Plant Tuber Research Articles

Insights into membrane-bound fatty acid desaturase genes in tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.), an oil-rich tuber plant in Cyperaceae

BackgroundTigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.), an oil-rich tuber plant of the Cyperaceae family, is typical for the naturally high content of oleic acid. However, to date, genes contributing to oil composition have not been well characterized.ResultsIn this study, the first genome-wide analysis of tigernut genes encoding membrane-bound fatty acid desaturases (FADs), the key contributors to oil composition, is presented. According to phylogenetic analysis, ten members identified from the tigernut genome were assigned into seven out of eight evolutionary groups as defined in Arabidopsis thaliana, i.e., FAD2 (3), FAD6 (1), FAD3 (1), FAD7 (1), FAD4 (1), DES (1), and SLD (2). In contrast to the absence of an FAD5 homolog, FAD2 and SLD in tigernut were shown to have expanded via tandem and dispersed duplications, respectively. Comparison of 285 members from 29 representative plant species resulted in 11 orthogroups, where FAD2a, FAD6, FAD7, FAD3, FAD4, FAD5, DES, and SLD1 were shown to have already appeared in the ancestor of seed plants. Significantly, orthologous and syntenic analyses revealed that loss of FAD5 and expansion of SLD in tigernut are lineage-specific, occurred sometime before the radiation of core monocots, in contrast to species-specific expansion of FAD2. Moreover, though no syntenic relationship was observed between CeFAD genes, our comparative genomics analyses indicated that FAD3 and -7 are more likely to arise from segmental duplication. Structural variation and expression divergence of CeFAD genes were also observed. Gain of introns in CeFAD4, CeSLD1, and CeSLD2 was shown to be lineage-specific, occurred sometime before Cyperaceae-Juncaceae split. Tissue-specific expression analysis revealed that CeFAD2-1, CeFAD6, and CeFAD7 were constitutively expressed, whereas others were tissue-specific. Among five paralogs identified, CeFAD2-1 and CeSLD1 have evolved to be two dominant members. Putative roles of CeFAD2-1 in oil accumulation are supported by 1) exhibited an expression pattern positively associated with oil accumulation during tuber development; 2) were expressed more in tubers than their orthologs in C. rotundus. Additionally, in contrast to high expression of CrFAD3, transcript levels of CeFAD3 in tubers were fairly low, which may explain the distinct α-linolenic acid content between these two close species.ConclusionsOur findings provide a global view of CeFAD genes, which not only highlights lineage-specific evolution of the family, but also provides valuable information for further functional analysis and genetic improvement in tigernut.

In vitro propagation of Stephania pierrei diels and exploration of its potential as sustainable phytochemical production from tuber and callus

BackgroundThe tuber of Stephania pierrei Diels has been used for treating cardiovascular disease, migraine, and body edema and may exhibit antimalarial, anticancer, and anticholinesterase properties. It is also a popular ornamental plant. Consequently, plant tubers have been extensively harvested from the wild, posing a high risk of extinction. We assessed the in vitro propagation and essential phytochemical production from the calli of S. pierrei.ResultsThe highest callus weight (1.52–1.59 g) induced from the tuber flesh without peel occurred when using Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with basal salts supplemented with 3–4 mg/L benzyladenine (BA) and 0.1 or 0.5 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid. MS medium with a concentration of 3 mg/L BA was the most efficient medium for shoot regeneration, producing an average of 7.40 ± 1.140 shoots. Similarly, MS medium with 1 mg/L meta-topolin (mT) was most efficient for multiple shoot production (with an average of 13.40 ± 2.30 shoots). Root induction was successfully performed using the ½ MS medium. HPLC analysis revealed that calluses, tubers without peel, tubers with peels, and peels contained fangchinoline, cepharantine, and tetrandrine. Peels had the highest amounts of the first two alkaloids and a high amount of tetrandrine, which was related to the relative expression levels of three genes involved in the isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis pathway: coclaurine N-methyltransferase (CNMT), norcoclaurine synthase (NCS), and 6-O-methyltransferase (6OMT). GC–MS was employed for phytochemical identification of callus and tuber with peel, which revealed that out of the 24 phytochemicals identified, 13 were only found in callus and 5 were present only in tubers. DPPH scavenging percentage, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and ABTS radical cation scavenging activity assays revealed that the extracts from the four tissues showed antioxidant activities. The peel showed significantly higher total flavonoid and phenolic content, whereas the callus displayed the highest total alkaloid concentration.ConclusionsProducing secondary metabolites such as cepharantine, tetrandrine, and fangchinoline by culturing callus holds potential as a low-cost and sustainable method for producing pharmaceutical phytochemicals.

Insights into the Stearoyl-Acyl Carrier Protein Desaturase (SAD) Family in Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L.), an Oil-Bearing Tuber Plant.

Plant oils rich in oleic acid (OA) are attracting considerable attention for their high nutritional value and significant industrial potential. Stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturases (SADs) are a class of soluble desaturases that play a key role in OA accumulation in plants. In this study, the first genome-wide characterization of the SAD gene family was conducted in tigernut (Cyperus esculentus L. var. sativus Baeck., Cyperaceae), an oil-rich tuber plant typical for its high OA content. Six SAD genes identified from the tigernut genome are comparative to seven reported in two model plants Arabidopsis thaliana and Oryza sativa, but relatively more than four were found in most Cyperaceae species examined in this study. A comparison of 161 SAD genes from 29 representative plant species reveals the monogenic origin and lineage-specific family evolution in Poales. C. esculentus SAD genes (CeSADs) were shown to constitute two evolutionary groups (i.e., FAB2 and AAD) and four out of 12 orthogroups identified in this study, i.e., FAB2a, FAB2b, FAB2c, and AAD1. Whereas FAB2a and AAD1 are widely distributed, FAB2b and FAB2c are specific to Cyperaceae, which may arise from FAB2a via tandem and dispersed duplications, respectively. Though FAB2d and AAD2 are also broadly present in monocots, they are more likely to be lost in the Cyperaceae ancestor sometime after the split with its close family, Juncaceae. In tigernut, FAB2a appears to have undergone species-specific expansion via tandem duplication. Frequent structural variation and apparent expression divergence were also observed. Though FAB2a and AAD1 usually feature two and one intron, respectively, gain of certain introns was observed in CeSAD genes, all of which have three introns. Despite recent expansion of the FAB2 group, CeFAB2-1 has evolved into the dominant member that was highly and constitutively expressed in all tested organs. Moreover, CeFAB2-1, CeAAD1, as well as CeFAB2-5 have evolved to be predominantly expressed in tubers and thus contribute to high OA accumulation. These findings highlight lineage-specific evolution of the SAD family and putative roles of CeSAD genes in tuber oil accumulation, which facilitate further functional analysis and genetic improvement in tigernut and other species.

Development of lectin gene-based SNAP and ARMS markers as anticancer biomarkers in mutant rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme) of Pekalongan accession, Indonesia

Abstract. Muflikhati Z, Sianipar NF, Reflinur, Anas. 2025. Development of lectin gene-based SNAP and ARMS markers as anticancer biomarkers in mutant rodent tuber (Typhonium flagelliforme) of Pekalongan accession, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 26: 424-433. Typhonium flagelliforme is a medicinal plant with potential anticancer properties. This study aimed to develop Single Nucleotide Amplified Polymorphism (SNAP) and Amplification Refractory Mutation System (ARMS) markers from the lectin gene that contributed to anticancer activity found in gamma-irradiated mutant rodent tuber plants of the Pekalongan accession. The two markers were designed for the site of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), which were identified at approximately 500 bp in the length of the lectin gene sequence. The SNAP Lec113 primer designed from a 113 bp silent mutation in the respective gene has successfully differentiated rodent tuber mutant lines across the wild-type, determined by the specific T allele at 351 bp. Meanwhile, the ARMS Lec241 primer, designed from a 241 bp missense mutation (arginine to threonine), distinguished mutants from their wild-type by the specific G allele at 193 bp. The two developed markers demonstrated their high specificity and sensitivity in detecting genetic variations spanning lectin gene involved in anticancer biosynthesis. The SNAP marker effectively distinguished among seven mutant samples, while the ARMS marker provided consistent results across experiments. These molecular markers offer a rapid and accurate method for identifying genetic variations in rodent tuber plants, providing a significant practical benefit for the field of genetic screening and mutation impact studies. The three-primer SNAP system presents a more cost-effective option for large-scale screening compared to the four-primer ARMS system. This study provides a foundation for targeted breeding programs and genetic studies in rodent tuber, potentially accelerating the development of varieties with enhanced medicinal properties. The markers enhance genetic screening efficiency and understanding of medicinal properties in rodent tuber, significantly advancing the field of natural product therapeutics and mutation impact studies.

LITERATURE REVIEW PACLOBUTRAZOL POTENTIAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL ROLE IN TUBER CROPS AS FOOD DIVERSIFICATION

Tuber as one of the vegetative organs of plants, can be utilized as a complementary food or a substitute for rice. Tuber productivity depends on the amount and rate of assimilation, so growth regulators are needed that can increase the productivity of tuberous plants, such as paclobutrazol. Paclobutrazol is a growth regulator that has a major role in inhibiting the vegetative phase of plants. Paclobutrazol will inhibit the rate of gibberellin biosynthesis thus inhibiting plant height growth. Paclobutrazol, containing triazoles, boosts cytokinin biosynthesis, supporting chloroplast separation and chlorophyll biosynthesis whereas anticipating debasement. This comes about in delayed photosynthetic action, expanding acclimatize aggregation for tuber arrangement. At ideal measurements, paclobutrazol keeps up shoot biomass, chlorophyll substance, morphogenesis, photosynthetic capacity, and phytohormone adjust, driving to physiological and morphological changes in plants.

Effect of Die Temperature and Porang (Amorphophallus mulleri B.) Flour on the Physicochemical Properties, Nutritional Value, Estimated Glycemic Index, and Sensory Evaluation of Brown Rice Snack by a Collet Extruder

Porang is an underutilized Indonesian tuber plant that exhibits potential as an ingredient in extrusion-based snacks. This study aims to develop brown rice snacks incorporating porang flour at various die temperatures using a collet extruder to enhance their physicochemical properties. The collet extruder used in this study is a cost-effective method for installation, maintenance, and operation. The effect of die temperature (90, 100, and 110 °C) and porang (0, 5, 15, and 25 %) as independent variables were studied on the physicochemical properties, nutritional value, and sensory evaluation of extrudates. According to the experimental results, higher die temperatures significantly (p < 0.05) increased ash content (1.33 - 2.11 %), crude fat (0.91 - 2.05 %), a* value (0.96 - 4.98), water absorption index (WAI) (5.84 - 9.27 g/g),water solubility index (WSI) (6.64 - 16.05 %), DPPH free radical scavenging ability (8.14 - 18.53 %), total phenolic content (TPC) (200.61 - 426.93 mg GAE/100g d.m.), and total flavonoid content (TFC) (407.20 - 1661.11 mg RE/100 g d.m.); decreased crude protein (9.85 – 7.11%), and L* value (82.37 - 69.25). The extrudate produced at 100 °C had the highest radial expansion ratio (1.57 – 2.79 mm/mm); lowest bulk density (0.21 - 0.14 g/cm3) and hardness (2.39 - 1.30 kgf). The increased addition of porang flour significantly increased (p < 0.05) moisture content (2.01 – 2.62 %), ash content, total carbohydrate (84.83 – 86.83 %), a* value, b* value (11.80 – 16.65), bulk density, hardness, WAI, WSI, DPPH free radical scavenging ability, TPC, and TFC, whereas decreased the crude protein, crude fat, L* value, radial expansion ratio. According to the sensory evaluation results, consumers preferred the extrudates with 5 % porang flour processed at a die temperature of 110 °C over the other extrudates. Incorporating porang flour into puffed snacks could serve as a potential component in developing snacks that meet consumer demand for nutritionally beneficial products because of its low glycemic index (40.604 - 44.789). Snacks made with porang flour could provide beneficial effects for both healthy individuals and those with health concerns, making them suitable for a wide range of consumers.

Correlation-based network analysis combined with machine learning techniques highlights rosmarinic acid biosynthesis activation in tubers of potato plants corresponding to water recovery treatment

Correlation-based network analysis combined with machine learning techniques highlights rosmarinic acid biosynthesis activation in tubers of potato plants corresponding to water recovery treatment

INFLUENCE OF LIQUID COMPLEX FERTILISERS AND GROWTH REGULATOR "BIOGLOBIN" ON THE PRODUCTIVITY OF POTATO PLANTATIONS IMPROVED BY BIOTECHNOLOGICAL METHOD IN THE CONDITIONS OF SOUTHERN POLISSYA OF UKRAINE

The efficiency of potato seed production directly depends on the quantitative yield of standard planting tubers at each stage of reproduction. Therefore, the creation of conditions for active tuberization and the formation of the maximum amount of seed fraction in the cultivation technology is the main factor in increasing the multiplication rate, especially for improved potatoes created by biotechnology. The research aimed to determine the effect of dissolved complex fertilizers and plant growth regulator, when used together, as active factors of potato growth and development, especially in the absence of moisture during critical periods of vegetation. The results of three years of research have shown the advantage of dissolved NPK 16:16:16 at a rate of 5 c/ha and 1 l/ha of Bioglobin over granular NPK 16:16:16 when applied locally. In particular, the leaf surface area increased by 13%, plant height by 3%, tuber yield by 78 thousand pieces per 1 ha, and total yield by 30%. The growth of seed tubers, the main product of the seed industry, averaged 19%. The improved fertilization system for seed potatoes provides a 24% increase in economic efficiency.

Influence of Extraction Techniques on the Physicochemical Characteristics and Industrial Applications of Chayote (Sechium edule) Tuber Starch

This study investigates the effect of different starch extraction methods properties of chayote (Sechium edule) tuber starch. Chayote, a tuberous plant rich in starch, was subjected to both physical and chemical extraction methods, with treatments including water, sodium hydroxide, and sodium metabisulfite. The study evaluated for particle size, bulk density, flow ability, pH, amylose, amylopectin content, water and oil absorption capacity, and starch paste clarity. Starch clarity was highest in treatments using sodium metabisulfite, with clarity values up to 73.26%, high clarity, suitable for transparent applications. Treatment T7, which used sodium metabisulfite, yielded the highest amylopectin content (70.46%), making it flexible and ideal for applications requiring low retrogradation, ensuring long-term stability in food products and other applications. such as edible coatings. The study concludes that chayote tuber starch shows great potential for industrial applications such as in coatings, baked goods, thickening agents, and biodegradable packaging materials, with the extraction method significantly affecting its physical and chemical properties. Treatment T7 is recommended for optimal starch yield, clarity, and amylopectin content, making it suitable for use in coatings and food formulations requiring flexibility and stability. These results are also important for producing innovative and sustainable products, providing options to traditional starch sources and encouraging the use of underutilized crops like chayote.

Molecular diagnostics for detection of potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) using RT-PCR

Potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) is a pathogen that can cause great economic damage to agriculture. Potatoes infected with PSTVd are stunted in growth, and over time the plants become dwarf. In potato plants, the number of stems decreases, the leaves extend from the stem at right angles (symptoms of “Gothic”). The leaves become smaller and become sickle-shaped and ivy-leafed. Tubers of infected potato plants are significantly reduced in size and deformed. They acquire an elongated fusiform or pear-shaped (dumbbell-shaped) shape. The number of tubers themselves decreases. During storage, diseased tubers are often affected by various types of rot. Visual identification of diseased plants and tubers is possible only when affected by a severe strain and at later stages of disease development. Not all tubers of infected plants exhibit all or even any of the listed symptoms; the disease may be asymptomatic. Therefore, it is very important to identify the disease at an early stage. Detection of this pathogen is carried out in laboratory conditions using the PCR method. Currently, due to the lack of effective methods for treating potatoes from PSTV, PCR methods for diagnosing the viroid are of great importance to prevent its further spread. For the first time in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, molecular diagnostics of PSTVd, the causative agent of potato disease, was carried out. Detection at the early stages of infestation is of great importance to prevent crop losses.

ВЛИЯНИЕ СРОКОВ ПОСАДКИ НА РОСТ, РАЗВИТИЕ И УРОЖАЙНОСТЬ КАРТОФЕЛЯ

The aim of our research was to study the influence of potato planting dates on growth, development and productivity of promising early-ripening varieties Riviera and Reggi. Field experiments in 2024 were conducted at LLC Agrobiotechnopark at Kazan State Agrarian University. The scheme of the stationary field experiment provided for the study of potato varieties Reggi and Riviera at the following planting dates: May 15 (control), May 20 and May 25. The soil of experimental plot was gray forest soil. The initial humus content according to I.V. Tyurin was 3.5-3.7%, mobile phosphorus - 250 mg/kg and exchangeable potassium according to A.T. Kirsanov - 145 mg/kg of soil, pH (according to salt extract) - 6.3. The experiment was repeated three times, the placement of plots was randomized, the area of each plot was 60 m2. The system of primary and pre-planting soil preparation included autumn winter plowing to a depth of 21 cm, by PLN-5-35 plow in conjunction with MTZ-1221 tractor, the day before planting, loosening was carried out by KSN-3.4 aggregate to a depth of 17 cm and pre-planting milling of the soil was carried out. When planting potatoes, mineral fertilizers were applied at a dose of N40P40K40. Planting was carried out on May 15, 20 and 25 by KSM-4N potato planter. The tuber planting rate was 2.9 t/ha (according to 75x30 cm scheme, the average weight of planting material was 65 g), the average planting density was 44 000 pieces of planting tubers/ha. Under the conditions of 2024, planting potatoes at an earlier date (May 15) allowed for the studied early-ripening varieties Riviera and Reggi to form the maximum height of potato plants (42.7 and 49.5 cm, respectively), and also to preserve the maximum number of stems of the studied crop (4.8 and 5.1 pieces/bush). With later potato plantings (May 25), there was a maximum breakage and injury of potato sprouts after vernalization. Planting the studied potato varieties at earlier dates contributed to the maximum accumulation of the aboveground mass of the tops, which in Reggi variety reached 326.5 g/bush, and the leaf area was 24 650 thousand m2/ha. The maximum accumulation of tuber mass - 591.3 g/bush in Reggi variety was formed when planting potatoes on May 15. The highest productivity of Reggi potatoes 23.65 t/ha was obtained when planting on May 15, and later planting (May 20 and 25) led to a decrease in the productivity of the potato crop and amounted to 22.38 and 21.87 t/ha, respectively.

Antifungal activity of tuber extracts of Cyclamen rohlfsianum against some human pathogenic Candida spp.

Cyclamen rohlfsianum is a plant species endemic to Al-jabal al-Akhdar, Libya and is important in folk medicine. Recently, scientists pay more attention of this plant in term of it’s antimicrobial activity and use to get rid of the infections that cause by bacteria and candida; therefor, this study was conducted. This study investigated the antifungal activity of C. rohlfsianum tuber extracts against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, and Candida krusi using a disc diffusion method. The plant tuber extracts were prepared using four different solvents with different polarities (ethyl acetate, chloroform, hexane, and ethanol) and applied at a concentration of 0.01 mg/ml. Antifungal activity against C. albicans was observed in chloroform, ethyl acetate, and hexane plant extract (inhibition zone 0.9, 0.8, and 0.7 mm in diameter respectively). However, only hexane and chloroform plant extract inhibited the growth of C. krusi, with hexane tuber extract being the most effective (inhibition zone of 1.3 mm in diameter) compared to the chloroform plant extract (0.7 mm inhibition zone). The plant tuber extracts did not affect the growth of C. tropicalis. Nystatin did not affect the growth of any of the candida spp. The study confirmed the activity of C. rohlfsianum tuber extracts against some species of candida.

Potential Utilization of Taro Yam as Food in Ngada District

Taro (Colocasia esculenta L.) is a tuberous plant called bonggol that grows underground. The high carbohydrate content of taro makes it a top choice as a staple food when looking for alternatives to rice. Taro has great potential to be processed into various food products to help prevent various nutritional problems and generate additional income for local communities. Ngada Regency is one of the districts that has its own natural strengths and is also rich in natural resources such as local food, one of which is taro yam. Quantitative research was used in this study. Data were collected in the form of secondary data or data obtained from books, journals, newspapers, statistical data and other sources. The technique used for this research study is literature study. Ngada Regency has considerable potential for taro yams. Almost all of Ngada Regency cultivates taro yams. However, taro yam processing in Ngada Regency is still quite simple, such as steaming, frying, making compote and animal feed. The people of Ngada Regency certainly have great potential in processing taro yams into industrial raw materials and materials for food needs, such as turning taro yams into taro rice and taro flour. This needs special attention from the local government in empowering the natural resources owned, to open up business potential and encourage job creation for the community, as well as MSME businesses. Ngada Regency is the third largest district on Flores Island in terms of taro yam cultivation, with 2,916 taro yams produced.

Reduction of Potassium Supply Alters the Production and Quality Traits of Ipomoea batatas cv. BAU Sweetpotato-5 Tubers

In Bangladesh, sweetpotato is the fourth most important source of carbohydrates behind rice, wheat, and potatoes. Potassium is vital for sweetpotato growth, boosting tuber size, sweetness, disease resistance, and yield quality, with deficiencies leading to poor tuber formation and increased stress susceptibility. The present study evaluated the effect of varying dosages of potassium fertilizer (Muriate of Potash, MoP) on the growth, yield, and biochemical qualities of sweetpotato. As a genetic material, BAU sweetpotato-5 was chosen as it is recognized for its high yield, short duration, and nutritional advantages. There were three treatments—full dosage of MoP (321.6 kg ha−1, T0), half dosage of MoP (160.8 kg ha−1, T1) and no MoP (T2). Four replications of a randomized complete block design (RCBD) were used in the experiment. According to analysis of variance, the morphological and biochemical parameters, such as the fresh weight plant−1, number of tuber plant−1, chlorophyll content, total phenolic content, vitamin C, carotenoid, anthocyanin, Zn, and Fe content varied significantly among treatments. The application of the full recommended dosage of MoP resulted in the highest values for several traits, including the fresh weight plant−1, number of tuber plant−1, chlorophyll content, carotenoid, anthocyanin, and Fe content. Conversely, total phenolic content and vitamin C were highest without MoP application. Principal component analysis (PCA) differentiated treatment T0 from T1 and T2 due to higher positive coefficients of the number of leaves at 115 days after transplantation, vine length at 115 days after transplantation, number of branches, stem diameter, fresh weight plant−1, tuber length, tuber diameter, tuber weight, number of tuber plant−1, SPAD, carotenoid, anthocyanin, Fe, and negative coefficients of total phenolic content, vitamin C, and Zn. The findings suggest that potassium is integral to maximizing both yield and key nutritional components in sweetpotato cultivation.

Konjac Glucomannan‐Based Edible Films: Method, Properties, and Applications

ABSTRACTKonjac glucomannan (KGm) has emerged as a promising candidate in the realm of sustainable packaging materials due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and unique chemical properties. Derived from the konjac plant tuber, KGm is primarily composed of glucose and mannose units linked by β‐1,4 glycosidic bonds, which impart high molecular weight, acetylation levels, and functional characteristics such as viscosity, gel‐forming ability, and water absorption capacity. In the food industry, KGm films serve as edible coatings on fruits and vegetables, extending shelf life by creating a protective barrier against moisture and oxygen. KGm‐based films are used in controlled release formulations, wound healing dressings, and tissue engineering scaffolds. Various manufacturing techniques such as solvent casting, microfluidic spinning, and electrospinning are used to customize the mechanical properties and structure of KGm films for specific applications. Ongoing research aims to enhance water resistance and barrier properties through innovations such as composite formulations and cross‐linking methods. Looking ahead, further developments in KGm‐based edible films hold promise for addressing environmental concerns linked to traditional plastic packaging materials.

Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen and Potassium on Yield and Quality of Potato

The research experiment was carried out at Nalanda College of Horticulture, Noorsarai during 2021-22 to find out the effect of different levels of nitrogen and potassium on the growth and yield of potatoes. Findings of research showed that among the individual nitrogen and potassium levels, N5 and K4 performed better in respect of, the number of tubers per plant (7.85 and 6.80), average tuber weight (62.28 g and 67.27 g), tuber weight per plant (656.71 g and 473.45 g), tuber yield (270.95 q/ha and 216.73 q/ha), the diameter of tuber (5.21 cm and 3.98 cm), vitamin C content in tuber (14.15 mg/100gm and 11.89 mg/100gm), fresh weight (63.68 and 109.79), dry weight (12.89 and 22.12), moisture content of fresh tuber (76.09 and 91.07). In the case of interaction effect of N×K, the treatment of N5×K4 pronounced significantly to the number of tubers per plant (11.44), single tuber weight (110.19 g), plant tuber weight (962.00 g), tuber yield (360 q/ha), diameter of tuber (8.10 cm), vitamin C content in tuber (18.50 mg/100 g), fresh weight (109.79 g), dry weight (22.12 g), moisture content of fresh tuber (91.07 g). Potato var. Kufri Lima yielded the maximum (360.76 q/ha) in the interaction of N5×K4 when applied with 160 kg/ha nitrogen and 120 kg/ha potassium.

The potato sugar transporter SWEET1g affects apoplasmic sugar ratio and phloem-mobile tuber- and flower-inducing signals.

The main phloem loader in potato, sucrose transporter StSUT1, is coexpressed with 2 members of the SWEET gene family: StSWEET11b, a clade III member of SWEET carriers assumed to be involved in sucrose efflux, and StSWEET1g, a clade I member involved in glucose efflux into the apoplast, that physically interacts with StSUT1. We investigated the functionality of SWEET carriers via uptake experiments with fluorescent glucose or sucrose analogs. Inhibition or overexpression of StSWEET1g/SlSWEET1e affected tuberization and flowering in transgenic potato plants. Isolation of the apoplasmic fluid by vacuum infiltration centrifugation revealed changes in the apoplasmic hexose composition and mono-to-disaccharide ratio, affecting sink strength. Downregulation of StSWEET1g expression affected the expression of SP6A, a tuberigen, and miR172 under long-day conditions, leading to early flowering and tuberization. A systematic screen for StSWEET1g-interacting protein partners revealed several proteins affecting cell wall integrity and strengthening. StSWEET1g and the main interaction partners were strongly downregulated during tuber development. We discuss whether StSWEET1g activity might be linked to cell wall remodeling during tuber development and the switch from apoplasmic to symplasmic phloem unloading.

Genome-wide analysis of the Amorphophallus konjac AkCSLA gene family and its functional characterization in drought tolerance of transgenic arabidopsis

BackgroundAmorphophallus konjac (A. konjac), a perennial tuberous plant, is widely cultivated for its high konjac glucomannan (KGM) content, a heteropolysaccharide with diverse applications. The cellulose synthase-like (CSL) gene family is known to be a group of processive glycan synthases involved in the synthesis of cell-wall polysaccharides and plays an important role in the biological process of KGM. However, in A. konjac the classification, structure, and function of the AkCSLA superfamily have been studied very little.ResultsBioinformatics methods were used to identify the 11 AkCSLA genes from the whole genome of Amorphophallus konjac and to systematically analyze their characteristics, phylogenetic evolution, promoter cis-elements, expression patterns, and subcellular locations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the AkCSLA gene family can be divided into three subfamilies (Groups I- III), which have close relationships with Arabidopsis. The promoters of most AkCSLA family members contain MBS elements and ABA response elements. Analysis of expression patterns in different tissues showed that most AkCSLAs are highly expressed in the corms. Notably, PEG6000 induced down-regulation of the expression of most AkCSLAs, including AkCSLA11. Subcellular localization results showed that AkCSLA11 was localized to the plasma membrane, Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum. Transgenic Arabidopsis experiments demonstrated that overexpression of AkCSLA11 reduced the plant’s drought tolerance. This overexpression also inhibited the expression of drought response genes and altered the sugar components of the cell wall. These findings provide new insights into the response mechanisms of A. konjac to drought stress and may offer potential genetic resources for improving crop drought resistance.ConclusionIn conclusion, the study reveals that the AkCSLA11 gene from A. konjac negatively impacts drought tolerance when overexpressed in Arabidopsis. This discovery provides valuable insights into the mechanisms of plant response to drought stress and may guide future research on crop improvement for enhanced resilience.

Design of Porang Cultivation Development System Model in Madiun Regency

Porang is a tuber plant with extensive benefits, so it has the potential to be developed. However, this potential is accompanied by many existing problems. Identification to overcome it. A system approach to overcome it. This study aimed to design a porang cultivation development system model in Madiun Regency. The research method uses primary data and secondary data. They start with identifying the porang cultivation process, identifying needs analysis, and using case diagrams. The study results showed that acceptable inputs consisted of planting good quality seeds and clearing the land to make it easier in the planting stage. Unacceptable inputs consisted of planting porang seeds of poor quality and planting on less sump needed to be more. Stakeholders consisted of farmers and farmer groups—resources comprised of land, seeds, fertilizers, capital, and agricultural tools. The roles arranged were to increase porang productivity, make porang a superior commodity, and open up business opportunities. Threats consisted of expensive porang seeds, scarcity of fertilizers, and shortages of workers. Controls consisted of giving fertilizer on a specified scale, planting according to SOP, and monitoring the land. Acceptable output is producing good porang plants, attracting other farmers to cultivate porang plants, and increasing the selling value of porang. Unacceptable output is poor porang harvest quality/crop failure, not attracting farmers to imitate porang cultivation, and low porang selling price. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that the porang plant cultivation process is expected to produce good porang plants, attract other farmers to cultivate porang plants, and increase the selling value of porang.

Study of the importance of plants with tubers and edible roots in the life of local populations in the Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve

This study focusing on root and tuber plants in the riverside villages of Nimba aims to promote the importance of roots and tubers in the lives of people living near the UNESCO heritage site, Nimba Mountains Biosphere Reserve. . The method of collecting data from resource people and the focus group through a questionnaire developed using the Kobocollect tool was used. The survey concerned 190 people including 79 women or 41.58% who were grouped into age groups with an interval of 5 years and the age group over 20 years was the most interested with 143 people or 75 .26% of respondents. Among all agricultural productions, cassava ranks first (42%), followed by taro (30%), sweet potato (18%) and yam (10%) the least cultivated due to lack of knowledge of its cultivation method, which allows us to affirm that roots and tubers have a primordial place in the nimba zone. The adaptation of these crops to the difficult conditions of the area, their nutritional energy value and their economic contribution deserve the encouragement of these crops despite the difference in yield between these four crops. So for the development of these cultures, authorities at all levels, NGOs, businesses etc. must strengthen the technical and financial capacity of producers, by forming groups or cooperatives, providing them with improved seeds and inputs.