Potato Type Research Articles

Pemantauan Keanekaragaman Hama dan Musuh Alami Tanaman Ubi Jalar dengan Pitfall Trap

The abundance of pest and natural enemy populations on a land can be given in the diversity and abundance of feeding sources and other available resources. The purpose of this study was to determine the diversity of pests and natural enemies of sweet potato plants. Research on land with three types of sweet potatoes, namely yellow sweet potatoes with narrow leaves, yellow sweet potatoes with broad leaves, and sweet potatoes with white leaves. Around the research area are long beans, papaya, guava, soursop, and durian. Sampling of pests and natural enemies by using a pitfall trap. The data analyzed was in the form of the Shannon-Weaver (H') diversity index. The index of pest diversity of the order Coleoptera on narrow-leaved yellow sweet potato, broad-leaved yellow sweet potato, and white sweet potato was 0,160; 0,1270; and 0,1300. The index of pest diversity of the order Orthoptera on narrow-leaved yellow sweet potato, broad-leaved yellow sweet potato, and white sweet potato was 0,3585; 0,3599; and 0,3632. The index of pest diversity of the order Hemiptera on narrow-leaved yellow sweet potato, broad-leaved yellow sweet potato, and white sweet potato was 0,0635; 0,0771; and 0,1300. Diversity index of natural enemies of the order Araneae on narrow-leaved yellow sweet potato, broad-leaved yellow sweet potato, and white sweet potato 0.2180; 0.3061; and 0.2705. The three sweet potato fields had a low diversity index.

Virus Incidence Associated with Native Potato Yield in Microcenters of Potato Genetic Diversity of Bolivian

In the Bolivian Andean region, a diversity native potatoes species (Solanum spp) are cultivated. Areas where many types of native potato are grown are known as microcentres of potato genetic diversity. However, yields are low in these places, apparently related to viral infections. The incidence of the potato-affecting viruses Potato Virus X (PVX), Potato Virus Y (PVY), Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV), Andean Potato Latent Virus (APLV) and Andean Potato Mottle Virus (APMoV) was examined by DAS-ELISA in microcentres of two high Andean regions of Bolivia, i.e. an Aymara culture region in the north of La Paz, and a Quechua culture region in the Dept. of Cochabamba. The relationship between viral incidence and potato yield was explored as well. The presence of all five viruses was detected in both regions, except APMoV in the Aymara region. The mean overall incidence of viral infection was greater in the Aymara than in the Quechua region. The most commonly detected viruses were PVX, PVY and APLV. Mix-infections of PVY + PVX and PVY + PLRV were most common in the Aymara region, and PVX + APLV and PVX + APMoV in the Quechua region. Potato yield was less in Aymara than in Quechua region and it was correlated to higher incidence of PVY and PVX in Aymara region. Low yields and high incidence of viral infection seems to be related to the ancestral management by planting native seed potatoes of poor quality. In conclusion, four of the five viruses sought were detected in the Aymara region, and all five in the Quechua region, although the overall incidence of viral infection was greater in the Aymara region, where the yields recorded were also lower.Resumen.En la región andina boliviana se cultivan una diversidad de especies nativas de papa (Solanum spp). Las áreas donde se cultivan muchos tipos de papa nativa se conocen como microcentros de diversidad genética de la papa. Sin embargo, los rendimientos son bajos en estos lugares, aparentemente relacionados con infecciones virales. Se examinó la incidencia de los virus que afectan a la papa, el Virus X de la Papa (PVX), Virus Y de la Papa (PVY), Virus del Rollo de hoja de Papa (PLRV), Virus Latente de la Papa Andina (APLV) y Virus moteado de la Papa Andina(APMoV) por DAS-ELISA en microcentros de dos regiones altoandinas de Bolivia, por ejemplo, una región de cultivo Aymara en el norte de La Paz y una región de cultivo Quechua en el Departamento de Cochabamba. También se exploró la relación entre la incidencia viral y el rendimiento de la papa. Se detectó la presencia de los cinco virus en ambas regiones, excepto APMoV en la región Aymara. La incidencia global media de infección viral fue mayor en la región Aymara que en la región Quechua. Los virus más comúnmente detectados fueron PVX, PVY y APLV. Las infecciones por mezcla de PVY + PVX y PVY + PLRV fueron más comunes en la región Aymara, y PVX + APLV y PVX + APMoV en la región Quechua. El rendimiento de papa fue menor enAaymara que en la región Quechua y se correlacionó con una mayor incidencia de PVY y PVX en la región Aymara. Estamos evidenciando que los bajos rendimientos y la alta incidencia de infección viral parecen estar relacionados con el manejo ancestral mediante la siembra de papas de semilla nativa de mala calidad. En conclusión, cuatro de los cinco virus buscados se detectaron en la región Aymara, y los cinco en la región Quechua, aunque la incidencia general de infección viral fue mayor en la región Aymara, donde los rendimientos registrados también fueron menores.

Analisis Kelayakan Usaha Tani Ubi Jalar (Studi Kasus Di Kampung Bersehati Distrik Tanah Miring Merauke)

This study aims to determine the feasibility of sweet potato farming in Bersehati Village, Tanah Miring District, Merauke Regency. The determination of the research location was carried out by purposive sampling with the consideration that the area was a sweet potato producing area with a business duration of more than 5 years. The number of respondents in this study were 15 people. Analysis of the data used is the financial analysis of the R/C ratio. The results of this study indicate that the farming profits obtained from these 3 types of sweet potatoes are different, where the sweet potato with red skin and white content with a total revenue of Rp. 50,000,000 able to get a profit of Rp. 30,250,000 with an R/C ratio of 2.5. This amount is greater than the profit of red sweet potato filled with purple content with a total revenue of Rp. 42,000,000 with a profit of Rp. 20,550,000 and R/C ratio 1.96. While the white sweet potato with purplish white content with a total revenue of Rp. 43,200,000 can get a business profit of Rp. 21,850,000 with an R/C ratio of 2.02, which is below the business profit of white filled red skin sweet potatoes and higher than purple filled red skin sweet potatoes.

Empirical review on determinants of potato and onion production technology packages adoption in Ethiopia

Vegetable production technology packages adoption is essential for intensifying its productivity thereby improve the income of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Analog to vegetable, production adoption of Potato and onion also play a great role in improving the daily livelihood of farmers. However, there are few studies on its technology adoption to encourage farmers to substitute their production methods by modern production techniques and maximize return from the sector. The objective of this review paper is to review determinant factors of vegetable technology package adoption in Ethiopia by using the finding of popular published empirical researches. The findings of the review identified that, adoption of potato and onion technologies in Ethiopia is low due to different constraints caused by demographic factors, socio-economic factors, institutional factors and technological factors. Similarly, different empirical researches which are reviewed by this 0review paper identified different types of potato and onion production technology packages like improved seed varieties, fertilizers, quality seed, irrigation services, crop protection methods, and storing house.As a result of the above combinations of vegetable production technology adoption factors, the expected outcome to be obtained from the sector is still poorly performed. By considering the importance of these potato and onion production technology packages, applying and implementing the procedures of adoption bring the decision to adopt technologies and improve the extent of it thereby sustain potato and onion production in Ethiopia.

Exogenous calcium modulates the activity of adenylate cyclases in potato plants under biotic stress

Abstract: This article aims to study the influence of different concentrations of calcium ions on the activity of transmembrane (tmAC) and soluble forms of adenylyl cyclase (sAC) in the cells of roots and stems of the plants of two types of potatoes. It compares and contrasts their stability to the agent of the annular rot Clavibacter michiganensis ssp. Sepedonicus (Cms) when exposed to its exopolysaccharides. The experimental results have shown that the reaction of tmAC from the roots and stems to exogenous Ca2+ was almost opposite in the plants of both types. In the root cells of the plants of the resistant types, 1 and 10 mM of Ca2+ have activated tmAC in a very intensive way. In the stem, the average concentrations of Ca2+ inhibited the tmAC activity, while the highest, 1 and 10 mM, did not affect it. the activity of tmAC taken from the root cells of the receptive type of plants was not activated significantly by the increased concentrations of Ca2+, whereas, in the stems, all the concentrations of Ca2+, tmAC activity increased substantially starting with 1 μM. Thus, the unequal reaction of adenylate cyclases of the potato plants of both types to different concentrations of exogenous calcium, testifies, most likely, the presence of several isoform of this ferment that differ in the sensitivity to calcium ions. At the same time, it is possible that the plants of both types may also differ in the spectrum of such isoforms. Since the influence of Cms exopolysaccharides significantly changes the sensitivity to the calcium ions of both forms of adenylate cyclases in the cells of plants of both types, it can be assumed that this feature is one of the mechanisms of these plants’ resistance to the pathogen.

Morphology of Local Sweet Potatos (Ipomoea batatas) Leave Waste in Disused Limestone Mining Areas were Fertilized by Goat Litter Compost

The aim of this study was to determine the morphology of local sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaf waste as forage in disused limestone mining areas were fertilized by goat compost litter. The method used in this research was an experimental method in the disused limestone mining area by using a factorial pattern with a completed randomized design, each treatment was repeated 3 times. Factor I was three types of local sweet potatoes, namely purple (U), white (P) and yellow (K) sweet potatoes, while the Factor II was the level of goat litter fertilization, namely k1: Level of goat litter fertilization 0.5 kg. / m2, k2: 1 kg / m2, k3: 1.5 kg / m2 and k4: 2 kg / m2. The morphology of sweet potato leaf waste was measuredby the number of leaf, the width of leaf, the length of leaf stalk and the weight of leaf . The results showed that the local type of sweet potato had significant different (P < 0.05) but the level of goat compost litter fertilization had no significant different (P > 0.05) on the morphology. Judging from the, it can be concluded that the waste of orange (O) sweet potato leaf with goat litter fertilization of at least 1 kg/m2 or 10 tons/ha has a high morphology, so that the amount of sweet potato leafwaste which was produced for the forage will be high.

Karakteristik berbagai jenis tepung ubi jalar termodifikasi dengan metode autoclaving retrogradation

Sweet potato has great potency to be developed as an alternative carbohydrate source in the form of modified sweet potato flour. Autoclaving retrogradation is a physical modification method to improve the physicochemical characteristics of flour. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the autoclaving retrogradation method on the characteristics of various sweet potato flour: dietary fiber, resistant starch, starch digestibility, nutritional content, and antioxidant, and to determine the best modified sweet potato flour. The experimental design used a non-factorial completely randomized block design with four replications. The treatment consisted of 6 types of sweet potato, namely control (purple sweet potato without treatment), orange sweet potato, purple sweet potato, honey-sweet potato, red sweet potato, and purple white sweet potato). The results showed that there were significant differences in dietary fiber, levels of resistant starch, digestibility of starch, nutritional content, and antioxidant activity amongst various types of modified sweet potato flour. The best modified sweet potato flour was found in modified red sweet potato flour which contained 44.64% dietary fiber, 19.75% resistant starch, 13.50% starch digestibility, 66.32% antioxidant activity, with comparable nutritional content.

Understanding the mechanical performance of raw and cooked potato cells

The micromechanics of individual potato cells comprising of cell wall and embedded native or gelatinised starch were explored. Micromanipulation can be used to compare cells of distinct strengths and study (bio)mechanical issues related to industrial processing (e.g. heat treatment). Two commercial types of potato, ‘baking’ and ‘Maris Piper’ were selected to conduct microcompression experiments. Cells isolated from ‘Maris Piper’ raw tubers appeared to be more resistant to deformation than the respective ones from the ‘baking’ cultivar. Cooked cells suffered a decrease in their turgidity which resulted in clusters of observed behaviours, with force–deformation curves showing a single or multiple bursting events. This study provides fundamental work and an insight on the behaviour of potato cells via an exploratory investigation of how different elements of the potato tissue can be measured. The results obtained can be used to relate cellular biology to mechanical properties and could also pave the way to understanding other starch-containing cells (e.g. pea, lentils, wheat).

Machine Learning and Deep Learning Based Computational Techniques in Automatic Agricultural Diseases Detection: Methodologies, Applications, and Challenges

Plant disease detection is a critical issue that needs to be focused on for productive agriculture and economy. Detecting plant disease using traditional methods is a tedious job as it requires a tremendous amount of work, time, and expertise. Automatic plant disease detection is an important research area that has recently gained a lot of attention among the academicians, researchers, and practitioners. Machine Learning and Deep Learning can help identify the plant disease at the initial stage as soon as it appears on plant leaves. In this state-of-an-art review, a thorough investigation has been performed to evaluate the possibility of using Machine Learning models to identify plant diseases. In this study, diseases and infections of four types of crops, i.e., Tomato, Rice, Potato, and Apple, are considered. Initially, numerous possible infections and diseases on these four kinds of crops are studied along with their reason for the occurrence and possible symptoms for their detections. An in-depth study of the different steps involved in plant disease detection and classification using Machine Learning and Deep Learning is provided. Various datasets available online for plant disease detection have also been presented. Along with this, a detailed study on various existing Machine Learning and Deep Learning-based classification models proposed by different researchers across the world for four considered crops in terms of their performance evaluations, the dataset used, and the feature extraction method is discussed. At last, various challenges in the use of machine learning and deep learning for plant disease detection and future research directions are enumerated and presented.

Phylogeny, gene structure and GATA genes expression in different tissues of solanaceae species

GATA proteins are a group of transcriptional regulators that can detect and bind to GATA motifs by zinc finger domain. The plant GATA family is one of the most significant TFs involved in light-responsive development, nitrogen metabolism, and phyto-hormone signaling. In this study, 20 potatoes and 22 tomato GATA genes were selected. The chromosomal locations, gene structures, phylogenetic tree, and the expression during developmental stages of 42 GATA transcription factors (TFs) in Solanaceae species were analyzed to further investigate the functions of these factors. Also, Gene duplication and synteny between the tomato and potato genomes were also analyzed to provide insights into their evolutionary characteristics. Furthermore, genome evolution of potato and tomato using orthologous and paralogous identification was studied. The results of chromosomal localization revealed that 20 SlGATA genes of tomato were located on 12 chromosomes, except on chromosomes 9 and 11. In potato, all 22 StGATA genes were located on 12 chromosomes. Our results indicated that gene duplication may play an important role in genome expansion of potato and tomato. So far, a complete analysis combining evolutionary analysis and expression of the GATA TFs in the Solanaceae species of tomato and potato has not been reported. A comparative phylogenetic analysis of the GATA factor zinc finger domain sequences in potato and tomato revealed four subfamilies. The conserved motifs and gene structure in most genes in each group was similar, according to the grouping of GATA TFs in phylogenetic tree. The analysis of cis -elements showed that SlGATA26a/26b and StGATA26a/26b can be suggested as candidate genes in response to abiotic and biotic stresses. SlGATA26a/26b and StGATA26a/26b genes were expressed in root, shoot, and inflorescence. Altogether, our resultsshowed diverse roles for StGATA and SlGATA genes under abiotic and biotic stresses. Utilization of cis -elements prediction can faciliate potato and tomato improvement. • GATA proteins are a group of transcriptional regulators that can detect and bind to GATA motifs by zinc finger domain. • We surveyed the phylogenetic relationships, gene structures, chromosomal locations, gene duplications, and genes expression of 42 GATA TFs in three tissue types of tomato and potato. • Our results provide insights into the functional differences, evolutionary relationships and expression profiles of GATA transcription factors in Solanaceae species.

Hyperspectral imagery to monitor crop nutrient status within and across growing seasons

Imaging spectroscopy provides the opportunity to monitor nutrient status of vegetation. In crops, prior studies have generally been limited in scope, either to a small wavelength range (e.g., 400–1300 nm), a small number of crop cultivars, a single growth stage or single growing season. Methods that are not time- or site-specific are needed to use imaging spectroscopy for routine monitoring of crop status. Using data from four cultivars of potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), three growth stages and two growing seasons, we demonstrate the capacity of full-range (400–2350 nm) imaging spectroscopy to quantify nutrient status (petiole nitrate, whole leaf and vine total nitrogen) and predict tuber yield in potatoes across cultivars, growth stages and growing seasons. We specifically tested the capabilities of: (1) ordinary least-squares regression (OLSR) using traditional hyperspectral vegetation indices (VIs); (2) partial least-squares regression (PLSR) using full spectrum (400–2350 nm), VNIR- (visible-to-near infrared: 400–1300 nm) or SWIR-only (shortwave infrared: 1400–2350 nm) wavelengths; (3) predictive models developed for one potato type or planting season on withheld data from a different type or season. Our results show that OLSR models produced poor predictions with data from all dates pooled together (validation R2 < 0.01). Single-date OLSR models performed better (R2 = 0.20–0.60, relative RMSE = 15–30%). PLSR models performed well and were comparable using different spectral regions (full-spectrum, VNIR-only and SWIR-only), with validation R2 = 0.68–0.82 and RRMSE = 12–25%. Testing across potato types, models produced reliable predictions (R2 = 0.45–0.75, RRMSE = 13–30%), but with some bias. Cross-season models had validation R2 = 0.46–0.75 and RRMSE = 17–100%, with a more significant bias than the cross-potato type models. To achieve models that are generalizable and robust, we recommend: (1) obtaining ground measurements that capture the full range of plant growth conditions and developmental stages, and (2) ensuring that image processing approaches minimize spectral discrepancies among dates.

Development of technology elements of original potato seed production based on microclonal reproduction

The article describes the research results on the technology elements improvement of original potato seed production, which were carried out on the basis of the modern enterprise LLC SSK “Uralskiy Kartofel’” in a greenhouse complex for the cultivation of mini tubers. The influence of initial material’s types of potatoes on the growth, development and yield of mini tubers in sheltered ground was studied as research objects. Experimental options’ planting was carried out in the second rotation - July 30, 2020 according to the standard generally accepted technology. As a result of the studies, it was found that the best indicator was in the options where the source material was micro plants planted at the end of the phase of growth declining and the use of micro tubers providing a high yield of the standard fraction.

Effect of various drying methods on the physical characteristics of purple yam powder

Purple yam (Dioscorea alata) is a type of plant that grown in almost all regions of Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, purple yam is one of the most popular types of sweet potatoes compared to other types of the genus Dioscorea. Purple yum is usually consumed directly as a side dish, or processed into a powder. One important process of making purple yam powder is drying. In this study, the characteristics of purple yam powder were evaluated from several drying methods, namely sunlight drying (SD), cabinet drying (CD), and pneumatic drying (PD). The pneumatic dryer used was self-made with a stainless steel plate (3 mm thickness) and has total dimension of 1600x 500x 2500 mm. The results showed that the CD sample had the lowest water content. The purple yam powder by CD and PD can produce brighter powder compared to that with SD method. From the FM test, the smallest FM value was obtained from CD sample. CD sample proven to be able to retain purple yam nutritive values after drying process.

Influence of Chia Seed, Buckwheat and Chestnut Flour Addition on the Overall Quality and Shelf Life of the Gluten-Free Biscuits.

SUMMARYResearch backgroundIn spite of being a significantly growing segment, there are still problems regarding the nutritional, technological and sensory profiles of gluten-free products. Thus, the combination of a variety of functional ingredients is required in order to achieve the desired product quality.Experimental approachThree types of flour, chestnut, buckwheat and potato, were chosen in this study because they are all gluten-free, nutritionally richer and technologically more advantageous than wheat flour. They are combined with chia seeds, which are also functional ingredients as they are rich in dietary fibre and unsaturated fatty acids. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the utilization of chia seeds with chestnut, buckwheat and potato flour in biscuits as overall quality enhancers in gluten-free products. The proximate composition, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, some biscuit quality parameters and the sensory properties of the samples were investigated, and some changes in these products during storage were monitored and evaluated.Results and conclusionsAccording to the results, biscuits with chestnut flour had the highest phenolic content (400.2 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) per 100 g dry sample) and total antioxidant activity (155.5 mg Trolox equivalent (TE) per 100 g dry sample). Biscuits with chestnut and chia seeds had the hardness of 30.1 N (p<0.05). In addition, the use of chia seeds significantly increased the overall acceptability and flavour scores according to the sensory analysis results. During storage, chia seeds affected the oxidation stability; however, the fatty acid profile remained almost unchanged, except for the losses in lauric, stearic and α-linolenic acids (p<0.05). In conclusion, the biscuits with chestnut and chia seeds were more attractive than those made with other types of flour, with remarkably better nutritional characteristics and sensory attributes.Novelty and scientific contributionThe study fulfils a need for the growing gluten-free market by combining together the functional nutrients of chia seeds, chestnut flour and buckwheat flour to achieve the nutritionally improved and organoleptically acceptable gluten-free biscuits. Furthermore, this study makes an overall evaluation of the changes in product quality during storage to provide new ideas for an overall innovation in the gluten-free food market.

NATURAL TOXIN SUBSTANCES IN EVERYDAY FOOD

Natural toxins are present in a wide variety of plants. Some of these plants are commonly consumed as food. These toxic substances when ingested in significant amount or when they are not processed appropriately can be potentially harmful to human health causing food poisoning. This study conducted by the Centre for Food Safety of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department aimed to review natural toxins in food plants commonly consumed in Hong Kong and the measures that can be employed to prevent poisoning from consumption of these food plants. Laboratory study of two natural toxins, glycoalkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides, was carried out to determine the levels of these toxins in food plants commonly consumed in Hong Kong. The effects of preparation and cooking on the reduction of the toxin levels were also studied. Results showed that glycoalkaloid contents varied among the different types of the fresh potatoes tested which ranged from 26-88 mg/kg (average 56 mg/kg). This was within the normal range of glycoalkaloid contents in potatoes of 20 - 100 mg/kg, which JECFA considered that consumptions on a daily basis were not of concern. The highest concentrations of glycoalkaloids were found in potato sprouts. Cyanide was detected in bitter apricot seed, bamboo shoot, cassava, and flaxseed samples in their raw state at levels of 9.3 mg/kg to 330 mg/kg. Cyanide contents were found to be higher in bitter cassava than sweet cassava. Cyanide concentration was found to be highest at the tip portion of bamboo shoot, followed by the middle portion, then the base portion. Cutting cyanogenic food plants into small pieces and cooking them in boiling water reduced cyanide contents of the food commodities by over 90%. Dry heat could not reduce cyanide contents effectively and only reduced around 10% of the cyanide contents in flaxseeds following oven-heating for 15 minutes. Consumers should avoid buying or eating potatoes that show signs of sprouting, greening, physical damage or rotting since glycoalkaloids are not decomposed by cooking. Cutting the cyanogenic plants into smaller pieces and cooking thoroughly in boiling water help release toxic hydrogen cyanide before consumption. When the cooking method chosen is heating under dry-heat or at low moisture contents, limit the intake of the cyanogenic plants to only small amounts. KEY WORDS: glycoalkaloids, cyanogenic

Raw and cooked meat emulsion stability as affected by starches determined by principal component analysis

This work aimed to study the relationship between meat emulsion in both raw and cooked states employing two different types of starch, potato, and wheat, in meat batters formulated with different fat percent. Emulsion stability as related to water retention capacity, thermal denaturation temperature, and enthalpy plus thermal diffusivity were determined in the raw and cooked state. There was an inherent difference in potato starch functionality, with higher emulsion stability and yield, but the Pearson correlation analysis and PCA demonstrated that water holding capacity and the denaturation enthalpy resulted in higher cook yield as a consequence of lower expressible moisture. This results in establishing the importance to maintain meat extensors as starches functionality before and during mixing and thermal processing to obtain better yield and less water release in fat-reduced meat products, both important quality parameters, related to sensory (juiciness) and texture (hardness) properties of comminuted meat products.

Bionic Design of a Potato Digging Shovel with Drag Reduction Based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) in Clay Soil

The resistance of ordinary potato digging shovels can increase dramatically when used in a clay soil because of the adhesion between the soil and shovel. In this paper, a new type of bionic potato digging shovel was designed to decrease adhesion. The bionic structural elements, i.e., scalelike units (S-U) were applied to the potato digging shovel with inspiration from pangolin scales. The discrete element method (DEM) considered cohesion was used to simulate the drag reduction performance in clayey soil conditions. An ordinary plane shovel (O-P-S) was used for comparison. Three indicators (total force, draft force and compressive force) were used to characterize the drag reduction performance. The effect of the design variables of the bionic structures (length [l] and height [h]) and the transversal and longitudinal arrangement spacing (S1 and S2) of the structures on the drag reduction performance were analyzed. The results showed that the drag reduction performance of the bionic shovels with suitable parameters was better than that of the O-P-S. The best bionic sample labeled as a bionic prototype had a 22.26% drag reduction rate during the soil bin test and a 14.19% drag reduction rate during the field test compared to the O-P-S.

Characterization of a new subgroup of Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group 3 (AG-3 TM) associated with tomato leaf blight

Ten Rhizoctonia solani AG-3 isolates obtained from blighted tomato leaves [nine isolates, collected from three regions of Japan (Akita, Okayama, and Fukushima) and the United States] and from soil (one isolate, collected from Australia) were examined for sequence variations in the rDNA-ITS, rDNA-IGS1 regions, and tef-1α gene. Three loci of 16 AG-3 PT (potato type) and eight AG-3 TB (tobacco type) isolates were also sequenced to evaluate genetic relationships with these 10 isolates. In the sequence comparisons of these loci, all 10 AG-3 isolates shared high sequence similarity (99.4–100% for rDNA-ITS, 99.1–100% for rDNA-IGS1, and 98.2–100% for tef-1α) to each other, but a comparatively low similarity (95.4–98.8% for rDNA-ITS, 94.7–98.3% for rDNA-IGS1, and 93.5–97.2% for tef-1α) to AG-3 PT and AG-3 TB isolates. The 10 AG-3 isolates were genetically closer to AG-3 PT than to AG-3 TB on the basis of rDNA-ITS and tef-1α. A phylogenetic tree based on these three loci indicated that the 10 isolates form a new clade separated from AG-3 PT and TB populations. These results indicate that the 10 isolates from tomato and soil represent a new subgroup distinct from AG-3 PT and TB. New subgroup AG-3 TM (tomato type) is proposed. This study is the first report on the phylogenetic analysis of R. solani isolates based on the combined data from the rDNA-ITS, rDNA-IGS1 regions, and tef-1α gene.

Influence of ridges for planting sweet potato on symbiotic ecological factors, photosynthetic abilities and population yield in relay intercropping system

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) relay intercropping with maize exposes sweet potato to weak levels of sunlight due to the shadow maize creates during the symbiotic period. The insufficient light accordingly causes slow growth and development of vines and leaves of sweet potato in its early stage. The planting density and row direction of maize, the width of the intercropping strip, and the lodging type of sweet potato may form various photo conditions that influence sweet potato. The objective of this experiment was to research the effects of different ridging types on sweet potato and to elucidate the mechanisms of ecological conditions, photosynthetic physiology and intercropping benefits. The results indicated that, contrast to the one wide-ridge with planting two rows of sweet potato and two narrow ridges with planting two rows, mound planting was more superior in many aspects. Through mound planting sweet potato showed a larger range of temperature in air and soil, higher net photosynthetic rate, more active enzymes related with photosynthesis, and more benefits of relay intercropping.

Non-invasive identification of potato varieties and prediction of the origin of tuber cultivation using spatially offset Raman spectroscopy.

High starch content, simplicity of cultivation, and high productivity make potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) a staple in the diet of people around the world. On average, potatoes are composed of 83% water and 12% carbohydrates, and the remaining 4% includes proteins, vitamins, and other trace elements. These proportions vary depending on the type of potato and location where they were cultivated. At the same time, the chemical composition determines the nutritional value of potato tubers and can be proved using various wet chemistry and spectroscopic methods. For instance, gravity measurements, as well as several different colorimetric assays, can be used to investigate the starch content. However, these approaches are indirect, often destructive, and time- and labor-consuming. This study reports on the use of Raman spectroscopy (RS) for completely non-invasive and non-destructive assessment of nutrient content of potato tubers. We also show that RS can be used to identify nine different potato varieties, as well as determine the origin of their cultivation. The portable nature of Raman-based identification of potato offers the possibility to perform such analysis directly upon potato harvesting to enable quick quality evaluation. Graphical abstract.