t ha−1 dry tuber weight during the study period. The highest tuber yields (over 10 t ha−1 dry weight) were obtained in 2009, 2011 and 2012, and the lowest in 2005 (3.8 t ha−1) and 2006 (2.65 t ha−1). The water-limited tuber yield simulated by WOFOST ranged from 3.6 to 10.9 t ha−1 dry weight and was about 0.45 t ha−1 higher on average than the actual yield. The planting period each year was between days 104 and 120 of the year, and harvesting took place between days 216 and 232. Water availability was a factor limiting the yield. The yield limited by water deficiency was 38.7% lower (irrespective of the cultivar) than the potential yield. The WOFOST model was sensitive to water deficiency, and the simulated (water-limited) yields were close to the actual yield or showed a clear downward trend indicating evident rainfall shortages in 2005 and 2006.

Physicochemical Characterization of Nine Cassava (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Manihot esculenta&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Crantz) Cultivars from Chad

In Chad, despite the multiple culinary uses of cassava leaves and tubers, their nutritional values are untapped. In this study, the physicochemical compositions and structure of nine cultivars were assessed. The proteins were obtained by Kjeldahl’s method. Total sugars were determined according to the Luff-Schoorl method. For starch content, the polarimetric method of Earle and Milner was used. Mineral elements were carried out using an atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The cyanide was evaluated by the method of Williams and Edwards. Significant variability has been demonstrated in the leaves and dry tubers except for water content and dry matter. Analysis of the variances of the components of the tubers reveals that the water contents of the cultivars vary from 5.01% to 5.86%. The ash contents vary from 4.23% (cultivar DVA2) to 8.32% (cultivar DVL2). For total sugars, the values are between 53.63% (cultivar DVL2) and 57.99% (cultivars DVL12 and KA0303). The fiber contents are lower and vary from 1.74% (cultivar DVL12) to 1.92% (cultivars SB1366, DVA2, TL0101 and PG1314). The starch content varies from 28.93% (cultivar DVL12) to 31.05% (cultivar SB1366). The variations in mineral constituents of the tubers in mg/100g are Ca (145.21 - 250.08), Mg (83.89 - 165.22), P (147.34 - 360.78), K (1534.50 - 3064.09), Zn (0.75 - 0.82) and Mn (0.78 - 0.89). Iron concentrations are from 7.72 mg/100g (cultivar BA0909) to 60.62 mg/100g (cultivar DVA2). Analysis of the variances of the leaf constituents reveals high contents of Calcium for SB1366 (2108.41 mg/100g), of iron (Fe 54.26 mg/100g) and potassium (K 1866.86 mg/100g) for DVL12, of phosphorus for TL0101 (471.87 mg/100g), of phosphorus (470.36 mg/100g) and protein (30.74%) for PG1314, for magnesium for DVA2 (383.41 mg/100g) and Copper for KA0303 (0.0147 mg/100g). The concentrations of hydrocyanic acids are high in both leaves than fresh tubers (85 - 150 ppm). Lowest values are observed in tubers (10 - 15 ppm) for cultivar DVA2. Principal component analysis of the physicochemical characteristics of the leaves revealed four groups: the first very rich in calcium, magnesium and average potassium contents. Groups 2 and 3 are poor in calcium and magnesium but Group 2 has the highest potassium content while Group 3 has an intermediate content. Group 4 is very rich in calcium but low in magnesium and potassium. According to tubers, three groups have been identified which are characterized by low, intermediate and high contents in phosphorus. Cultivars SB1366, DVA2, DVL2, TL0101 and PG1314 show promising nutritional values and chemical constituents even if some have high levels of hydrocyanic acids. They could be recommended for the national selection program and for various applications.

An Investigation into the Possibility of Producing Fuel Ethanol from Forest Anchomanes (Anchomanes Difformis (Bl.) ENGL.)

One of the factors responsible for the slow growth of the Nigerian Biofuel Programme is the concern trailing the use of cassava, a crop that has food, feed and industrial value in Nigeria, for fuel production. As an alternative feedstock, this study investigates the possibility of producing fuel ethanol from forest anchomanes (FA), Anchomanes difformis (Bl.) Engl., a plant that has no food and feed value in Nigeria. Results showed that FA tubers were rich in carbohydrate, between 70 and Sarkar, 2011 %. The stoichiometric ethanol content of FA varied from 0.032 to 0.054 kg kg -1 of fresh tubers, while the crude FA ethanol had a mean density of Nwachukwu and Simonyan, 2015 1.2 kg/m 3 at 20 °C. This suggests that FA has some potential for fuel ethanol production. This finding is useful to countries in the West African sub-region where FA is found. Keywords : Forest anchomanes tuber; Forest anchomanes starch; Ethanol content; Ethanol density; Nigeria biofuel programme DOI : 10.7176/JETP/10-1-03 Publication date: January 31 st 2020

Precision phenotyping of contrasting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties in a novel aeroponics system for improving nitrogen use efficiency: In search of key traits and genes

With increasing population, degrading soil health, limited arable land area, and high cost of nitrogen (N) fertilizers, improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) of potato is an inevitable approach to save the environment and achieve sufficient tuber yields with less N fertilizer supply. Recently, we have developed an aeroponics system to study NUE in potato using genomics, physiology, and breeding approaches. This study aims on precision phenotyping of plants of two distinct potato varieties (Kufri Gaurav, N efficient; Kufri Jyoti, N inefficient) in the novel aeroponics system. Plants were grown in aeroponics under controlled conditions with low N (0.75 mmol L−1 NO3−) and high N (7.5 mmol L−1 NO3−) levels. Plant biomass, root traits, total chlorophyll content, and plant N were increased with increasing N supply, whereas higher NUE parameters namely NUE, agronomic NUE (AgNUE), N uptake efficiency (NUpE), harvest index (HI), and N harvest index (NHI) were observed at low N. An NUE efficient cv. Kufri Gaurav showed higher tuber dry weight, fresh tuber yield, tuber number per plant, early start of tuber harvesting, root traits, stolon traits, NUE parameters, and higher amino acid (aspartic acid and asparagine) content at low N supply. Higher expression of nitrate reductase (NR), nitrite reductase (NIR), and asparagine synthetase (AS) genes was observed in the leaf tissues of Kufri Gaurav at high N. Thus, aeroponics-based precision phenotyping enables identification of NUE efficient genotypes based on key traits and genes involved in improving NUE in potato. Further, this study suggests that the potential of aeroponics can be utilized to investigate N biology in potato under different N regimes.

Development of Growth Models Based on Years for Salep Orchid Planted in Natural Environment

Abstract The orchids that produced tuber are known as salep orchids and have been collected from nature for centuries as a medicinal and aromatic plant. These orchids are endangered species because of their limited vegetative and generative production possibilities. Salep orchids, seed germination has been achieved with in-vitro studies, but no source has been found regarding the development of germinated seeds over the years. In this study, Dactylorhiza euxina (Nevski) Czerep. was used as research material. Seeds that were determined to germinate in nature were observed to develop in their own environment for five years and some morphological characteristics (plant height, number of leaves, leaf length, leaf width, total weight, tuber width, and tuber weight) were determined at the end of each vegetation year. Plants that start to develop with seed germination produce one leaf and a tuber of 0.115 g in the first year. When the tubers obtained from the first year were planted again, the plants was obtained 2-3 leaves and they were formed 0.465 grams of tubers. In the third year plants bloom for the first time. The period until flowering in the plant was called maturity period and Dactylorhiza euxina (Nevski) Czerep. was found to have a 3-year maturity period. Plants produced tuber 0.850 g in the third year, 1.585 g in the fourth year and 2.522 g in the fifth year. According to the mathematical modeling, the relationship between year (Y) and fresh tuber weight (FTW) was found Y = 1.22 + (1.61 × FTW) and there was a significant relationship among year, fresh tuber weight, and total biomass (TBM). This equation Y = 1.05 + (0.76 × FTW) + (0.14 × TBM) shows us the mathematical relations of year, fresh tuber weight, and total biomass. The mathematical relations among to fresh tuber weight, total biomass, and plant height (PH) was produced Y = 1.74 - (0.11 × FTW) + (0.57 × TBM) - (0.09 × PH). R2 values were found 0.95-0.99. All R2 values and standard errors were found to be significant at the p < 0.01 level.