Resistant Potato Research Articles

Nano-selenium strengthens potato resistance to potato scab induced by Streptomyces spp., increases yield, and elevates tuber quality by influencing rhizosphere microbiomes

IntroductionThe application of selenium could directly or indirectly modulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes in crops, thereby mitigating the detrimental effects of abiotic and biotic stresses on crop health. However, there are few studies on the effects of nano-selenium fertilizer on potato scab caused by Streptomyces spp., potato yield and tuber quality.MethodsWe aimed to elucidate the impact of nano-selenium fertilizer on potato disease resistance, yield, tuber quality, antioxidant enzyme activity and rhizosphere soil bacterial communities, and to determine the optimal frequency and growth stages of nano-selenium fertilizer spraying.Results and discussionThe application of nano-selenium fertilizer twice during the seedling stage significantly reduced the disease index of potato scab, enhanced potato yield, tuber quality (dry matter, Vitamin C, crude protein, and selenium content), and antioxidant enzyme activity (glutathione peroxidase, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase, superoxide dismutase, and phenylalanine ammonia lyase). The diversity of the rhizosphere bacterial community of potatoes subjected to selenium fertilizer spraying at the seedling stage increased significantly, and concurrently, the symbiotic network of rhizosphere bacterial microbiome grew more complex. Beneficial microorganisms such as bacteria of the genus Bacillus were enriched in the rhizosphere soil. The current study provided theoretical support for the exploration of a potato selenium-enriched technology system and supplies scientific guidance for the utilization of nano-selenium.

Genome-Wide Genetic Architecture for Common Scab (Streptomyces scabei L.) Resistance in Diploid Potatoes

Most cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum) varieties are highly susceptible to common scab (Streptomyces scabei). The disease is widespread in all major potato production areas and leads to high economic losses and food waste. Varietal resistance is seen as the most viable and sustainable long-term management strategy. However, resistant potato varieties are scarce, and their genetic architecture and resistance mechanisms are poorly understood. Moreover, diploid potato relatives to commercial potatoes remain to be fully explored. In the current study, a panel of 384 ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)-mutagenized diploid potato clones were evaluated for common scab coverage, severity, and incidence traits under field conditions, and genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were conducted to dissect the genetic architecture of their traits. Using the GAPIT-MLM and RTM-GWAS statistical models, and Mann–Whitney non-parametric U-tests, we show that 58 QTNs/QTLs distributed on all 12 potato chromosomes were associated with common scab resistance, 52 of which had significant allelic effects on the three traits. In total, 38 of the 52 favorable QTNs/QTLs were found to be pleiotropic on at least two of the traits, while 14 were unique to a single trait and were found distributed over 3 chromosomes. The identified QTNs/QTLs showed low to high effects, highlighting the quantitative and multigenic inheritance of common scab resistance. The QTLs/QTNs associated with the three common scab traits were found to be co-located in genomic regions carrying 79 candidate genes playing roles in plant defense, cell wall component biosynthesis and modification, plant–pathogen interactions, and hormone signaling. A total of 61 potato clones were found to be tolerant or resistant to common scab. Taken together, the data show that the studied germplasm panel, the identified QTNs/QTLs, and the candidate genes are prime genetic resources for breeders and biologists in breeding and targeted gene editing.

Identification and functional characterization of the RPP13 gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) for disease resistance.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), as the world's fourth largest food crop, plays a crucial role in ensuring food security through its disease resistance. The RPP13 gene family is known to play a pivotal role in plant disease resistance responses; however, its specific functions in potato remain unclear. In this study, we conducted the first comprehensive identification and analysis of 28 RPP13 gene family members in potato, examining their gene structures, chromosomal locations, expression patterns, and functional characteristics. Gene structure analysis revealed that most members contain the typical CC-NBS-LRR domains, with exon numbers ranging from 1 to 6. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these genes into four evolutionary clades, indicating a high level of conservation. Cis-regulatory element analysis identified that the promoter region of StRPP13-26 is enriched with pathogen-responsive elements such as the WUN-motif and MYC, suggesting its potential role in disease defense. Expression pattern analysis showed that StRPP13-8, StRPP13-10, and StRPP13-23 are highly expressed in various tissues, indicating their involvement in basic physiological functions, whereas StRPP13-6 and StRPP13-25 are mainly induced under specific pathogen infection conditions. Transcriptome and qRT-PCR analyses further revealed functional divergence of the RPP13 gene family in response to potato scab disease. Notably, StRPP13-11 was significantly downregulated in both resistant and susceptible cultivars, suggesting its crucial role in the early stages of pathogen recognition. Subcellular localization experiments showed that the StRPP13-11 protein is localized in the chloroplast. Combined with transcriptome-based functional enrichment analysis, this finding implies that StRPP13-11 may participate in disease defense by regulating photosynthesis-related genes and the dynamic balance of reactive oxygen species within the chloroplast. This study provides new insights into the potential functions of the RPP13 gene family in potato disease resistance mechanisms, offering valuable genetic resources and theoretical support for future disease-resistant breeding programs.

Preparation, Thermal Properties and Decomposition Course of Highly Resistant Potato Starch Graft Poly(Cinnamyl Methacrylate) Materials.

The properties of starch graft poly(cinnamyl methacrylate) copolymers were presented. The "grafting from" method and different ratios of starch to methacrylic monomer were used. The copolymers with the maximum grafting percent (G: 55.3% ± 0.4) using a ratio of starch to methacrylic monomer of 1:3 were obtained. The heterogeneous, non-porous structure materials were prepared. They were characterized by significant lower swelling in polar solvents and moisture absorption but higher swelling in non-polar solvents compared to unmodified potato starch. The chemical resistance in acidic, alkaline and neutral environments for all the tested copolymers was significantly higher compared to the chemical resistance of potato starch. The tested copolymers decomposed in at least three main stages in inert conditions and in at least four main stages in oxidative conditions. Their pyrolysis with the emission of the mixture of volatiles such as aldehyde, acid, ester, alcohol, aromatic, alkene, alkane, H2O, CO2 and CO based on the TG/FTIR studies was proved. The oxidative decomposition included pyrolysis processes combined with oxidation and combustion reactions of volatiles and the formed residues. As a result, the emission of the unsaturated and saturated compounds with carbonyl, hydroxyl, carboxyl and/or ester groups, alkane, alkene, aromatics and its oxidized forms, H2O, CO2 and CO, was observed.

Transcriptome responses to Ralstonia solanacearum infection in tetraploid potato.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is an important global food source, the growth of which can be severely impacted by Ralstonia solanacearum bacterial infection. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanisms of potato resistance to this pathogen are imperfectly known. Huashu No. 12, a tetraploid potato genotype, is highly resistant to R. solanacearum. We inoculate Huashu No. 12 and Longshu No. 7 (highly susceptible to R. solanacearum) with R. solanacearum to compare disease resistance in these two potato varieties. Huashu No. 12 has significantly higher resistance to R. solanacearum infection than Longshu No. 7, with increased lignin content, and an abundance of callose and strong autofluorescence in the phloem sieve tube. Enzymes (e.g., superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, and polyphenol oxidase) contribute to R. solanacearum resistance in Huashu No. 12. Transcriptome sequencing reveals 659 differentially expressed genes between the two varieties, with the ethylene responsive factor family containing the most differentially expressed genes. Gene ontology and KEGG analyses provided further insights into the genetic basis and molecular mechanisms underlying plant defense against R. solanacearum disease. By demonstrating the importance of enzymes and differential gene expression in Huashu No. 12 resistance to R. solanacearum infection, the breeding of disease-resistant potato becomes increasingly feasible.

The Induction of Disease Resistance by Scopolamine and the Application of Datura Extract Against Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Late Blight.

Late blight, caused by Phytophthora infestans, is a devastating disease of potato. Our previous work illustrated that scopolamine, the main bioactive substance of Datura extract, exerts direct inhibitory effects on P. infestans, but it is unclear whether scopolamine and Datura extract can boost resistance to late blight in potato. In this study, P. infestans is used to infect scopolamine-treated potato pieces and leaves, as well as whole potatoes. We found that scopolamine-treated potato is resistant to P. infestans both in vitro and in vivo. The treatment of 4.5 g/L scopolamine reduces the lesion size of whole potato to 54% compared with the control after 20 d of the infection of P. infestans. The disease-resistant substance detection based on the kit method shows that scopolamine triggers the upregulation of polyphenoloxidase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase activities, and H2O2 contents in potato tubers, and the decline of phenylalanine ammonia lyase and catalase activity. A total of 1682 significantly differentially expressed genes were detected with or without scopolamine treatment through high-throughput transcriptome sequencing and the DESeq2 software (version 1.24.0), including 705 upregulated and 977 downregulated genes. Scopolamine may affect the genes functioning in the cell wall, membrane and the plant-pathogen interaction. The addition of Datura extract could directly inhibit the mycelial growth of P. infestans on rye plate medium. In addition, P. infestans was found to be resistant to late blight in potato pieces treated with Datura extract. Datura extract can also be utilized in combination with the chemical fungicide Infinito in field experiments to lessen late blight symptoms and enhance potato yield. To our knowledge, this is the first study to detect the induction of disease resistance by scopolamine, and it also explores the feasibility of Datura extract in potato disease resistance.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the cellulose synthase gene family in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.).

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is the fourth largest staple food crop globally. However, potato cultivation is frequently challenged by various diseases during planting, significantly impacting both crop quality and yield. Pathogenic microorganisms must first breach the plant's cell wall to successfully infect potato plants. Cellulose, a polysaccharide carbohydrate, constitutes a significant component of plant cell walls. Within these walls, cellulose synthase (CesA) plays a pivotal role in cellulose synthesis. Despite its importance, studies on StCesAs (the CesA genes in potato) have been limited. In this study, eight CesA genes were identified and designated as StCesA1-8, building upon the previous nomenclature (StCesA1-4). Based on their phylogenetic relationship with Arabidopsis thaliana, these genes were categorized into four clusters (CesA I to CesA IV). The genomic distribution of StCesAs spans seven chromosomes. Gene structure analysis revealed that StCesAs consist of 12 to 14 exons. Notably, the putative promoter regions harbor numerous biologically functional cis-acting regulatory elements, suggesting diverse roles for StCesAs in potato growth and development. RNA-seq data further demonstrated distinct expression patterns of StCesAs across different tissues. Additionally, quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) results indicated significant up-regulation of StCesA5 expression under biotic stresses, implicating its potential involvement in potato disease resistance.

Genome-wide analysis and expression profiling of the polyamine oxidase gene family in Solanum tuberosum L.

BackgroundPolyamine oxidase (PAO) is a crucial enzyme involved in the breakdown of polyamines (PAs) in plants. It not only regulates the levels of PAs, but also plays a role in the oxidative decomposition of PAs and the release of stress-related signals, contributing to the plant’s response and resistance to various adversities. While there have been numerous studies on the response of PAO to stress in other crops, there is a lack of research on this topic in potatoes, a major food crop.ResultsIn this study, we aimed to explore the biological function of the StPAO gene in potato growth and development, as well as its expression patterns under stress. Using bioinformatics methods, we identified 14 StPAO genes in the potato genome. Protein sequence comparisons revealed a high similarity between the PAO proteins of potato and Arabidopsis. Chromosomal mapping and gene structure analysis showed that the StPAO genes were not evenly distributed on the chromosome and all contained an amino-oxidase domain. Furthermore, analysis of the promoters of these genes revealed the presence of abiotic and stress-related cis-acting elements, indicating their potential role in responding to different stresses. To investigate the expression patterns of these genes under stress, we used qRT-PCR to study their response to high temperature, drought, and ABA stress. Our results showed that StPAO6 and StPAO10 were significantly up-regulated under high temperature stress, indicating that they were involved in the process of potato resistance to high temperatures. Similarly, StPAO1, StPAO3, and StPAO4 were significantly up-regulated under drought stress, indicating their potential role in potatoes’ responses to drought. After ABA treatment, the expression levels of StPAO4, StPAO5, StPAO7, and StPAO14 were significantly up-regulated, suggesting their involvement in chemical defense mechanisms. Interestingly, the expression of StPAO11–13 was inhibited by all three stresses.ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study highlights the multifunctional nature of the StPAO gene family in potatoes, which plays a crucial role in coping with various stresses. This research deepens our understanding of the potato StPAO gene family and provides a reference for future studies on its function. It also serves as a theoretical basis for breeding stress-resistant potato varieties in the future.

Evaluation of genetic diversity and genome-wide association studies of resistance to bacterial wilt disease in potato.

The development of novel improved varieties adapted to unstable environmental conditions is possible through the genetic diversity of breeding materials. Potato is among the most important food crops worldwide, however, there are still significant hindrances to breeding gains attributed to its autotetraploid and highly heterozygous genome. Bacterial wilt caused by the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex (RSSC) is an important disease affecting potato among many economically important crops worldwide. No cultivated potato genotypes have shown a satisfactory level of resistance to bacterial wilt. Nevertheless, resistance can play a crucial role in effective integrated disease management. To understand the genetic landscape of bacterial wilt resistance in cultivated potato, we evaluated the diversity of 194 accessions from the International Potato Centre (CIP) using 9,250 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their associations to the response to bacterial wilt disease evaluated over two independent trials. Twenty-four accessions showed high resistance throughout both trials. Genetic diversity analysis revealed three major clusters whose subgroups were mostly represented by CIP clones derived from common parents. Genome-wide association analyses have shown six major hits: two on chromosome 8, and one on each chromosome 2, 4, 5, and 9. These results facilitate genetic dissection of bacterial wilt resistance and marker-enabled breeding in elite genotypes for potato breeding initiatives.

A single phosphorylatable amino acid residue is essential forthe recognition of multiple potyviral HCPro effectors by potato Nytbr.

Potato virus Y (PVY, Potyviridae) is among the most important viral pathogens of potato. The potato resistance gene Nytbr confers hypersensitive resistance to the ordinary strain of PVY (PVYO), but not the necrotic strain (PVYN). Here, we unveil that residue 247 of PVY helper component proteinase (HCPro) acts as a central player controlling Nytbr strain-specific activation. We found that substituting the serine at 247 in the HCPro of PVYO (HCProO) with an alanine as in PVYN HCPro (HCProN) disrupts Nytbr recognition. Conversely, an HCProN mutant carrying a serine at position 247 triggers defence. Moreover, we demonstrate that plant defences are induced against HCProO mutants with a phosphomimetic or another phosphorylatable residue at 247, but not with a phosphoablative residue, suggesting that phosphorylation could modulate Nytbr resistance. Extending beyond PVY, we establish that the same response elicited by the PVYO HCPro is also induced by HCPro proteins from other members of the Potyviridae family that have a serine at position 247, but not by those with an alanine. Together, our results provide further insights in the strain-specific PVY resistance in potato and infer a broad-spectrum detection mechanism of plant potyvirus effectors contingent on a single amino acid residue.

ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКИЙ СКРИНИНГ ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫХ ГИБРИДОВ КАРТОФЕЛЯ РЕСПУБЛИКИ КОМИ

The studies were conducted with the aim of genetic screening of promising selection hybrids of potatoes to identify genotypes resistant to a complex of phytopathogens. The study was carried out at A.V.Zhuravskiy Institute of Agrobiotechnology of Komi Scientific Center of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Sintol company (Moscow) using the GenExpert reagent kit “Markers of potato resistance genes” (“Syntol”). For the study, 10 markers of genes encoding resistance to potato cancer, golden potato cyst nematode, pale potato cyst nematode, X-virus and Y-virus were selected (genes H1, Gro1-4 were detected using markers TG-689, 57R, N195 and Gro1-4-1, gene Sen1 – using marker NL25, gene Gpa2 – Gpa2-2). The objects of the study were leaves of plants of five potato hybrids undergoing selection testing in breeding nurseries: 2341-265 (Amur × Gala), 2339-8 (Oksania × Gala), 2339-9 (Oksania × Gala), 1992-14 (Udacha × Elmundo), 2000-60 (Colette × FZ 1867). The maximum number of markers (five in each) linked to resistance genes was revealed in samples 2339-8 and 1992-14: TG-689, 57R, N195 and NL25 in both hybrids; Gro1-4-1 marker in 2339-8 and Gpa2-2 in 1992-14. Only the marker of potato wart resistance gene, NL25, was noted in selection number 2341-265. Sample 2339-8 was characterized as a valuable source of R-genes, having in its genome the genes of resistance to golden potato cyst nematode (H1, Gro1-4) and potato wart (Sen1). The genotype of the 1992-14 hybrid, carrying the Gpa2 gene, is recommended for breeding new potato varieties resistant to various types of nematodes.

Potato NPH3/RPT2-like (NRL) member StNRL-9 interacts with Stphots and negatively regulates late blight resistance.

Blue light enhances the susceptibility of Nicotiana benthamiana to Phytophthora infestans, a causative agent of late blight disease. Investigating how blue light affects potato late blight resistance is an interesting aspect of exploring new ways to control late blight disease. Blue light photoreceptor phototropins (phot1, phot2) and their downstream interact protein StNRL1 have been shown to negatively regulate late blight resistance. In order to investigate whether other potato NPH3/RPT2-Like (NRL) family members are involved in regulating late blight resistance, this study focused on the potato NRL proteins containing RxSxS motif at the C-terminus. Another potato NRL protein StNRL-9, containing RxSxS motifs, was found to negatively regulate P. infestans resistance in potato and N. benthamiana. Overexpression of StNRL-9 in potato and N. benthamiana suppresses the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and expression of the PTI marker genes NbWRKY7 and NbWRKY8. Similar to StNRL1, StNRL-9 interacts with the blue light receptors Stphot1 and Stphot2 on the cell membrane and could promote the degradation of a positive immune regulator StSWAP70. However StNRL-9 does not inhibit INF1-mediated cell death (ICD), whichis different from the StNRL1 that inhibits ICD, indicating that both StNRL1 and StNRL-9 inhibit plant immunity in diverse ways. This study provides valuable information for further exploration of how plant phototropins and NRL family proteins regulate plant immunity.

Potato β-aminobutyric acid receptor IBI1 manipulates VOZ1 and VOZ2 transcription factor activity to promote disease resistance.

Upon infection with non-pathogenic microorganisms or treatment with natural or synthetic compounds, plants exhibit a more rapid and potent response to both biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon, known as defense priming, are poorly understood. β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) is an endogenous stress metabolite that enhances plant tolerance to various abiotic stresses and primes plant defense responses, providing the ability to resist a variety of pathogens (broad-spectrum resistance). In this study, we identified an aspartyl-tRNA synthetase (AspRS), StIBI1 (named after Arabidopsis IMPAIRED IN BABA-INDUCED IMMUNITY 1; IBI1), as a BABA receptor in Solanum tuberosum. We elucidated the regulatory mechanisms by which StIBI1 interacts with two NAC (NAM, ATAF1, 2, and CUC2) transcription factors (TFs), StVOZ1 and StVOZ2 (VASCULAR PLANT ONE ZINC FINGER, VOZ), to activate BABA-induced resistance (BABA-IR). StVOZ1 represses, whereas StVOZ2 promotes, immunity to the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans. Interestingly, BABA and StIBI1 influence StVOZ1- and StVOZ2-mediated immunity. StIBI1 interacts with StVOZ1 and StVOZ2 in the cytoplasm, reducing the nuclear accumulation of StVOZ1 and promoting the nuclear accumulation of StVOZ2. Our findings indicate that StVOZ1 and StVOZ2 finely regulate potato resistance to late blight through distinct signaling pathways. In summary, our study provides insights into the interaction between the potato BABA receptor StIBI1 and the TFs StVOZ1 and StVOZ2, which affects StVOZ1 and StVOZ2stability and nuclear accumulation to regulate late blight resistance during BABA-IR. This research advances our understanding of the primary mechanisms of BABA-IR in potato and contributes to a theoretical basis for the prevention and control of potato late blight using BABA-IR.

Potato E3 Ubiquitin Ligase StXERICO1 Positively Regulates Drought Resistance by Enhancing ABA Accumulation in Potato and Tobacco and Interacts with the miRNA Novel-miR1730-3p and Proteins StUBC and StTLP

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is sensitive to drought, which severely impacts tuber yield and quality. In this study, we characterized a XERICO gene, encoding a RING-H2 type E3 ubiquitin ligase, StXERICO1, from a diploid potato, investigated its role in enhancing drought resistance and ABA accumulation, and identified its interaction with the miRNA novel-miR1730-3p, as well as its protein interactions with StUBC and StTLP. StXERICO1, with a complete Open Reading Frame (ORF) of 459 bp encoding 152 amino acids, was highly responsive to drought, ABA treatment, and abiotic stresses in potato plants. Overexpression of the StXERICO1 significantly enhanced drought resistance and ABA accumulation in transgenic potato and tobacco plants and exhibited greater sensitivity to ABA treatment, which was associated with the upregulation of expression of ABA biosynthetic genes NCED and CYP707A. Furthermore, our results revealed that StXERICO1 and its encoding protein interacted with miRNAs and other proteins. 5′ RLM-RACE (cDNA terminal rapid amplification) experiment showed that the miRNA novel-miR1730-3p targets 5′ UTR region of the StXERICO1 gene. Dual luciferase assay and virus-based miRNA silencing experiment showed that the novel-miR1730-3p negatively regulates StXERICO1 expression. Moreover, yeast two-hybrid assay indicated that StXERICO1 interacts with StUBC (an E2 ubiquitin ligase) and StTLP (a Tubby-like protein), suggesting that StXERICO1 might function on ABA homeostasis at the post-translational level. These findings elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which StXERICO1, a RING-H2 type E3 ubiquitin ligase, enhances drought resistance through increased ABA accumulation, how its expression is regulated by miRNA, and how it exerts its function through interactions with other proteins. The results also provide a potential candidate gene for subsequent precision molecular breeding aimed at improving crop drought resistance.

Resistant Potato Starch Supplementation Reduces Serum Free Fatty Acid Levels and Influences Bile Acid Metabolism.

Background: Resistant starches, such as high-amylose maize starch and resistant potato starch (RPS), have prebiotic effects that are linked to improved metabolism at >15 g/day, but the effects at lower doses have not been reported. Methods: We performed an exploratory post hoc analysis of free fatty acids (FFAs), bile acids (BAs), and ketone bodies in serum previously collected from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the effects of one- and four-week consumption of 3.5 g/day RPS versus a placebo using two-way ANOVA adjusted by pFDR. Associations between week 4 changes in FFAs, BAs, and ketone bodies were assessed by Pearson's correlations. Results: RPS consumption reduced total FFAs relative to the placebo, including multiple unsaturated FFAs and octanedioic acid, with reductions in taurine- and glycine-conjugated secondary BAs also detected (q < 0.05). No changes in ketone bodies were observed (q > 0.05). Changes in 7-ketodeoxycholic acid (r = -0.595) and glycolithocholic acid (r = -0.471) were inversely correlated with treatment-induced reductions in FFAs for RPS but not the placebo, suggesting the effects were from the prebiotic. Shifts in β-hydroxybutyrate were further correlated with FFA changes in both treatments (q < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that low doses of RPS positively influence fatty acid metabolism in humans, reducing circulating levels of FFA and conjugated BAs.

Accumulation of dually targeted StGPT1 in chloroplasts mediated by StRFP1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, enhances plant immunity.

Chloroplasts play a crucial role in essential processes, such as photosynthesis and the synthesis of primary and diverse secondary metabolites. Recent studies have also highlighted their significance linked to phytohormone production in plant immunity, especially SA and JA. Ubiquitination, a key posttranslational modification, usually leads to target protein degradation, which acts as a signal for remodeling the proteome via the induction of protein endocytosis or targeting to other membrane associated systems. Previously, the potato E3 ligase StRFP1 was shown to enhance resistance against Phytophthora infestans, but its mechanism remained unclear. Here, we demonstrate that StRFP1 interacted with the dually localized plastid glucose 6-phosphate transporter StGPT1 on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Transiently expressed StGPT1-GFP located on the chloroplast and ER in plant cells. Overexpression of StGPT1 enhances late blight resistance in potato and Nicotiana benthamiana, activates immune responses, including ROS bursts and up-regulation of PTI marker genes. The resistance function of StGPT1 seems to be related to its dual localization. Remarkably, StRFP1 ubiquitinates StGPT1 at the ER, possibly due to its merely transient function in peroxisomes, leading to apparent accumulation in chloroplasts. Our findings point to a novel mechanism by which a plant E3 ligase contributes to immunity via interacting with dually targeted GPT1 at the ER of plant cells.

Research Progress on Physiological, Biochemical, and Molecular Mechanisms of Potato in Response to Drought and High Temperature

With the intensifying global warming trend, extreme heat and drought are becoming more frequent, seriously impacting potato yield and quality. To maintain sustainable potato production, it is necessary to breed new potato varieties that are adaptable to environmental changes and tolerant to adversity. Despite its importance, there is a significant gap in research focused on the potential mechanisms of potato resistance to abiotic stresses like drought and high temperatures. This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent research available in academic databases according to subject keywords about potato drought tolerance and high temperature tolerance with a view to providing an important theoretical basis for the study of potato stress mechanism and the selection and breeding of potato varieties with drought and high-temperature resistance. The suitable relative soil moisture content for potato growth and development is 55% to 85%, and the suitable temperature is 15 °C to 25 °C. The growth and development of potato plants under drought and high-temperature stress conditions are inhibited, and plant morphology is altered, which affects the process of potato stolon formation, tuberization and expansion, ultimately leading to a significant reduction in potato tuber yields and a remarkable degradation of the market grade of tubers, the specific gravity of tubers, and the processing quality of tubers. In addition, stress also adversely affects potato physiological and biochemical characteristics, such as reduction in root diameter and leaf area, decrease in net photosynthetic rate of leaves, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and increase in membrane lipid peroxidation. In addition, various types of genes and transcription factors are involved in the response to drought and heat at the molecular level in potato. This paper illustrates the effects of stress on potato growth and development and the molecular mechanisms of potato response to adversity in detail, which is intended to reduce the damage caused by drought and high temperature to potato in the context of global warming and frequent occurrence of extreme weather to ensure potato yield and quality and to further safeguard food security.

Evaluation of Irish Potato Genotypes (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Solanum tuberosum&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; L.) Against Diseases for Adaptability in Sierra Leone

Irish Potato is an emerging crop of high economic value in Sierra Leone. Cultivation of the crop is limited, and farmers are faced with numerous problems in the production of the crop. This research was done to identify diseases resistant adaptable sweet potato genotypes under Sierra Leone condition. Six Irish potato genotypes collected from the Futa Jalon highlands in Guinea were evaluated in Kabala and Njala during 2013 and 2014 cropping season. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data was collected on agronomic parameters as wells as pest and disease. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance. Mean comparison was done using least significant difference (LSD) at 5% probability. Findings revealed that Kabala exhibited higher field establishment rates compared to Moyamba, with Spunta, Arnova, Nicola, and Mandola displaying significantly higher establishment percentages. Similarly, Spunta consistently exhibited the largest leaf area, vine length and highest plant vigor scores across locations. While all genotypes were susceptible to Potato Virus Disease (PVD), bacterial blight, and late blight, Spunta displayed the highest resistance to these diseases. Variations in tuber number and weight per plant were observed, with Spunta (4.4 and 3.6 t/ha) and Mandola (3.5 t/ha) showing the highest yields at both locations respectively. Notably, Spunta consistently outperformed other genotypes in terms of yield across both locations. These findings underscore the importance of genotype selection tailored to local conditions and the need for disease management strategies to enhance potato production and food security in Sierra Leone. Further research focusing on breeding programs targeting disease resistance and yield optimization is warranted to address the productivity challenges faced by Irish potato cultivation in Sierra Leone.

Multi-omics analysis reveals the effects of three application modes of plant growth promoting microbes biofertilizer on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth under alkaline loess conditions

Potato is an important crop due to its high contents of starch, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. Biofertilizers are composed of plant growth promoting microbes (PGPMs) which are essential for improving the growth and resistance of potato. However, little information has focused on the modes of inoculation of biofertilizers on plant growth and microecology. This study aims to reveal the response mechanism of the potato to three modes of inoculation of biofertilizers all containing PGPM Bacillus amyloliquefaciens EZ99, i.e. scattered mode of 5 kg/ha biofertilizer (M5), soaking seed tubers with dissolved 5 kg/ha biofertilizer (MZG), and scattered mode of 3 kg/ha biofertilizer + 2 kg/ha sucrose (MY34) in alkaline loess field through multi-omics analysis of transcriptome, metabolome and microbiome. The physiological result revealed that two application modes of equal amount of biofertilizer M5 and MZG significantly improved the growth and yield of potatoes. Furthermore, the transcriptome of potato exhibited sets of differentially expressed genes enriched in photosynthesis, sugar metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis among the three modes, with the M5 mode exhibiting overall up-regulation of 828 genes. Based on the untargeted metabolomic analysis of potato tuber, M5 mode significantly accumulated sucrose, while MZG and MY34 mode significantly accumulated the stress metabolites euchrenone b6 and mannobiose, respectively. Besides, the microbial structure of potato rhizosphere showed that the diversity of bacteria and fungi was similar in all soils, but their abundances varied significantly. Specifically, beneficial Penicillium was enriched in M5 and MZG soils, whereas MY34 soil accumulated potential pathogens Plectosphaerella and saccharophilic Mortierella. Collectively, these e findings highlight that MZG is the most effective mode to promote potato growth and stimulate rhizosphere effect. The present study not only encourages sustainable agriculture through agroecological practices, but also provides broad prospects for the application of PGPM biofertilizer in staple foods.

Potato Breeding for Late Blight Resistance in Central and East Africa

Potato late blight is a disease of great loss, which can go beyond 75% in Central and Eastern Africa. With this in mind, in order to limit the excessive use of synthetic fungicides, the use of resistant varieties is a better alternative. This study focuses on the synthesis of works already carried out in the improvement of potato resistance to late blight in Central and East Africa in order to have a general overview. For this purpose, 76 documents were consulted, including 67 scientific articles, eight books, and a web page. The literature has shown that the improvement of potato resistance to late blight in these areas is mainly based on conventional methods throughout the breeding scheme. These studies are mainly led by the International Potato Center. This review covers yield losses due to late blight, the biology of Phytophthora infestans, late blight management methods, the genetics of late blight resistance, genetic resources for late blight resistance in Central and East Africa, screening methods and breeding approaches for potato late blight resistance.