Potato Plants Research Articles

Drought priming at seedling stage improves photosynthetic performance and yield of potato exposed to a short-term drought stress

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important food and vegetable crop worldwide. In recent years, the arid environment resulting from climate change has caused a sharp decline in potato yield. To clarify the effect of drought priming at the seedling stage on the tolerance of potato plants to drought stress during tuber expansion, we conducted a pot experiment to investigate the physiological response of the plants generated from seed potatoes of the variety ‘Favorita’ to varied water supply conditions: normal water supply at the seedling stage (control), normal water supply at the seedling stage and drought stress at the mid-tuber-expansion stage (non-primed), and drought priming at the seedling stage plus drought stress at the mid-tuber-expansion stage (primed). Drought priming resulted in an increase in the number of small vascular bundles in potato plants compared to non-primed plants. It also altered the shape and density of stomata, enhancing water use efficiency and reducing whole-plant transpiration. The primed plants maintained the basal stem cambium for a longer time under drought stress, which gained an extended differentiation ability to generate a greater number of small vascular bundles compared to non-primed plants. Drought priming increased the amount and rate of dry matter translocation, and so reduced the adverse effects on tubers of potato under drought stress. Therefore, drought priming at the seedling stage improved the photosynthetic performance and yield, and probably enhanced the drought tolerance of potato.

Designing an Effective RNA Interference Construct for Generating PVY-Resistant Transgenic Potato Plants

Designing an Effective RNA Interference Construct for Generating PVY-Resistant Transgenic Potato Plants

The Effect of Biofertilizers, Phosphorus Sources and Vermicompost on the Preparation of Bacterial and Fungal Cells for the Two Phases of Vegetative Growth and Flowering of Potato Plants

A field experiment was conducted for potato plants in the field of Agricultural Research and Experiment Station in Al-Muradiyya of the Directorate of Agriculture of Babylon - Babylon Governorate for the agricultural season 2022 to study the effect of adding bacterial fertilizer, phosphorus sources (triple superphosphate and phosphate rock) and vermicompost and the interaction between them in cell preparation Bacterial and fungal phases of potato plant vegetative growth and blooming according to RCBD design. The experiment included three factors: the addition of the bacterial biofertilizer Bacillus megaterium (with or without addition), phosphorus sources at three levels (0, triple superphosphate at 100 kg ha-1, phosphate rock at 200 kg ha-1), and vermicompost at three levels. Levels (0, 8, 12) ton ha-1, with three replications, yielded 54 experimental units. Burin cultivar potato tubers were planted, and the results were: The addition of bacterial bio fertilizer to treatment B1 produced the highest numbers of bacterial cells for the two stages of vegetative growth and flowering of potato plants: 4.73×106 and 6.73×106 (colony forming unit g-1 dry soil × 106) in sequence, and 5.93 × 103 and 12.15 × 103 for fungal cells. g-1 dry soil × 103, sequentially. During potato plant vegetative growth and flowering, the P22 treatment had the most bacterial and fungal cells, at 5.31 × 106 and 7.56 × 106 (colony forming unit g-1 dry soil 106), respectively. sequentially (g-1 dry soil) 103. Treatment F2 with vermicompost added had the largest counts of bacterial and fungal cells during the vegetative growth and blooming phases of potato plants at 6.22 × 106 (colony forming unit g-1 dry soil 106) and 10.08 × 106 (colony forming unit g-1 dry soil 103), respectively. B1P2F3 had the greatest bacterial cell counts at 8.25 and 13.55 × 106 (colony forming unit g-1 dry soil 106).

Effect of Mycorrhizal Addition and Organic Fertilization on the Growth and Yield of Potato in Autumn Season

A farmer’s fields in the Al-Azzawiya area / Al-Musayyib district 2021-2022, 40 km north of Hilla / Babylon province’s centre, were used for the experiment. Two elements were put in the split plot scheme of the Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). One replicate had eight experimental treatments, three replications, and the parameters were: - The first component was adding mycorrhiza to the comparative treatment (B0: no fertilisation, control, B1: 7.0 g. plant-1). The second factor: In addition to the control treatment, it added three kinds of organic fertiliser: C1: chicken waste (10 tons.ha-1), C2: humic fertiliser (3 tons.ha-1), and C3: vermicompost (4 tons.ha-1). The least significant difference (L.S.D.) comparing coefficient averages. The findings may be summarised as follows at 0.05. Mycorrhiza (7.0 gm. plant-1) increased plant height and chlorophyll, which showed substantial variations in the potato plant’s vegetative, quantitative, and qualitative traits. The number of marketable tubers was 6.84 tubers.plant-1, the output of one plant was 759.8 g. plant-1, the overall yield was 44.27 tons.ha-1, and the percentages of dry matter, starch, and N and K were in the tubers. The results of adding organic fertiliser showed that poultry waste significantly improved plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll, number of marketable tubers (7.75 tubers. plant-1), yield of one plant (808.3 g. plant-1), total yield (47.99 tonnes.ha-1), dry matter, starch, and N, K in tubers. The bi-interaction therapy (mycorrhiza + organic manure and chicken waste) improved vegetative, quantity, and quality features, plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll percentage of dry matter, and The number of marketable tubers was (9.11 tubers.plant-1), the yield of one plant was (880.5 gm.plant-1), the overall yield was (51.81 tons.ha-1), and the proportion of dry matter, starch, and (, KN) in tubers.

Combined passivators regulate physiological, antioxidant potential and metals accumulation in potato grown in metals contaminated soil

To solve the problem of excessive heavy metals in farmland soil, there is a dire need for research effort to screen for the soil passivator materials. This study aimed to develop a practical novel approach for improving the potato growth and remedial effectiveness of the metals by optimal combination and dosage of various passivators. Experimental treatments were comprised of various levels of passivating agents (sepiolite, quicklime and calcium magnesium phosphate) in individual and combined form. Results showed that application of passivating agents significantly enhanced growth by optimizing photosynthetic attributes, enzymatic antioxidants, and soil health. Balanced application of passivators effectively reduce the bioavailability of metals, curbing their uptake by potato plants. Sole application of all the agents results statistically similar outcomes as compared with combined form. Additionally, passivators indirectly enhance the activity of essential antioxidant enzymes. Synergistic effect of all the agents significantly improved the tuber quality by decreasing the accumulation of proline, malondialdehyde content, and bioaccumulation of Cu, Pb, Cd, and As in potato parts. In crux, combined usage of passivating agents proved to be of better growth, improvement in antioxidative defense system, and better quality of potato. By mitigating heavy metal contamination, passivators not only enhance crop quality and yield but also ensure heavy metal-free potatoes that meet stringent food safety standards.

Drought’s Impact on Growth and Strategies to Mitigate its Effects on Potato Cultivation: A review

The potato is the third most widely produced cereal in the world, behind rice and wheat. The contemporary potato is vulnerable to yield loss in prolonged droughts. Droughts are becoming more severe and common as a result of global warming. Because of its shallow root system, potatoes are easily parched. The occurrence of drought and water shortage has substantial ramifications for the production of potatoes, exerting influence on both the volume and quality of potato harvests. Potatoes are a crop that needs a substantial amount of water, since they rely on a regular and sufficient water supply during their whole growth cycle. The presence of drought conditions or limited water supplies might result in many adverse consequences for the cultivation of potatoes. Potato plants are susceptible to experiencing stunted growth and development as a direct result of the water stress that is brought on by drought conditions. The restricted supply of water adversely affects the absorption of vital nutrients by plants, resulting in imbalances and deficits in nutritional levels. These conditions may lead to inhibited development, diminished leaf surface, and a lower quantity of tubers. Water stress circumstances have a considerable negative impact on the total production potential of potato crops. Moreover, the phenomenon of water shortage has a significant impact on the physiological mechanisms of potato plants, specifically in relation to essential functions like photosynthesis and transpiration. A scarcity of water during the tuber bulking phases might lead to a reduction in potato size, hence impacting its commercial worth. The use of effective irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation or precision sprinklers, has the potential to optimize water usage and minimize losses resulting from evaporation. The use of water conservation methods and the adoption of drought-resistant potato cultivars are crucial solutions for mitigating the effects of water shortage on potato farming. Through the use of these procedures, farmers have the ability to augment the resilience of their potato crops and guarantee the attainment of sustainable production, even when faced with conditions of low water availability.

Bacillus velezensis K-9 as a Potential Biocontrol Agent for Managing Potato Scab.

Crop pathogen infections can lead to substantial economic losses, but biocontrol, an environmentally friendly approach, can be used to control infections. For the biological management of potato scab disease, we assessed the potential use of Bacillus velezensis as a biocontrol agent. B. velezensis K-9 inhibited up to 44.90% of the infection caused by Streptomyces scabies, the causative agent of potato scab. Treatment of the S. scabies-infected potato plants with B. velezensis K-9 resulted in a significant reduction in the depth of the disease lesions compared with the untreated infected potato plants. In a radish seedling test, the B. velezensis K-9 culture and cell-free filtrate significantly reduced (P < 0.05) potato scab disease symptoms, suggesting that the strain K-9 was able to reduce S. scabies pathogenesis on potatoes. In a field test, the disease and scab indexes for B. velezensis K-9 against potato scab were significantly different from the control. In 2021, the potato yield for the B. velezensis K-9-treated plants was 12.44% higher than that for the control plants. In 2022, the potato yield following B. velezensis K-9 treatment increased by 12.65% compared with the control. In conclusion, B. velezensis K-9 prevented potato scab and increased potato yield. Thus, B. velezensis K-9 substantially reduced the occurrence of potato scab and could be used as a potential biocontrol agent for the management of potato scab.

Tatlı Patates ve Gölevezin Bazı Biyoaktif Bileşenleri: Bitki Organlarına Dayalı Karşılaştırmalı Bir Çalışma

This study was carried out to evaluate the variability and distribution of bioactive components of different organs of sweet potato and taro plants grown locally in Turkey. Samples extracted from different organs of these two species (tubers and leaves of sweet potato; leaves, petioles, main tubers, and lateral tubers of taro) were evaluated. Total water-soluble protein, total flavonoids, total phenolics, H2O2 scavenging capacity, carotenoids, FRAP antioxidant capacity, CUPRAC antioxidant capacity, and total dry matter parameters of two different species and their organs were measured. The difference between the organ averages for all parameters examined was statistically significant. In general, leaves of both species had the highest content for all parameters except total dry matter and CUPRAC antioxidant capacity. The effectiveness of the parameters in explaining variation in the gene pool was also examined using principal component analysis. All parameters contributed highly to the variation except H2O2 capacity, total dry matter content, and CUPRAC antioxidant capacity. According to the findings, there is a high variation between each species and between the organs. These results will guide future studies on these two species.

Biological Control of Potato Bacterial Wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum) Using Selected Plant Extracts

Abstract The current study evaluated the effect of methanol and water extracts of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.), wild marigold (Tagetes minuta L.), and garlic (Allium sativum L.) at 50 mg·mL−1 applied at different frequencies (weekly, biweekly, and monthly) on the control of potato bacterial wilt under field conditions (two growing seasons in 2021). Weekly and biweekly application of methanol extracts from tobacco and wild marigold showed higher efficacy of biological control of the pathogen (58% and 57%) on aerial parts of potato plants than monthly application (48%). In potato tubers, weekly and biweekly application of methanol extracts caused higher biological control efficacy (75.92% and 67.39%) than monthly application (52.49%). Weekly and biweekly application of methanol extracts of tobacco and wild marigold also reduced postharvest infection and postharvest yield losses caused by potato bacterial wilt during the storage period, among other treatments. These experiments conclude that weekly or biweekly application of methanol extract from tobacco and wild marigold at 50 mg·mL−1 is a practical approach to control potato bacterial wilt in the field and storage.

Virulence of Novel Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum (Phylotype I) Strains from Rose, Blueberry, and Mandevilla on Seed Potato.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) ranks fourth among the most important staple food in the world. Ralstonia solanacearum (phylotype [phy] IIB, sequevar [seq] 1 and 2), also known as R3B2, the causal agent of brown rot disease on potato, is extremely damaging, causing great economical losses to potato in temperate regions. It is thought that members of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum (phy I) are not pathogenic at low temperatures and are usually found in warmer climates. R. pseudosolanacearum strain PD 7123 (seq 33) isolated from roses in the Netherlands, strain P824 (seq 13) isolated from blueberry, and strain P781 (seq 14) from mandevilla in Florida are phylogenetically closely related and could share the same host. The virulence and ability of these novel strains to multiply latently in potato in temperate regions is unknown. The objective of this work was to assess the virulence and presence of latent infections of the mentioned R. pseudosolanacearum strains on three commercial seed potato cultivars under warmer (28°C) and temperate (20°C) temperatures. At 28°C, all three R. pseudosolanacearum strains caused severe symptoms on all potato cultivars. Overall disease severity on potato was lower at 20°C than 28°C, but major differences in virulence of the three strains were observed at 42 days postinoculation (dpi) among potato cultivars. All asymptomatic potato plants and most of their daughter tubers had latent infections at 20°C. Altogether, these results show that the phy I strains from rose, blueberry, and mandevilla may pose a threat to potato production in temperate climates and the worldwide movement of seed potatoes.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.

EfficientRMT-Net—An Efficient ResNet-50 and Vision Transformers Approach for Classifying Potato Plant Leaf Diseases

The primary objective of this study is to develop an advanced, automated system for the early detection and classification of leaf diseases in potato plants, which are among the most cultivated vegetable crops worldwide. These diseases, notably early and late blight caused by Alternaria solani and Phytophthora infestans, significantly impact the quantity and quality of global potato production. We hypothesize that the integration of Vision Transformer (ViT) and ResNet-50 architectures in a new model, named EfficientRMT-Net, can effectively and accurately identify various potato leaf diseases. This approach aims to overcome the limitations of traditional methods, which are often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to inaccuracies due to the unpredictability of disease presentation. EfficientRMT-Net leverages the CNN model for distinct feature extraction and employs depth-wise convolution (DWC) to reduce computational demands. A stage block structure is also incorporated to improve scalability and sensitive area detection, enhancing transferability across different datasets. The classification tasks are performed using a global average pooling layer and a fully connected layer. The model was trained, validated, and tested on custom datasets specifically curated for potato leaf disease detection. EfficientRMT-Net’s performance was compared with other deep learning and transfer learning techniques to establish its efficacy. Preliminary results show that EfficientRMT-Net achieves an accuracy of 97.65% on a general image dataset and 99.12% on a specialized Potato leaf image dataset, outperforming existing methods. The model demonstrates a high level of proficiency in correctly classifying and identifying potato leaf diseases, even in cases of distorted samples. The EfficientRMT-Net model provides an efficient and accurate solution for classifying potato plant leaf diseases, potentially enabling farmers to enhance crop yield while optimizing resource utilization. This study confirms our hypothesis, showcasing the effectiveness of combining ViT and ResNet-50 architectures in addressing complex agricultural challenges.

“Advanced Deep Learning Techniques for Plant Disease Diagnosis and Treatment”

Abstract: The pivotal role of agriculture in shaping people’s lives and economies is evident, with a substantial contribution to GSP and employment. The prevalence of diseases poses a major challenge. Novel system is introduced for the early detection of leaf diseases using Deep Learning and Tensorflow technology. The model analyses pictures from plant village, focusing on bell pepper, tomato and potato plants. Climate change soil erosion and difficulty in detecting pathogens underscore the need for early disease recognition to minimize pesticide use. The system demonstrates a remarkable 95.80% correctness in disease identification, benefiting cultivators by recommending appropriate measures in a separate context. The recognition of medicinal plant gains importance for various stakeholders. A fully automated approach combining computer vision and machine learning achieves an accuracy of 90.1% in detecting 24 different medicinal plant species, outperforming other methods.

Signalling mechanisms and agricultural applications of (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate-mediated stomatal closure.

Biotic and abiotic stresses can severely limit crop productivity. In response to drought, plants close stomata to prevent water loss. Furthermore, stomata are the main entry point for several pathogens. Therefore, the development of natural products to control stomata closure can be considered a sustainable strategy to cope with stresses in agriculture. Plants respond to different stresses by releasing volatile organic compounds. Green leaf volatiles, which are commonly produced across different plant species after tissue damage, comprise an important group within volatile organic compounds. Among them, (Z)-3-hexenyl butyrate (HB) was described as a natural inducer of stomatal closure, playing an important role in stomatal immunity, although its mechanism of action is still unknown. Through different genetic, pharmacological, and biochemical approaches, we here uncover that HB perception initiates various defence signalling events, such as activation of Ca2+ permeable channels, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and production of Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-mediated reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, HB-mediated stomata closure was found to be independent of abscisic acid biosynthesis and signalling. Additionally, exogenous treatments with HB alleviate water stress and improve fruit productivity in tomato plants. The efficacy of HB was also tested under open field conditions, leading to enhanced resistance against Phytophthora spp. and Pseudomonas syringae infection in potato and tomato plants, respectively. Taken together, our results provide insights into the HB signalling transduction pathway, confirming its role in stomatal closure and plant immune system activation, and propose HB as a new phytoprotectant for the sustainable control of biotic and abiotic stresses in agriculture.

Nitrogen Fertilization Effects on Boron and Chloride Concentration, Yield and Quality in Potato

ABSTRACT Nitrogen (N) availability affects the boron (B) and chloride (Cl) concentrations in potato plants. The objective of our study was to evaluate: 1) the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization on boron (B) and chloride (Cl) concentration in leaves and tubers, yield and tuber quality; and 2) the use of nitrogen nutrition index in shoot biomass (NNIsh) and in the tuber at harvest (NNItH) to estimate B and Cl nutrition status. Two trials were carried out (2009/10 and 2010/11). At each year, a split-plot randomized complete blotuber B uptakeck design with three replications was used. The main plot was the N rate applied at planting (0 or 50 kg N ha−1), and the subplots were the N rate applied at tuber initiation (0, 50 or 100 kg N ha−1). Our results showed that leaf B concentration and yield increased with N availability (13% and 5%, respectively). While leaf and tuber Cl concentration and DM decreased with N availability (16%, 18% and 3%, respectively). Moreover, the NNIsh was related to the leaf B and Cl concentration and relative yield. The NNItH was also closely related to dry matter (DM), B and Cl concentrations in tubers at harvest. This study demonstrated that N fertilization affected the concentration of B and Cl in leaf and tuber and that NNIsh and NNItH estimated the nutritional status of anionic micronutrients. Therefore, simultaneous N, B and Cl management is critical for increasing their use efficiencies and improving crop productivity.

Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens Mix Suppresses Rhizoctonia Disease and Improves Rhizosphere Microbiome, Growth and Yield of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Black scurf and stem canker caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a significant disease problem of potatoes. Currently, chemical methods are the primary means of controlling this pathogen. This study sought to explore an alternative approach by harnessing the biocontrol potential of a bacterial mix of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens against black scurf, and to determine their effect on rhizosphere microorganisms of soil microbiota. This study showed that these bacteria demonstrate antagonistic activity against Rhizoctonia solani. Reduced damage to potato plants during the growing season in Siberia was observed. The index of disease development decreased from 40.9% to 12.0%. The treatment of tubers with this mix of bacteria also led to a change in the composition of the rhizosphere microbiota (according to CFU, 16S and ITS sequencing). This effect was accompanied by a positive change in plant physiological parameters (spectrophotometric analysis). The concentration of chlorophyll in potatoes with the bacterial mix treatment increased by 1.3 fold (p ≤ 0.001), and of carotenoids by 1.2 fold (p ≤ 0.01) compared with the control. After bacterial mix treatment, the length of the aerial parts of plants was 1.3 fold higher (p ≤ 0.001), and the number of stems 1.4 fold higher (p ≤ 0.05). The yield of potatoes was increased by 8.2 t/ha, while the large tuber fraction was increased by 16% (p ≤ 0.05). The bacteria mix of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens suppressed the plant pathogenic fungus Rhizoctonia solani, and simultaneously enhanced the physiological parameters of potato plants. This treatment can be used to enhance the yield/quality of potato tubers under field conditions.

Experience using organomineral fertilizer on potatoes

Relevance. Potatoes are one of the most important food crops in the Russian Federation and CIS countries. For the normal growth and development of the potato plant, it is necessary to provide sufficient nutrition elements. The modern direction is the selection of drugs based on natural sources that improve the mineral nutrition of plants and meet environmental requirements, which is relevant.Methods. Determination of the effectiveness of the use of organomineral fertilizer Adgelar for foliar top dressing of potato tubers. The objects of the study were potatoes of the Salsa variety and the organomineral fertilizer Adgelar. The experiment was carried out on gray forest soil.Results. It was revealed that foliar fertilization with Adgelar fertilizer contributed to increasing yields and improving the quality of potato tubers of the Salsa variety. The increase in potato yield was 17.5% at a dose of 0.3 l/ ha, 23.2% at a dose of 0.75 l/ha, 31.0% at a dose of 1.2 l/ha. With the use of fertilizer, the number of tubers increased (from 1 m²) by 16 17.8%, the average mass of commercial tubers (from 1 m²) – by 16.3–34.8% compared to the control. The share of the seed fraction of tubers increased by 1.5–6.2%, food – by 1.1–3.2%. The starch content in the dry matter increased (by 8.2–11%). There was a decrease in vitamin C by 7–18% compared to the control. In the variants with fertilizer in doses of 0.3 l/ha and 1.2 l/ha, nitrate nitrogen was higher by 10 and 49 mg, respectively.

Effect of «Quantum» system preparations on biometric parameters of potato plants

The article presents the results of research on the influence of different preparations of the «Quantum» system on the biometric parameters of potato plants of the medium-early variety «Zhytnytsia» and the medium-ripening variety «Melaniya». The purpose of the research is to develop new and improve existing agrotechnical measures for growing new potato varieties on sod-podzolic sandy loam soils of Ukrainian Polissya. It has been experimentally proven that the application of a complex of agrotechnical measures has a positive effect on the biometric indicators of potato plants development during the growing season. New potato varieties «Zhytnytsia» and «Melaniya» responded positively to fertiliser application, their rates and methods. According to the studies conducted in 2021–2022, both «Zhytnytsia» and «Melaniya» varieties distinguished 2 variants, the 4th and 6th, where N90P60K90 (locally) + «Quantum Seamin» (0,5 l/t) + Prolonged nitrogen (leaf – budding, flowering, after flowering) and N90P60K90 (locally) + «Quantum Diafan 3-18-18» (2 l/t) + Prolonged nitrogen (leaf – budding, flowering, after flowering) were applied. In 2021 in the varieties «Zhytnytsia» and «Melaniya» on average the period from planting to full germination was 44 days, from planting to budding – 58 days, from planting to flowering – 64 days. The period from planting to tops dieback in 1, 3 and 5 variants of «Zhytnytsia» variety was 100 days, and in 2, 4 and 6 variants – 110 days. Accordingly, in «Melaniya» variety these figures were 110 and 120 days. The highest density was found in variants 4 and 6, respectively, 49.3 and 47.5 thousand bushes/ha. In the same variants the field germination rate was 92.5 % and 89.1 %; the number of stems was 3.9 (401.7 thousand pcs/ha) and 3.5 (367.5 thousand pcs/ha) per plant respectively; plant height was 77.0 and 73.0 cm; leaf surface area was 229.2 and 194.3 cm² respectively. Similar results were obtained for the «Melaniya» variety. The same variants had a longer growing season due to the use of prolonged nitrogen, which had a good effect on the yield. Thus, after analysing these indicators, we can conclude that the best options for varieties «Zhytnytsia» and «Melaniya» are variants 4 and 6. Key words: potato, budding, flowering, tops dieback, density, height, leaf surface area, preparations.

Peculiarities of the influence of fertilizer and foliar feeding systems on the growth and development of potato plants

The research involved the studying the impact of different fertilization systems, which were balanced among themselves in terms of nutrients with foliar application of liquid organic-mineral fertilizers, on the growth processes of potato plants. The research methodology included the study of the following indicators: the number of stems, plants height, leaf surface formation. The research was carried out during 2014–2017 on the basis of the experimental plot of the Polissia National University. The experimental design involved the study of four fertilization options with the application of liquid organic-mineral fertilizers «Mochevyn K №1», «Mochevyn K No 2», «Organic D2M» and «Humate potassium» in the form of foliar application. As a result of the research it was found that plant development improves in variants with fertilizers application the number of stems increased from 61 to 84 stems on average over the years of the study, in particular under the organic fertilization system compared to the biological control. The use of liquid organic-mineral fertilizers (LOMF) contributed to an increase in the number of stems in the ranged from 66 to 89 compared to the biological control. Plant height analysis by development phases: mass budding, mass flowering and the end of flowering showed that fertilizers application had a positive effect on the increase in plant height, in particular under different fertilization systems plants height in the phase of the end of flowering increased from 6.2 to 8 cm. LOMF application contributed to an increase in plant height by 6.9–10.2 cm compared to the biological control. The highest indicators of the potato leaf surface area on average over the years of the study were formed in the phase of full emergence under the organic-mineral fertilization system – 5.01 thousand m2/ha and mineral fertilization systems, where this indicator was 4.98 thousand m2/ha. Foliar application of LOMF had a positive effect on the formation of the leaf surface area under the organic-mineral system of fertilization and the combined application of «Humate potassium» and «Organic D2M» and provided variability within 5.07 thousand m2/ha and 5.04 thousand m2/ha respectively. During the flowering phase the leaf surface area of potato plants under different fertilization systems increased by 7.1–10.3 thousand m2 /ha compared to the absolute control variant. The joint combination of fertilization systems and LOMF during the flowering phase increased the leaf surface area by 9.08–12 thousand m2 /ha. Key words: fertilization system, liquid organic-mineral fertilizers, potatoes, leaf surface area.

The secreted PAMP-induced peptide StPIP1_1 activates immune responses in potato

Treatment of potato plants with the pathogen-associated molecular pattern Pep-13 leads to the activation of more than 1200 genes. One of these, StPIP1_1, encodes a protein of 76 amino acids with sequence homology to PAMP-induced secreted peptides (PIPs) from Arabidopsis thaliana. Expression of StPIP1_1 is also induced in response to infection with Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight disease. Apoplastic localization of StPIP1_1-mCherry fusion proteins is dependent on the presence of the predicted signal peptide. A synthetic peptide corresponding to the last 13 amino acids of StPIP1_1 elicits the expression of the StPIP1_1 gene itself, as well as that of pathogenesis related genes. The oxidative burst induced by exogenously applied StPIP1_1 peptide in potato leaf disks is dependent on functional StSERK3A/B, suggesting that StPIP1_1 perception occurs via a receptor complex involving the co-receptor StSERK3A/B. Moreover, StPIP1_1 induces expression of FRK1 in Arabidopsis in an RLK7-dependent manner. Expression of an RLK from potato with high sequence homology to AtRLK7 is induced by StPIP1_1, by Pep-13 and in response to infection with P. infestans. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that, upon secretion, StPIP1_1 acts as an endogenous peptide required for amplification of the defense response.

The Fungus Beauveria bassiana Alters Amounts of Sterols, Fatty Acids, and Hydroxycinnamic Acids in Potato Solanum tuberosum

The entomopathogenic endophytic fungus Beauveria bassiana can colonize plants resulting in growth promotion and protection against phytopathogenic microorganisms. However, physiological changes in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) during this interaction are poorly understood. In the present work, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to analyze sterol, fatty acid, and phenolic acid concentrations in potato plants inoculated with B. bassiana conidia in soil. We showed an increase in amounts of stigmasterol, minor sterol compounds, and some hydroxy fatty acids in leaves after the fungal treatment. Moreover, levels of hydroxycinnamic acids, especially chlorogenic acid, were elevated in roots following the B. bassiana inoculation. We propose that these changes could have been caused by oxidative reactions, and the alterations may have resulted in growth-stimulatory and protective effects of B. bassiana on the plants.