Tuberous Roots Research Articles

Viability of 3D printing of andean tubers and tuberous root puree

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is revolutionizing the industry. This technology can potentially transform and improve challenges in the food industry. This study evaluated the viability of 3D printing of puree made from camote and mashua flours. Before drying and grinding, the roots were pretreated with cooking and microwaving. First, the microstructure of the flours was evaluated using A Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The physicochemical, rheological, and extrusion properties of the purees were assessed. Furthermore, image analysis was conducted to observe the effect of time on 3D-printed figures. Four formulations were evaluated: Camote cooked (CamC), Camote microwaved (CamM), Mashua cooked (MasC), and Mashua microwaved (MasM), all containing a percentage of whole milk. SEM results revealed that heat treatments influence grain shape in mashua, leading to round or oval grains; this behavior was not observed in camote treated by microwave. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that microwaved camote granules retain their crystalline structure and shape. High water activity values were observed in camote samples; these results could be due to starch and sugar content. Color analysis revealed differences between samples less appreciable by the human eye in mashua. Rheological analysis indicated a solid behavior, with both G∗ and G′ values similar to or higher than G″ and significant differences among all samples. The tangent values were <1, indicating elastic properties dominated in all samples. Cooked samples showed better proportion fidelity than microwaved ones due to the retrogradation process. The study suggests camote and mashua flours pretreated by cooking present better printability than microwaving. This effect can be related to the higher starch denaturation.

Correlation analysis between Radix Pseudostelariae quality and rhizosphere soil factors of Pseudostellaria heterophylla in a cultivation region, China.

Pseudostellaria heterophylla, known for its significant bioactive ingredients, offers potential health benefits. Amounts of bioactive compounds of the tuberous root of cultivated Pseudostellaria heterophylla are sensitive to environmental conditions. We selected 22 sampling sites in Guizhou Province, China, a primary Pseudostellaria heterophylla planting area. We analyzed polysaccharides, water-soluble extractives, total ash and inorganic elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Mg and Ca) in Radix Pseudostellariae, and pH, organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK) and inorganic elements in the soil. Our study revealed a substantial presence of polysaccharides (85.00-181.00 mg g-1), water-soluble extractives (47.52-57.63%) and total ash (1.87-3.39%) in Radix Pseudostellariae. Polysaccharides and total ash showed no sensitivity to soil pH. Radix Pseudostellariae collected from soil with pH > 7 exhibited slightly higher levels of water-soluble extractives, Mg and Ca than that from soil with pH < 5. Conversely, soil with a pH less than 5 had higher OC, AN, AP and AK contents. Water-soluble extractives in Radix Pseudostellariae were negatively correlated with soil pH but positively correlated with OC and AN. The results imply that the sequestration of soil nutrients over long-term Pseudostellaria heterophylla cultivation could negatively impact the accumulation of some bioactive ingredients in Radix Pseudostellariae. This study has a profound implication for enhancing the quality of Radix Pseudostellariae of artificially cultivated Pseudostellaria heterophylla. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of cadmium stress on the growth and physiological characteristics of sweet potato

This study evaluated the responses of sweet potatoes to Cadmium (Cd) stress through pot experiments to theoretically substantiate their comprehensive applications in Cd-polluted agricultural land. The experiments included a CK treatment and three Cd stress treatments with 3, 30, and 150 mg/kg concentrations, respectively. We analyzed specified indicators of sweet potato at different growth periods, such as the individual plant growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant capacity, and carbohydrate Cd accumulation distribution. On this basis, the characteristics of the plant carbon metabolism in response to Cd stress throughout the growth cycle were explored. The results showed that T2 and T3 treatments inhibited the vine growth, leaf area expansion, stem diameter elongation, and tuberous root growth of sweet potato; notably, T3 treatment significantly increased the number of sweet potato branches. Under Cd stress, the synthesis of chlorophyll in sweet potato was significantly suppressed, and the Rubisco activity experienced significant reductions. With the increasing Cd concentration, the function of PS II was also affected. The soluble sugar content underwent no significant change in low Cd concentration treatments. In contrast, it decreased significantly under high Cd concentrations. Additionally, the tuberous root starch content decreased significantly with the increase in Cd concentration. Throughout the plant growth, the activity levels of catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase increased significantly in T2 and T3 treatments. By comparison, the superoxide dismutase activity in T1 treatment was significantly lower than that of CK. With the increasing application of Cd, its accumulation accordingly increased in various sweet potato organs. The the highest bioconcentration factor was detected in absorbing roots, while the tuberous roots had a lower bioconcentration factor and Cd accumulation. Moreover, the transfer factor from stem to petiole was the highest of the potato organs. These results demonstrated that sweet potatoes had a high Cd tolerance and a restoration potential for Cd-contaminated farmland.

RICE HUSK ASH (RHA) - A POTENTIAL SOURCE FOR IMPROVING PHOSPHORUS NUTRITION IN POTATO (S. tuberosum L.)

Use of alternative sources of nutrients such organic manures, residues and by-products to chemical fertilizers may enhance not only the yield but cut down the fertilizers use. Therefore, present investigation was carried out to explore the possibility of using rice husk ash (RHA) as a source of phosphorus in potato crop. Two pot experiments were conducted on Kufri Jyoti and Kufri Girdhari to determine the effect of rice husk ash on phosphorus nutrition of the crop during 2020-21. Application of rice husk ash (RHA) significantly increased the plant height, haulms (leaf plus stem) biomass, root weight, chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and P content. In Kufri Jyoti, application of 20g RHA per pot significantly increased haulms biomass, tuber yield, relative leaf chlorophyll content and P content in haulms by 17.8 per cent over control. In Kufri Girdhari, application of 40g RHA/ pot also increased the P content by (14.6 %) in haulms over control besides significant increase in haulm yield, root mass and relative leaf chlorophyll content. It was observed that subjecting the crop to moisture stress by withholding the irrigation towards harvest, senescence was delayed in plants fertilized with rice husk ash. RHA application showed a significant and positive correlation with root length and tuber yield (r=0.70). The results of the present study revealed that RHA can be used as a source of phosphorus for potato crop and has potential to improve water relations and nitrogen nutrition as indicated by improved relative leaf chlorophyll content in plants fertilized with RHA.

Rules of medication for leucorrhea in ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine based on latent structure model and association rules

Objective: To analyze syndrome differentiation and medication rules for leucorrhea in ancient books of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based on the “Chinese Medical Code” using the latent structure model. Methods: The formulations for leucorrhea were searched in the Chinese Medical Code (software), based on which an Excel sheet was created to conduct frequency analysis and construct a matrix of high-frequency medications. The high-frequency medications for leucorrhea were then analyzed using the Latent 5.0 software and a latent structure model. With SPSS Modeler and Latent 5.0 as the main analysis methods, Chinese medications with a frequency &gt;1.00% were investigated using the latent structure model and association rules, and the medication rules in treating leucorrhea with TCM were dissected based on the data of frequency. Results: For 373 kinds of Chinese medicines retrieved from 236 TCM prescriptions, the total medication frequency was 2522. Chinese Angelica (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), White Peony Root (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Indian Buead Tuckahoe (Poria), Common Oyster Shell (Ostreae Concha), and Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) were high-frequency medicines for leucorrhea. Tonic, heat-clearing, and qi-regulating medicines had a high frequency of usage. According to a formula-based analysis of the evidence, the main syndromes of leucorrhea included liver qi affecting the spleen pattern, damp heat accumulation pattern, liver qi stagnation pattern, liver-stomach disharmony pattern, yin deficiency of the liver and kidney pattern, and spleen deficiency with dampness pattern, which are generally in line with the etiology and pathogenesis of leucorrhea, namely pathogenic dampness as the detrimental factor together with spleen-kidney dysfunction. However, in ancient books, emphasis was laid out on the regulation of the liver. This study determined 31 association rules for treating leucorrhea, where the primary compatible medicines contained Chinese Angelica (Angelicae Sinensis Radix)-Nutgrass Galingale Rhizome (Cyperus rotundus), Chinese Angelica (Angelicae Sinensis Radix)-Szechwan Lovage Rhizome (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.), White Peony Root (Paeoniae Radix Alba)-Szechwan Lovage Rhizome (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.), White Peony Root (Paeoniae Radix Alba)-Adhesive Rehmannia Root Tuber (Rehmanniae Radix) and Tangerine Peel (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium)-Ternate Pinellia (Rhizoma Pinelliae). Conclusion: The medication rules targeting leucorrhea in the Chinese Medical Code were mainly represented by the regulation of qi and blood, as well as the 3 internal organs—the kidney, spleen, and liver.

Root Infection and Minituber Yield Response to Powdery Scab in Plant Growth Chamber Conditions

Powdery scab, caused by the soil borne Plasmodiophorid Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea (Sss), is an increasing concern. Developing resistant varieties with enduring resistance is crucial for sustainable disease management. However, the lack of a consistent infection assay for Sss hindered effective evaluation of disease symptoms, including root gall formation and tuber lesions. This study introduces a reliable method for assessing Sss pathogenicity using a sand/potting mixture in a controlled-environment plant growth chamber. Potato plants were inoculated with three types of inocula sourced from root galls, infested soil, and scab-like tube lesions. All inocula successfully induced root galls and tuber lesions, with the tuber lesion-derived inoculum producing the highest number of root galls. Additionally, the method demonstrated a marked impact on tuber yield, weight, and size in both highly susceptible and moderately susceptible cultivars. These findings underscore the efficacy of this infection assay as a robust tool for evaluating Sss pathogenicity. This method holds promise for screening potato germplasm to develop resistant varieties against powdery scab.

Contribution of homoeologous exchange to domestication of polyploid Brassica

BackgroundPolyploidy is widely recognized as a significant evolutionary force in the plant kingdom, contributing to the diversification of plants. One of the notable features of allopolyploidy is the occurrence of homoeologous exchange (HE) events between the subgenomes, causing changes in genomic composition, gene expression, and phenotypic variations. However, the role of HE in plant adaptation and domestication remains unclear.ResultsHere we analyze the whole-genome resequencing data from Brassica napus accessions representing the different morphotypes and ecotypes, to investigate the role of HE in domestication. Our findings demonstrate frequent occurrence of HEs in Brassica napus, with substantial HE patterns shared across populations, indicating their potential role in promoting crop domestication. HE events are asymmetric, with the A genome more frequently replacing C genome segments. These events show a preference for specific genomic regions and vary among populations. We also identify candidate genes in HE regions specific to certain populations, which likely contribute to flowering-time diversification across diverse morphotypes and ecotypes. In addition, we assemble a new genome of a swede accession, confirming the HE signals on the genome and their potential involvement in root tuber development. By analyzing HE in another allopolyploid species, Brassica juncea, we characterize a potential broader role of HE in allopolyploid crop domestication.ConclusionsOur results provide novel insights into the domestication of polyploid Brassica species and highlight homoeologous exchange as a crucial mechanism for generating variations that are selected for crop improvement in polyploid species.

Effects of ultrasound with slightly acid electrolytic water on storage of sweet potato: Physiological, nutritional, sensory and microstructural characteristics

Effects of ultrasound (US, 300, 400 and 500 W) combined with slightly acid electrolytic water (SAEW) at 25, 40 and 55 °C on physiological, nutritional, sensory and microstructural characteristics of sweet potato tuberous roots (TRs, Pushu 32) during 10, 30 and 60 d of storage were investigated, to explore a potential postharvest preservation technique for TRs. Sweet potato TRs by US500+SAEW50 exhibited the strongest PAL activity (10.63 U g−1) at 30 d of storage and SOD activity (83,707.42 U g−1) at 60 d of storage, suggesting the activation of strong defense system. Sweet potato TRs by US500+SAEW50 also showed integral cell walls, and presented the highest sensory acceptability (73.45). In addition, rotting rate of the TRs treated by US500+SAEW50 was reduced by 55% after 6 months of storage as compared to the untreated TRs in industrial application. Therefore, US500+SAEW50 could be a promising postharvest preservation technique for sweet potato TRs.

Anti-neuroinflammatory effects of the KIOM -patented Polygonum multiflorum maximized root tuber against LPS-stimulated BV2 Cells

The main pathological mechanism of neurodegeneration is neuroinflammation. It is known that the persistent neuroinflammatory response is harmful by causing secondary nerve tissue damage. Meanwhile, P. multiflorum is a traditional oriental medicinal herb. It has been used as a hematopoietic agent and is used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions. The aim of the present study was to compare the anti-inflammatory efficacy between the commonly available P. multiflorum (C1) and the KIOM-patented in vitro-propagated P. multiflorum (K1), which had higher content of active ingredients and biomass, using culture and cultivation conditions of LPS-induced neuroinflammation. After stimulation with LPS and treatment with C1 and K1 in mouse microglial BV-2 cells, nitric oxide (NO) production, pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, MAPK phosphorylation and transcription factor activity were assessed. We examined the antioxidant effect using DPPH and production of nitric oxide (NO). C1 and K1 suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2 and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, we determined the levels of inflammatory mediators, such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and mitogen-activated protein kinases and IκBα via Western blotting to understand the regulating mechanisms. Additionally, C1 and K1 also inhibited the activation of p38 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. In all experimental results, excellent anti-neuroinflammatory effects were confirmed at a lower dose in K1 than in C1, which is believed to be due to the increased biomass. Therefore, K1 is expected to be more effective than C1 and can be applied more broadly in the development of prevention and treatment of various inflammatory-mediated neurodegenerative diseases.

A stepped vibrating screening device with a crushing function based on the difference in tuber-soil aggregate breakage behaviour

To increase the difference in the particle size distribution of root tuber and soil aggregates and further promote the segregation effect of the binary mixture under external force. The present study investigates the bulbs of Fritillaria thunbergii (BFT) as the research subject. Initially, static compression and dynamic impact tests were conducted on BFT and soil aggregates. Subsequently, a breakage model of BFT and soil aggregates was established based on the Tavares UFRJ Breakage Model, and the accuracy of the breakage model and mechanical parameters was verified. Lastly, the optimal structural and operating parameters of the screening device with a crushing function were determined through single-factor testing and multi-objective optimization. The results indicate that the breakage resistance of BFT was significantly higher than that of soil aggregates, as evident from the differences in fracture energy and damage parameters. Furthermore, the optimal operating parameters of the new vibrating screen were determined by maximizing the soil aggregate breakage rate and minimizing the BFT breakage rate.

Natural Foraging Selection and Gut Microecology of Two Subterranean Rodents from the Eurasian Steppe in China.

As the most abundant group of mammals, rodents possess a very rich ecotype, which makes them ideal for studying the relationship between diet and host gut microecology. Zokors are specialized herbivorous rodents adapted to living underground. Unlike more generalized herbivorous rodents, they feed on the underground parts of grassland plants. There are two species of the genus Myospalax in the Eurasian steppes in China: one is Myospalax psilurus, which inhabits meadow grasslands and forest edge areas, and the other is M. aspalax, which inhabits typical grassland areas. How are the dietary choices of the two species adapted to long-term subterranean life, and what is the relationship of this diet with gut microbes? Are there unique indicator genera for their gut microbial communities? Relevant factors, such as the ability of both species to degrade cellulose, are not yet clear. In this study, we analyzed the gut bacterial communities and diet compositions of two species of zokors using 16S amplicon technology combined with macro-barcoding technology. We found that the diversity of gut microbial bacterial communities in M. psilurus was significantly higher than that in M. aspalax, and that the two species of zokors possessed different gut bacterial indicator genera. Differences in the feeding habits of the two species of zokors stem from food composition rather than diversity. Based on the results of Mantel analyses, the gut bacterial community of M. aspalax showed a significant positive correlation with the creeping-rooted type food, and there was a complementary relationship between the axis root-type-food- and the rhizome-type-food-dominated (containing bulb types and tuberous root types) food groups. Functional prediction based on KEGG found that M. psilurus possessed a stronger degradation ability in the same cellulose degradation pathway. Neutral modeling results show that the gut flora of the M. psilurus has a wider ecological niche compared to that of the M. aspalax. This provides a new perspective for understanding how rodents living underground in grassland areas respond to changes in food conditions.

Physiological and Transcriptome Responses of Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] to Weak-Light Stress.

In the relay intercropping system of maize/sweet potato, the growth of the sweet potatoes is seriously limited by weak light stress in the early stage due to shade from maize plants. However, it is not clear how the weak light affects sweet potatoes and causes tuberous root loss. By setting two light intensity levels (weak light = 30% transmittance of normal light), this study evaluated the responses of two sweet potato cultivars with different tolerances to weak light in a field-based experiment and examined the divergence of gene expression related to light and photosynthesis in a pot-based experiment. The results showed that under weak light, the anatomic structure of functional leaves changed, and the leaf thickness decreased by 39.98% and 17.32% for Yuhongxinshu-4 and Wanshu-7, respectively. The ratio of S/R increased, and root length, root superficial area, and root volume all decreased. The photosynthetic enzyme rubisco was weakened, and the net photosynthetic rate (Pn) declined as well. The level of gene expression in Wanshu-7 was higher than that of Yuhongxinshu-4. The KEGG analysis showed that differentially expressed genes from the two cultivars under weak-light stress used the same enrichment pathway, mainly via glutathione metabolism and flavonoid biosynthesis. After full light levels were restored, the differentially expressed genes were all enriched in pathways such as photosynthesis, photosynthetic pigment synthesis, and carbon metabolism. These findings indicated that weak light changed the plant morphology, photosynthetic physiology and gene expression levels of sweet potatoes, which eventually caused losses in the tuberous root yield. The more light-sensitive cultivar (Wanshu-7) had stronger reactions to weak light. This study provides a theoretical basis and strategy for breeding low-light-tolerant varieties and improving relay intercropping production in sweet potatoes.

Withdraw-to-eat movements of the Platyrrhine Sapajus libidinosus to the changing affordance of tubers with eating

The evolution of hand ability in primates is staged, with the visual control of hand shaping likely originating in Platyrrhine primates, members of a monophyletic primate suborder whose stem group diverged from catarrhines about 40 million years ago. Platyrrhine hand shaping may have evolved in relation to visually mediated inhand food manipulation and hand withdraw to the mouth for eating movements. The present study examines this hypothesis in the Platyrrhine Sapajus libidinosus, the bearded capuchin monkey. These monkeys include the tuber raiz de macaco, or monkey’s root, in their diet, a food item that poses challenges in handling, peeling and eating. Analysis of video recordings show that the capuchins used vision to render the tuber into fibers and roots that could be chewed and ingested. Visual engagement was initiated as each rendering/eating sequence began and visual disengage, with a blink and head raise, occurred just before a tuber reached the mouth. Two-handed withdraws mainly brought intact tubers to the incisors for peeling and shredding and one-handed withdraws mainly brought tuber fibers and roots that protrude from the hand to the premolars for chewing. The capuchins made use of novel power hand grasps, featuring the digit tips pressing food items against the interdigit pads and palm. They displayed individual but not group preference in pulling and holding the tubers with one hand and manipulating the tuber at the mouth with the other hand. The results are discussed in relation to the idea that the evolution of the visual and cognitive skills associated with inhand food handling to the changing affordance of food facilitates its management by the mouth. This visuomanual skill could be applied to other functions including tool use.

Evaluation of the Antigenotoxic Potential of Two Types of Chayote (Sechium edule) Juices.

Sechium edule (Jacq.) Swartz is a perennial herbaceous climbing plant with tendrils and tuberous roots belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family. Its fruits ("chayote"), stems, roots, and leaves are edible and are commonly ingested by humans. It has shown medicinal properties attributed to its bioactive compounds (vitamins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, carotenoids, triterpenoids, polyphenolic compounds, phytosterols, and cucurbitacins), which together have been associated with the control and prevention of chronic and infectious diseases, highlighting its antibacterial, anti-cardiovascular/antihypertensive, antiepileptic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, antiproliferative, and antioxidant activities. The objective of the study was to determine the antigenotoxic potential of two types of fresh chayote juice (filtered (FChJ) and unfiltered (UFChJ)) against DNA damage produced by benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) using an in vivo mouse peripheral blood micronucleus assay (MN). The juices were consumed freely for 2 weeks. A negative control, a control group of each juice, a positive batch [B[a]P], and two combined batches (B[a]P plus FChJ or UFChJ) were included. Blood smears were stained and observed under a microscope to quantify the number of micronucleated normochromic erythrocytes (MNNEs). The results indicate: (a) B[a]P increased the frequency of MNNEs and reduced the rate of PEs; and (b) no juice produced toxic effects or induced MN. On the contrary, both juices were genoprotective. However, the most significant effect was presented by UFChJ at the end of the experiment (70%). It is suggested that UFChJ has a greater amount of fiber and/or phytochemicals that favor the therapeutic effect. Possibly, the genoprotection is also related to its antioxidant capacity.

A Concise Review on Therapeutic Potential, Phytochemistry and Traditional Applications of Safed Musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum)

Background: In traditional medicine, Safed musli is a very popular herb. Natural sex tonics like Chlorophytum borivilianum (C. borivilianum) are effective in alleviating sexual disorders. Local healers in indigenous communities of India mostly use it for ethnic medicine. The circulation of blood is one of the functions it improves to enhance strength and energy. Since ancient times, the tuber roots of the plant Safed musli have been used to treat weakness and male impotency. Objective: The aim of this work is to bridge the scientific evidence with the pharmacological, phytochemical, and folkloric claims reported in different sources belonging to C. borivilianum. Methods: To build the manuscript, a detailed literature review was carried out by thoroughly analyzing globally accepted scientific research databases. Results: Safed musli is widely recognized for its efficacy in addressing male impotence. The abundant presence of phytoconstituents, particularly saponins, contributes to the nutritional and multifaceted therapeutic significance of C. borivilianum. Conclusion: The current review enlightens the pharmacotherapeutic potential of C. borivilianum, comprising its origin and distribution, botany, proximate composition, method of enhancing seed germination, pathology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and traditional uses. The scope for future research is provided by the present review, which also furnishes a gateway for filling the existing gap in its various aspects of investigation.

Impact of Enterobacter cloacae and Different Potassium Sources on Growth, Productivity and Tuberous Roots Quality of Cassava under Reclaimed Sandy Soils Conditions

Impact of Enterobacter cloacae and Different Potassium Sources on Growth, Productivity and Tuberous Roots Quality of Cassava under Reclaimed Sandy Soils Conditions

Evaluation of reference genes and expression patterns of CONSTANS-LIKE genes in Tetrastigma hemsleyanum under different photoperiods.

CONSTANS-LIKE (COL ) genes are a key signalling molecule that regulates plant growth and development during the photoperiod. Our preliminary experiments showed that the photoperiod greatly influence the formation of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum root tubers. In this study, we examined the oscillation patterns and expression characteristics of COL genes in leaves of T. hemsleyanum under different photoperiod conditions. Six genes were selected as candidate reference genes for further analyses: (1) 18S ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA ); (2) α-tubulin (TUBA ); (3) 30S ribosomal RNA (30S rRNA ); (4) TATA binding protein (TBP ); (5) elongation factor 1α (EF-1α ); and (6) RNA polymerase II (RPII ). The geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper software programs were used to evaluate expression stability. Two ThCOL genes were screened in the T. hemsleyanum transcriptome library, and their expression patterns under different photoperiod conditions were analysed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR. The genes EF-1α , TUBA , and 18S rRNA were used to analyse the expression profiles of CONSTANS genes (ThCOL4 and ThCOL5 ) under different photoperiods. The expression peaks of ThCOL4 and ThCOL5 appeared at different times, demonstrating that their oscillation patterns were influenced by the photoperiod. We speculate that these two ThCOL genes may be involved in different biological processes.

Elucidating the molecular mechanisms in phytohormones-induced alleviation of postharvest physiological deterioration in cassava tuberous roots

Cassava is a staple food crop in tropical regions, serving as a significant source of carbohydrates. However, rapid postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD) significantly limits the shelf life and utilization of cassava. Despite its importance, the overlapping molecular mechanisms underlying phytohormones-induced PPD alleviation in cassava tuberous roots remain unknown. In this study, the phytohormones ethephon (ET), gibberellic acid (GA), and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) were applied to cassava tuberous roots after harvest. These treatments led to significantly reduced H2O2 accumulation and alleviation of PPD. Transcriptomic analysis revealed shared functions, including transcriptional regulation and oxidoreductase activity, among differentially expressed genes (DEGs) affected by ET, GA, or MeJA. A total of 305 genes encoding antioxidant enzymes were systematically identified, with 151 responsive to phytohormone treatments across ten families. Notably, the expression of 10 Glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes was induced by all three phytohormone treatments, while their expression was suppressed in the absence of phytohormones during PPD. By using co-expression network analysis, DNA-binding motif analysis, and experimental validation using yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays, a regulatory network involving MeMYB102 and MeZAT11 transcription factors (TFs) that directly promote the expression of MeGST42, MeGST43, MeGST44, and MeGST46 was established. Overall, this study enhances the understanding of the overlapping molecular mechanisms underlying phytohormones-induced alleviation of PPD in cassava, thereby providing genetic resources for developing PPD-resistant cassava.

The Influence of Technological Factors on the Structure and Chemical Composition of Tuberous Dahlia Roots Determined Using Vibrational Spectroscopy.

This research investigated the structural and chemical modifications of Dahlia 'Kennemerland' across different technological conditions and throughout the vegetation period. Using FT-IR imaging, this study focused on the changes in the inulin, lignin, and suberin contents of tuberous roots. FT-IR maps were generated to visualize the distribution of these compounds across scanned areas, highlighting variations across cultivation methods and seasonal stages. The key compounds analyzed included inulin, lignin, and suberin, which were identified in different root zones. The results showed that inulin was distributed in all analyzed areas, predominantly in zone 1 (periderm), with a distribution that increased with forced cultivation, while lignin and suberin distributions varied with zone and season. Forced tuberous root lignin was detected in all four areas analyzed, in the fall accumulating mainly in area 4 and in suberin starting from summer until autumn. Based on the evaluation of the maps obtained by representing the area ratios of specific bands (inulin/lignin and inulin/suberin), we established where the inulin was present in the highest quantity and concluded that suberin was the constituent with the lowest concentration in tuberous Dahlia roots. These findings emphasize the influence of technological factors and seasonal changes on the biochemical makeup of tuberous Dahlia roots. This detailed biochemical mapping provides insights for optimizing Dahlia cultivation and storage for various industrial applications. This study concludes that FT-IR spectroscopy is an effective tool for monitoring and understanding the biochemical dynamics of Dahlia roots, aiding their agricultural and industrial utilization.

Systematic Review of the Agro-Ecological, Nutritional, and Medicinal Properties of the Neglected and Underutilized Plant Species Tylosema fassoglense

Neglected and Under-utilized plant Species (NUS) can contribute to food system transformation in Sub-Saharan Africa, but many are understudied. Here, we conducted a systematic review of 37 empirical studies to synthesize the evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa about the agro-ecological characteristics, nutritional properties, and medicinal properties of the NUS Tylosema fassoglense. Overall, the evidence is highly fragmented and lacks a comprehensive description of the species characteristics, properties, and benefits. Most reviewed studies focus on the eastern part of Africa and a few on the southern part, suggesting its limited geographic distribution. Studies on agro-ecological properties, and especially on morphological characteristics, indicate that the species’ long tuberous roots and large vegetative systems help it adapt to harsh climatic conditions. The species is also utilized for medicinal and nutrition purposes by different communities across its range due to its phytochemical, macro-, and micronutrient content, along with its favorable physico-chemical properties. In particular, the seeds contain many different amino acids, while their calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and carbohydrate content is comparable to Tylosema esculuntum, the better studied species in the Tylosema genus. These demonstrate the species’ potential to contribute to nutrition and food security. Furthermore, parts of the plant contain many phytochemicals, such as phenolics, alkaloids, flavonoid, terpenoids, and tannins (mainly in the roots), and for this reason local communities use it to treat various conditions. Overall, our systematic review suggests that although Tylosema fassoglense has some potential to contribute towards food security, nutrition, health, and livelihoods, there are many remaining knowledge gaps that constrain its effective integration into agricultural production systems and possible contribution to food system transformation in the region.