Consumption Of Potatoes Research Articles

The relationship between the BMI value of children and the financial situation of families, as well as the age of children

Aim: The research aimed to establish whether the family’s financial situation had an impact on the BMI values of the children studied, to determine the link between the family’s financial situation, the child’s age and the frequency children were given selected foodstuffs, as well as to verify whether the frequency of consumption of selected foodstuffs has an impact on children’s BMI values. Methods: BMI values were calculated for each child. Dietary habits were studied using a developed proprietary questionnaire. The questionnaire contained a list of products from 12 food groups, wherein vegetables and fruit were analysed separately, but without a division into those rich in vitamin C and carotene. Results: Analysis of the study group according to financial situation showed, to name a few, that the median consumption of fish, cold meats and potatoes among children from families declaring their financial situation as average was lower than that in the remaining groups. Children with a good financial situation consumed eggs and poultry statistically significantly more often than those with an average financial situation, and significantly less often - cakes and biscuits. Children over 11 years old consumed ready sauces (ketchup, mayonnaise) more often than younger children. Conclusion: The consumption of particular foodstuffs was affected by the families’ financial situation and the age of children. Children from families with an average financial situation consumed vegetables less often than the remaining children. Despite there being no effect of the frequency of particular foodstuffs consumption on BMI, one in five people were overweight. It is crucial that the healthy lifestyles and proper diet programmes are implemented in educational establishments.

Major Insect Pests of Sweet Potatoes in Brazil and the United States, with Information on Crop Production and Regulatory Pest Management.

The sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] is considered one of the most important crops in the world as food, fodder, and raw material for starch and alcohol production. Sweet potato consumption and demand for its value-added products have increased significantly over the past two decades, leading to new cultivars, expansion in acreage, and increased demand in the United States and its export markets. Due to its health benefits, sweet potato production has multiplied over the past decade in Brazil, promoting food security and economic development in rural areas. Their adaptability and nutritional value make them a food of great importance for Brazil. As pest attacks and disease infection are the main limiting aspects that often cause yield loss and quality degradation in sweet potatoes, there is a great demand to develop effective defense strategies to maintain productivity. There is a critical need for research into non-pesticide control approaches that can provide safe, cost-effective, sustainable, and environmentally friendly pest and disease management techniques. Pests which feed on roots have trade implications worldwide. For example, sweet potato tuber shipments infested with the sweet potato weevil are generally not allowed for trade in North and South America.

Potato Consumption and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Harmonized Analysis of 7 Prospective Cohorts.

Data on the relation of potato consumption with risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) are limited and inconsistent. It is unclear whether the plant-based diet index (PDI), which is a novel and comprehensive tool to assess overall dietary pattern, modifies the association of potato intake with T2D. We examined the association of total, combined baked, boiled, and mashed potatoes and fried potatoes with risk of T2D and test the interaction between PDI score and potato consumption on T2D risk. We conducted a de novo, harmonized, individual-level data from 7 United States cohorts (N = 105,531). Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) separately in each cohort adjusting for anthropometric, demographic, and lifestyle factors and cohort-specific results were pooled using an inverse-variance weighted method. Mean age ranged from 25 to 72 y, 65% women, and mean consumption of total potatoes ranged from 1.9 to 4.3 times per week. In the primary analysis, total potato intake was not associated with T2D risk: multivariable adjusted HR of 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.95, 1.08) for consumption of 1-2 servings/wk; 1.01 (95% CI: 0.93, 1.10) for >2-3 servings/wk; 1.05 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.12) for >3 to <5 servings/wk; and 1.07 (95% CI: 0.99, 1.16) for 5+ servings/wk compared with no potato intake. In secondary analyses, consumption of combined baked, boiled, and mashed potatoes was not associated with T2D risk, whereas fried potato consumption was positively associated with T2D risk: HR were 1 (ref), 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02, 1.12), and 1.12 (95% CI: 1.03, 1.22) for intake frequency of 0/wk, >0 to 1/wk, and >1/wk, respectively (P-trend = 0.04). There was no significant interaction between PDI score and potato consumption on T2D risk. Although consumption of total potato is not associated with T2D risk, a modest elevated risk of T2D is observed with fried potato consumption.

Diet Impacts on Gene Expression in Healthy Colon Tissue: Insights from the BarcUVa-Seq Study.

(1) Introduction: The global rise of gastrointestinal diseases, including colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases, highlights the need to understand their causes. Diet is a common risk factor and a crucial regulator of gene expression, with alterations observed in both conditions. This study aims to elucidate the specific biological mechanisms through which diet influences the risk of bowel diseases. (2) Methods: We analyzed data from 436 participants from the BarcUVa-Seq population-based cross-sectional study utilizing gene expression profiles (RNA-Seq) from frozen colonic mucosal biopsies and dietary information from a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Dietary variables were evaluated based on two dietary patterns and as individual variables. Differential expression gene (DEG) analysis was performed for each dietary factor using edgeR. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis was conducted with STRINGdb v11 for food groups with more than 10 statistically significant DEGs, followed by Reactome-based enrichment analysis for the resulting networks. (3) Results: Our findings reveal that food intake, specifically the consumption of blue fish, alcohol, and potatoes, significantly influences gene expression in the colon of individuals without tumor pathology, particularly in pathways related to DNA repair, immune system function, and protein glycosylation. (4) Discussion: These results demonstrate how these dietary components may influence human metabolic processes and affect the risk of bowel diseases.

Potato consumption factors in developing countries: Case of Turkey

Potato consumption factors in developing countries: Case of Turkey

Socioeconomic position during pregnancy and pre-school exposome in children from eight European birth cohort studies

Distribution of environmental hazards and vulnerability to their effects vary across socioeconomic groups. Our objective was to analyse the relationship between child socioeconomic position (SEP) at birth and the external exposome at pre-school age (0–4 years).This study included more than 60,000 children from eight cohorts in eleven European cities (Oslo, Copenhagen, Bristol, Bradford, Rotterdam, Nancy, Poitiers, Gipuzkoa, Sabadell, Valencia and Turin). SEP was measured through maternal education and a standardised indicator of household income. Three child exposome domains were investigated: behavioral, diet and urban environment. We fitted separate logistic regression model for each exposome variable - dichotomised using the city-specific median - on SEP (medium/low vs high) adjusting for maternal age, country of birth and parity. Analyses were carried out separately in each study-area.Low-SEP children had, consistently across study-areas, lower Odds Ratios (ORs) of breastfeeding, consumption of eggs, fish, fruit, vegetables and higher ORs of TV screen time, pet ownership, exposure to second-hand smoke, consumption of dairy, potatoes, sweet beverages, savory biscuits and crisps, fats and carbohydrates. For example, maternal education-breastfeeding OR (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) ranged from 0.18 (0.14–0.24) in Bristol to 0.73 (0.58–0.90) in Oslo. SEP was also strongly associated with the urban environment with marked between-city heterogeneity. For example, income-PM2.5 OR (95%CI) ranged from 0.69 (0.47–1.02) in Sabadell to 2.44 (2.16–2.72) in Oslo.Already at pre-school age, children with lower SEP have consistently poorer diets and behaviours, which might influence their future health and wellbeing. SEP-urban environment relationships are strongly context-dependent.

Importance of glycoalkaloids analysis (α-solanine and α-chaconine) derived from potato consumption in pre-Hispanic inhabitants of the Americas

In the pre-Columbian societies of the Americas, a wide range of food practices was observed. However, several countries shared certain staple foods, such as the potato, which has held a significant place in the diet since ancient times. It is important to note that potatoes contain glycoalkaloids, a class of alkaloids with potential toxicity risks when consumed in high concentrations by both humans and animals. This study aims to offer guidance on the presence of glycoalkaloids in potatoes and proposes further research into these compounds in archaeological remains that were utilized as food across all American countries. This recommendation stems from the dearth of studies on this subject, particularly in cases where archaeological discoveries include potato starch granules. In this study, various databases were examined to discover historical insights into the potato and to elucidate the primary aspects of glycoalkaloid chemistry associated with this tuber. The findings underscore the crucial role played by the potato in pre-Columbian cultures of the Americas, particularly in the regions situated along the Andes mountain range. Furthermore, the analysis of its nutritional composition unveiled the prevalence of two key glycoalkaloids in the tuber: α-solanine and α-chaconine. In this research, a comprehensive review of the chemical properties, botanical functions, human metabolism, potential health effects, toxicity thresholds, and available analytical techniques for the detection and quantification of toxic compounds was conducted. The significance of identifying these molecules in archaeological contexts was highlighted, as their presence may prompt investigations into prevalent diseases among historical populations.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and Health Risks in "Snow Cover-Soil Cover-Vegetation System" of Urban and Rural Gardens of an Industrial City in Kazakhstan.

This article investigates the extent of heavy metal pollution in both urban and rural gardens in Pavlodar, which cultivate potatoes and tomatoes. As a city of industrialization, Pavlodar is exposed to emissions from industrial enterprises, transport and stove heating. The city also has the highest incidence of environmental diseases among the population. This study examines the accumulation of heavy metals and metalloid in the snow, their migration into the soil and their accumulation in plants, and assesses the non-cancer and cancer health risks of consuming these vegetables. The results show that the concentrations of trace elements in the solid phase of snow decrease in the following order: Fe (26,000) > Mn (592.5) > Cr (371.3) > Zn (338.8) > Pb (161.9) > Cu (142.5) > Ni (30.9) > As (15.1) > Co (12.1) > Cd (2.6). In soils, the concentrations of elements decrease in the following order: Mn (22,125) > Fe (20,375) > Zn (246.9) > Cr (109.5) > Cu (39.3) > Pb (25.6) > Ni (22.4) > As (9) > Co (6.6) > Cd (0.2). In urban gardens, the snow pollution coefficient was the highest. In rural gardens, the contamination index varied from 0.3 (Cr) to 5.3 (Cd). Magnesium in the soil exceeds the maximum allowable concentration (MPC) by 28.6-35.7 times, and zinc by 1.6-10.9 times. Only zinc and copper exceed the MPC for vegetables. Nickel in potatoes exceeds MPC by a factor of 6 and in tomatoes by a factor of 4.4. The cobalt content in tomatoes exceeds the background value by 2.2 times, with a maximum value of 5.3 times. The risk assessment showed that the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with potato and tomato consumption were low. However, these risks are higher in urban areas than in rural areas.

Food security in Ukraine today’s conditions

The system-forming element of national security is food security, which guarantees effective management of the food system, ensuring the food needs of the appropriate quantity and quality of each country’s citizen. Despite the significant potential of the agricultural sector, which forms the basis of food security, the need to analyse the state of food security in the current situation is due to military operations on the territory of Ukraine, which led to its negative global results. In this regard, the need to develop effective strategies and legal regulation is essential to ensure national and global food security, which in turn requires coordination of efforts of all countries and international organisations through international cooperation. The study aims to establish a pattern regarding the current state of food security by analysing the impact of availability, access, usefulness and stability of food supply on food security. Research methods: comparative analysis; taxonomic analysis; systematisation, generalisation. The survey found that Ukraine’s position in the Global Food Security Index (FSI) among 113 countries in 2022 worsened by 13 points, where the worst indicators for domestic food security are sustainability and adaptability (43.5 points out of 100 and 94th place globally) and economic affordability of food (48.1 points out of 100 and 93rd place in the world). It was found that the actual consumption of vegetables, melons, potatoes, and oil in 2021 was slightly higher than the rational norm, indicating sufficient consumption of these products, while the actual consumption of products that are lower than the rational norm includes meat and meat products, milk and dairy products, fish and fish products, and fruits, berries, and grapes. It has been determined that since 2016, the number of kilocalories in the daily diet of the population of Ukraine has not reached the minimum norm of consumption of basic foodstuffs for the working population. It has been established that in 2020 and 2021, the value of the taxonomic indicator for assessing the level of food security (I) has been decreasing, i.e. the distance to the reference vector has been increasing, which indicates a decrease in the level of food security. The forecasting results suggest a downward trend in the food security index for the period 2022–2027, and there is an urgent need to take measures to eliminate this trend and improve the value of the index, which is extremely important for the security of the state, especially in times of war.

Potato Consumption Forecasting Based on a Hybrid Stacked Deep Learning Model

AbstractPotato consumption forecasting is crucial for several stakeholders in the food market. Due to the market flexibility, the farmers can manipulate the volumes planted for a given type of produce to reduce costs and improve revenue. Consequently, it means that establishing optimal inventories or inventory levels is possible and critical in that sense for the sellers to avoid either inadequate inventory or excessive inventories that may lead to wastage. In addition, governments can predict future food deficits and put measures in place to guarantee that they have a steady supply of food some of the time, especially in regions that involve the use of potatoes. Increased potato-eating anticipation has advantages for the sellers and buyers of the potatoes. The experiments of this study employed various machine learning and deep learning (DL) models that comprise stacked long short-term memory (Stacked LSTM), convolutional neural network (CNN), random forest (RF), support vector regressor (SVR), K-nearest neighbour regressor (KNN), bagging regressor (BR), and dummy regressor (DR). During the study, it was discovered that the Stacked LSTM model had superior performance compared to the other models. The Stacked LSTM model achieved a mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0081, a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0801, a median absolute error (MedAE) of 0.0755, and a coefficient of determination (R2) value of 98.90%. These results demonstrate that our algorithms can reliably forecast global potato consumption until the year 2030.

The Environmental History of the Navazo Agroecosystem in Late Holocene Sand Bodies Along the Atlantic Coast of Andalusia, Spain

ABSTRACT Since the late Spanish Enlightenment, the agroecosystem of the Atlantic coast of Andalusia, through which coastal dune systems are cultivated via sunken gardens between sand berms, have attracted scholarly attention. The environmental history of these systems, known as Navazo, is the focus of this article. Through analysis of historical aerial photographs, we identify eight areas in which traditional Navazo land use was practiced. By studying landscape diversity and historical documentation we identify key aspects of the emergence and evolution of this agroecosystem. The results of this study indicate that Navazos originated through a combination of the natural properties offered by the region's coastal dune geomorphology, which was cultivated as vineyards since ancient times, as well as external cultural influences. Coinciding with the popularisation of potato consumption in the eighteenth century, earlier vineyards were, in some cases, completely replaced by Navazos. Due to transformations in traditional land use practices, created a contemporary version of the Navazo. The location and physical configuration of the Navazos, meanwhile, display strong similarities with archaeological remains of Plot-and-Berm agroecosystems from the southeastern Mediterranean dating from the Early Islamic period. This study presents evidence to better understand the function, cropping practices and irrigation of these systems. .

Consumption and Consumer Preferences of Fresh and Frozen Potatoes in Semarang City, West Java, Indonesia

Farmers, producers, and other parties involved in the agricultural production chain of vegetable commodities place a high value on knowing consumer preferences when making decisions on developing and manufacturing agricultural food products. This study aims to investigate consumer behavior and identify information on consumer preferences for both fresh and processed (frozen) potatoes. The study was conducted in Semarang City, West Java, Indonesia using a survey method. Purposive sampling method was employed to recruit 100 respondents, aged above 21 years, residents of Semarang City, and had consumed at least fresh and/or frozen potatoes in the last month. A questionnaire using Google Forms was employed to gather data online. It was distributed via social media platforms. The data collected was analyzed by descriptive and conjoint analysis. The results showed that the most frequent consumption was once a week with regular types of fresh potatoes being consumed; the respondents' spending on potato consumption was ≤ IDR 25,000/ month, and they consumed ≤2 kg of potatoes per week. Potato consumer preferences showed that the fresh potato attributes most liked by consumers are large tuber size, smooth skin, and ≤5 lateral buds, with the number of lateral bud attributes being the most prioritized. The most preferred attributes for frozen potatoes are a straight form, priced at IDR 39,000 to 58,000, batter-coated flavor, 801-1000 gr size packaging, and branded, with the shape attribute being the most prioritized. These findings suggest that farm producers can develop innovative potato varieties with fewer lateral buds and shapes for frozen potatoes.

The association between dietary inflammatory index with some cardio-metabolic risk indices among the patients with type 2 diabetes from Hoveyzeh cohort study: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe dietary inflammatory index (DII) serves as a tool to assess the inflammatory impact of an individual’s diet. This study aimed to investigate the association between DII and some cardio-metabolic risk indices among patients with T2DM.MethodsData from the Hoveyzeh Cohort Study, encompassing 2045 adults with T2DM, were analyzed. DII scores were calculated based on food frequency questionnaires. Anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests were performed to assess cardio-metabolic risk factors.ResultsHigher DII scores were positively associated with elevated triglyceride levels, triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, lipid accumulation product (LAP), anthropometric indices including a body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), body mass index (BMI), hip, waist circumferences (WC), and waist-to-height ratio (all Ptrend < 0.05). Notably, no significant association was observed between DII and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels (Ptrend > 0.05). Additionally, dietary intake analysis revealed a negative correlation between DII scores and intake of fiber, fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, seafood, dairy products, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, D, and E (all Ptrend < 0.05). Conversely, higher DII scores were associated with increased consumption of red meat, processed meat, refined cereals, potatoes, and soft drinks (all Ptrend < 0.05).ConclusionThis study underscores the critical link between dietary inflammation, assessed by the DII score, and a multitude of cardio-metabolic risk factors in patients with T2DM. Notably, while the study did not find a significant association between DII and fasting blood sugar levels, it identified robust associations with novel anthropometric and biochemical indices indicative of cardio-metabolic risk. These findings highlight the potential of dietary interventions as a cornerstone strategy for managing T2DM and mitigating its associated complications.

Potato consumption and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality – a long-term follow-up of a Norwegian cohort

Potato consumption and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality – a long-term follow-up of a Norwegian cohort

Purple sweet potato antioxidants for oxidative stress caused by intense physical exercise

Background: Intense exercise increases ROS and reactive nitrogen species, leading to oxidative stress and potential health issues. Balancing free radical production and antioxidant defence is crucial. Endogenous antioxidants help neutralise ROS, but additional supplementation is required to prevent cell damage. Objective: This literature review explores the potential of purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) as an antioxidant source to counteract exercise-induced oxidative stress. Method: Scientific articles from various platforms were collected using keywords such as "Physical exercise," "Oxidative stress," "Purple sweet potato," and "Antioxidant”. Result: Purple sweet potato, rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C, exhibits potent free radical scavenging properties. Consumption of purple sweet potato enhances superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, reduces lipid peroxidation (MDA), inhibits the NF-kB signalling pathway, and prevents increased heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) expression. These findings suggest that purple sweet potato consumption promotes cellular health and mitigates oxidative stress caused by intense physical exercise. Conclusion: In conclusion, incorporating purple sweet potato into the diet shows promise in countering exercise-induced oxidative stress, promoting overall well-being, and preventing chronic diseases. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and optimal dosage for combating oxidative stress during rigorous physical training.

Chilean children's adherence to sustainable healthy diets and its associations with sociodemographic and anthropometric factors: a cross-sectional study.

To describe adherence to sustainable healthy diets among a sample of 958 Chilean pre-schoolers (3-6years) and explore associations between adherence and child and maternal sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics. Children's adherence to sustainable healthy diets was calculated from single multiple-pass 24-h dietary recalls using the Planetary Health Diet Index for children and adolescents (PHDI-C). Higher PHDI-C scores (max score = 150 points) represent greater adherence. Adjusted linear regression models were fitted to explore associations between PHDI-C scores and child and maternal characteristics. Children obtained low total PHDI-C scores (median 50.0 [IQR 39.5-59.8] points). This resulted from low consumption of nuts & peanuts, legumes, vegetables, whole cereals, and vegetable oils; a lack of balance between dark green and red & orange vegetables, inadequate consumption of tubers & potatoes and eggs & white meats, and excess consumption of dairy products, palm oil, red meats, and added sugars. Mean PHDI-C total score was significantly higher (50.6 [95%CI 49.6, 51.7] vs 47.3 [95%CI 45.0, 49.5]) among children whose mothers were ≥ 25years compared to those with younger mothers. Positive associations were observed between scores for fruits and maternal education, vegetables and maternal age, added sugars and child weight status, while negative associations were observed between fruits and child age, and vegetable oils and maternal education. Scores for dairy products PHDI-C component were lower among girls. Adherence to sustainable healthy diets was low among this sample of Chilean children and was significantly associated with maternal age, being lower among children whose mothers were younger.

Ретроспективний аналіз споживання основних груп харчових продуктів населенням України

The purpose of the article is to analyze trends in the nature of consumption by the population of Ukraine during 2000-2021 of food substances and energy, as well as the main groups of food products based on statistical indicators of the State Statistics Service of Ukraine. Materials and methods. The study included the analysis of information from national government statistics on population nutrition and its changes over a long period. The results. The nutrition structure of the population of Ukraine does not meet the requirements for rational nutrition. The analysis of the consumption of the main groups of food products since 2010 shows a gradual decrease in consumption and an unbalanced diet of the population. A decrease in the consumption of meat and meat products (less than recommended by 33.75%), milk and dairy products (less by 46.97%), fruits and vegetables (less by 34.44%), fish and fish products ( less by 34%). Low total caloric content of the diet and low estimated calcium content were also found. According to data on food consumption by the Ukrainian population compared to similar indicators in other countries, low consumption of meat and meat products, fish and vegetable oil, moderate consumption of sugar is noted. milk and milk products, significant consumption of vegetables and potatoes. Conclusions. The revealed trends in the structure of nutrition clearly indicate a significant impact of these changes on the life of the population, in particular, on the formation of health and an increase in the risk of developing food-dependent diseases. The nutritional status of Ukrainians requires careful attention and intervention to preserve and improve the health of the population.

Potato Consumption and All-Cause and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality – A Long-Term Follow-Up of a Norwegian Cohort

BackgroundPotatoes are a staple food in many traditional cuisines, yet their impact on long-term risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality is unclear, hampering evidence-based dietary guidelines. ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the association between potato consumption and all-cause and CVD-specific death over a substantial follow-up period within a cohort predominantly consuming boiled potatoes. MethodsAdults from 3 Norwegian counties were invited to 3 health screenings in 1974–1988 (>80% attendance). Dietary data were collected using semiquantitative food frequency questionnaires at each screening to categorize weekly potato consumption (≤6, 7–13, or ≥14 potatoes/wk) and calculate daily cumulative mean intakes (grams/day). Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariable Cox regression to estimate HRs and 95% CIs for the association between potato consumption and risk of death from all causes, CVD, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and acute myocardial infarction (AMI). ResultsAmong 77,297 participants with a mean baseline age of 41.1 y (range: 18.0–63.9 y), we observed 27,848 deaths, including 9072 deaths due to CVD, over a median follow-up of 33.5 y. Participants who consumed ≥14 potatoes/wk had a lower risk of all-cause death compared with those consuming ≤6 potatoes/wk (HR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.84, 0.93). Potato consumption was associated with a minor, inverse risk of death due to CVD, IHD, and AMI. In continuous analyses of cumulative intakes, each 100 g/d increment was associated with 4% lower risk of death from all causes (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.94, 0.98), CVD (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.93, 0.99), IHD (HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.91, 1.00), and AMI (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.91, 1.01). ConclusionsIn this cohort with a generally high consumption of predominantly boiled potatoes, we find modest, inverse associations between potato consumption and death from all causes, CVD, and IHD.

The Growth and Development of the Potato According to their Variety in the Central Area of Romania

In Europe, the potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) was first cultivated in botanical gardens. Currently, in our country, special emphasis is placed on potato cultivation, especially in the central area of ​​the country. In Romania, potato consumption is high, being considered ”the second bread” by the entire population. In this study, the capacity of growth and development for some potato varieties was observed, to highlight their suitability in the central area of Romania. Four varieties of potatoes as certified seed tubers were used in this study (`Productiv`, `Alouette`, `Salad Blue` and `Paradiso`). Varieties were provided by the Potato Research - Development Station from Romania. During the vegetation period, the following criterias were monitorized: the height of the main stem, the number of principal stems, the number of leaves on the main stem, the length of the median leaf on the main stem and the chlorophyll content of the leaves. The three potato varieties (`Alouette`, `Salad Blue` and `Paradiso`), were grown under the same conditions as the control (`Productiv`), in Sibiu county, Romania. Following the measurements and their interpretation from a statistical point of view, it was demonstrated that the `Alouette` variety had the best growth and development.

The Economic Sustainability of Industrial Potato Production Within Entrepreneurial Strategies

The study was driven by rising global potato consumption, the potato sector's economic impact, and the need for ecologically sustainable growing methods. The objective of the study was to identify entrepreneurial activity and the spirit in the context of entrepreneurship to achieve economic sustainability via the cultivation of industrial potatoes. Furthermore, it accurately recognized the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats this agribusiness in Sulaimani Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq is confronting. This study classifies the farmer as an entrepreneur based on his alignment with various entrepreneurial activities, such as product diversification, hiring professional farmers, implementing an irrigation system, owning resources, conducting research and development, adding value to products, engaging in inter-sector interactions, and creating employment opportunities. Additionally, the farmer demonstrates entrepreneurial spirit through activities such as agro-climatic zoning, risk analysis, developing marketing strategies, having a vision, taking advantage of opportunities, encouraging others, employing critical thinking, and displaying resilience. In this study also the SWOT analysis was used. the primary strength identified was the improvement of the economy, whilst the biggest opportunity for the farmer included the establishment of a Lays chips plant by Green Iraq Company. Lastly, the major threats encompassed the lack of financial services and political instability.