Effect of a diet rich in potato peel on platelet aggregation / Efecto de una dieta rica en cáscara de papa sobre la agregación plaquetaria

Background: Potato peel extract has demonstrated the ability to reduce platelet aggregation in vitro, suggesting its potential as a dietary intervention for preventing atherothrombotic disorders. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of a potato peel-rich diet on platelet aggregation. Methods: A randomized, crossover-controlled, open two-period study was carried out with the participation of 12 healthy volunteers. Platelet aggregation was assessed before and after a seven-day dietary intervention. Participants consumed either a diet rich in potato peel (2 g/kg/d) or acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) as a reference (100 mg/d). Platelet aggregation percentages were measured following stimulation with arachidonic acid (AA, 150 µg/mL), adenosine diphosphate (ADP, 10 µM), and collagen (COL, 10 µg/mL). Results: The potato peel-rich diet resulted in a slight but significant reduction in platelet aggregation when stimulated with arachidonic acid compared to baseline values (85.0±2.0% vs. 91.3±1.7%, p<0.05). This effect was less pronounced than the reduction achieved with ASA (16±1.9%, p<0.001). Conclusion: The administration of a diet rich in potato peel reduces platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, suggesting its potential role in the prevention of atherothrombotic disorders.

Introducción: El extracto de cáscara de patata ha demostrado su capacidad para reducir la agregación plaquetaria in vitro, lo que sugiere su potencial como intervención dietética para prevenir trastornos aterotrombóticos. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de una dieta rica en cáscara de patata en la agregación plaquetaria. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio aleatorizado, controlado, cruzado y abierto con la participación de 12 voluntarios sanos. Se evaluó la agregación plaquetaria antes y después de una intervención dietética de siete días. Los participantes consumieron una dieta rica en cáscara de patata (2 g/kg/d) o ácido acetilsalicílico (ASA) como referente (100 mg/d). Se midieron los porcentajes de agregación plaquetaria después de la estimulación con ácido araquidónico (AA, 150 µg/mL), difosfato de adenosina (ADP, 10 µM) y colágeno (COL, 10 µg/mL). Resultados: La dieta rica en cáscara de patata resultó en una ligera pero significativa reducción en la agregación plaquetaria cuando se estimuló con ácido araquidónico en comparación con los valores iniciales (85,0 ± 2,0% vs. 91,3 ± 1,7%, p <0,05). Este efecto fue menos pronunciado que la reducción lograda con ASA (16 ± 1,9%, p <0,001). Conclusión: La administración de una dieta rica en cáscara de patata reduce la agregación plaquetaria inducida por ácido araquidónico, lo que sugiere su papel potencial en la prevención de trastornos aterotrombóticos.

Diacylated anthocyanins from purple sweet potato (Ipomoeabatatas L.) attenuate hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia in mice induced by a high-fructose/high-fat diet / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Studies have shown that targeting xanthine oxidase (XO) can be a feasible treatment for fructose-induced hyperuricemia and hyperglycemia. This study aimed to evaluate the dual regulatory effects and molecular mechanisms of diacylated anthocyanins from purple sweet potato (diacylated AF-PSPs) on hyperglycemia and hyperuricemia induced by a high-fructose/high-fat diet. The body weight, organ index, serum biochemical indexes, and liver antioxidant indexes of mice were measured, and the kidneys were observed in pathological sections. The relative expression levels of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) of fructose metabolism pathway enzymes in kidney were detected by fluorescent real-time quantitative polymerase chain (qPCR) reaction technique, and the expression of renal transporter protein and inflammatory factor pathway protein was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique. Results showed that diacylated AF-PSPs alleviated hyperuricemia in mice, and that this effect might be related to the regulation of liver XO activity, lipid accumulation, and relevant renal transporters. Diacylated AF-PSPs reduced body weight and relieved lipid metabolism disorder, liver lipid accumulation, and liver oxidative stress, thereby enhancing insulin utilization and sensitivity, lowering blood sugar, and reducing hyperglycemia in mice. Also, diacylated AF-PSPs restored mRNA levels related to renal fructose metabolism, and reduced kidney injury and inflammation. This study provided experimental evidence for the mechanisms of dual regulation of blood glucose and uric acid (UA) by diacylated AF-PSPs and their utilization as functional foods in the management of metabolic syndrome.

Functional analysis on sucrose transporters in sweet potato / 生物工程学报

Sweet potato is an important food crop that can also be used as an industrial raw material. Sucrose is the main form of long-distance carbohydrate transport in plants, and sucrose transporter (SUT) regulates the transmembrane transport and distribution of sucrose during plant growth and metabolism. Moreover, SUT plays a key role in phloem mediated source-to-sink sucrose transport and physiological activities, supplying sucrose for the sink tissues. In this study, the full-length cDNA sequences of IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616 were obtained by rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) cloning according to the transcripts of the two SUT coding genes which were differentially expressed in sweet potato storage roots with different starch properties. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to clarify the classification of IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616. The subcellular localization of IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616 was determined by transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. The function of IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616 in sucrose and hexose absorption and transport was identified using yeast functional complementarity system. The expression pattern of IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616 in sweet potato organs were analyzed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Arabidopsis plants heterologous expressing IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616 genes were obtained using floral dip method. The differences in starch and sugar contents between transgenic and wild-type Arabidopsis were compared. The results showed IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616 encoded SUT proteins with a length of 505 and 521 amino acids, respectively, and both proteins belonged to the SUT1 subfamily. IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616 were located in the cell membrane and were able to transport sucrose, glucose and fructose in the yeast system. In addition, IbSUT62788 was also able to transport mannose. The expression of IbSUT62788 was higher in leaves, lateral branches and main stems, and the expression of IbSUT81616 was higher in lateral branches, stems and storage roots. After IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616 were heterologously expressed in Arabidopsis, the plants grew normally, but the biomass increased. The heterologous expression of IbSUT62788 increased the soluble sugar content, leaf size and 1 000-seed weight of Arabidopsis plants. Heterologous expression of IbSUT81616 increased starch accumulation in leaves and root tips and 1 000-seed weight of seeds, but decreased soluble sugar content. The results obtained in this study showed that IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616 might be important genes regulating sucrose and sugar content traits in sweet potato. They might carry out physiological functions on cell membrane, such as transmembrane transport of sucrose, sucrose into and out of sink tissue, as well as transport and unloading of sucrose into phloem. The changes in traits result from their heterologous expression in Arabidopsis indicates their potential in improving the yield of other plants or crops. The results obtained in this study provide important information for revealing the functions of IbSUT62788 and IbSUT81616 in starch and glucose metabolism and formation mechanism of important quality traits in sweet potato.

The psyllid fauna (Hemiptera: Psylloidea) of vegetable fields in Brazil

ABSTRACT Some psyllids transmit 'Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum' (Lso), the causal agent of devastating plant diseases of cultivated Solanaceae and Apiaceae. The recent detection of Bactericera cockerelli and Lso in Ecuador seriously threatens these crops in South America. There, neither the role of native psyllids in the Lso epidemiology nor the psyllid fauna of vegetables are known. With the aim to identify potential vectors and risk scenarios for the spread of Lso in South America, a survey of the psyllid fauna of Solanaceae and Apiaceae crops and associated weeds was conducted in Brazil. Samples were taken at 29 localities in four states. A total of 2857 specimens were sampled, representing at least 37 species of 23 genera and seven families. The most frequent species on carrot, chilli pepper and potato were Russelliana solanicola, R. capsici and Isogonoceraia divergipennis, respectively. Immatures of R. capsici were found on chilli pepper and of R. solanicola on carrot and potato, confirming these plants as hosts. The two psyllid species have been suspected previously to transmit plant pathogens of unknown identity. Russelliana solanicola is one of the few polyphagous species. Here the species is reported for the first time from carrot. Recent collections in Rio Grande do Sul suggest that Solanum laxum represents the original host of R. capsici, which subsequently shifted to chilli pepper. Both, adaptation to agricultural crops and the possibility of ability to transmit pathogens, make the two Russelliana species dangerous potential vectors of Lso and other plant pathogens in South America.

Prevalencia de virus de ARN en tubérculos-semilla certificados de Solanum tuberosum cv. Diacol Capiro de la sabana Cundiboyacense

La papa (Solanum tuberosum) Diacol Capiro es uno de los cultivares con mayor producción y consumo interno en Colombia, siendo los departamentos de Cundinamarca y Boyacá, los principales productores. Este cultivo, se ve afectado por un complejo de virus, que disminuye la calidad de los tubérculos y los rendimientos. En este trabajo, se evaluó la prevalencia de los virus de ARN: PLRV, PVY, PVX, PVS, PVV, PYVV, PMTV y PVB, en brotes de tubérculos-semilla certificados, provenientes de la sabana Cundiboyacense, mediante RT-qPCR. Los resultados revelan la ocurrencia de siete de los ochos virus en las muestras, con niveles de infección de 100 % (PVS, PVX y PYVV), 75 % (PLRV), 50 % (PVY), 37,5 % (PMTV) y 12,5 % (PVB). Adicionalmente, con el fin de obtener información de los genomas de los virus detectados, se utilizó secuenciación de alto rendimiento (HTS), de una muestra compuesta (bulk) de brotes, siendo posible obtener el genoma completo del PLRV y el genoma parcial del PVY. Los análisis filogenéticos realizados con dichas secuencias ubicaron a los virus PLRV y PVY en clados, conformados por aislamientos colombianos, con niveles de identidad superiores al 97 %. Estos hallazgos evidencian la necesidad de fortalecer los programas de certificación de tubérculos-semilla de papa en el país, mediante la utilización de pruebas moleculares de detección viral.

Diacol-Capiro is one of the most important potato (Solanum tuberosum) cultivars in Colombia with most production concentrated in the provinces of Cundinamarca and Boyacá. Unfortunately, this crop is seriously affected by several viruses that compromise the quality of tubers and yields. In this work, it was evaluated the prevalence of the RNA viruses: PLRV, PVY, PVX, PVS, PVV, PYVV, PMTV, and PVB in certified tuber-seed sprouts produced in the highlands of Cundinamarca and Boyacá by RT-qPCR. Results revealed a prevalence of 100 % for PVS, PVX, and PYVV; 75 % for PLRV, 50 % for PVY, 37.5 % for PMTV, and 12.5 % for PVB. Additionally, high-throughput sequencing from a sprout´s bulk sample was used to gather genomic information of infecting viruses, which resulted in a partial PVY sequence, and a complete PLRV genome. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that both assemblies cluster within clades comprising other Colombian isolates with more than 97 % nucleotide sequence identity. These findings highlight the need to update potato seed-tuber certification programs in Colombia with the implementation of more sensitive molecular tests.

Effects of Addition of Dried Sweet Potato Peels Powder on the Quality Characteristics of Cupcakes

The study was conducted to develop baked cakes using different pretreated sweet potato peels powders (such as fresh, boiled and citric acid) with various concentration (5%, 10% & 20%) and to evaluate the changes of quality characteristics. Sweet potato peel powder was investigated for the different nutritional and physiochemical properties were boiling and pretreatment effects also evaluated. Fresh peel, 0.5% citric acid treated and boiled sweet potato peel powder was utilized as sample powder for the studies. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) in fiber and ash content and Hunter color values between powders from fresh peeled, 0.5% citric acid treated and boiled sweet potato peels powders. However, fresh and boiled sweet potato peel powder had higher fiber content than treated. The highest amount of fiber content was found in cakes incorporated with 10% boiled treated sweet potato peels powders content highest fiber. Pretreated and boiled with citric acid samples were obtained overall acceptability in the hedonic rating test.

Nutritional Contents of Two Varieties of Sweet Potatoes (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam ) Cultivated IN North Western Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Food shortages and nutritional imbalances are among the main food security problems in many countries around the world. In this study, the nutrients content of the yellow and red-fleshed sweet potatoes varieties cultivated in Nigeria were assessed. Materials and Methods: The proximate composition, mineral elements analysis, phytochemicals, and vitamins content of the red and yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes were determined using the standard methods of analysis. Results: The proximate analysis has shown that, the moisture (17.927%) and fat (2.703%) content of the yellow sweet potato were significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the red potato with a content of 16.68% and 1.693% respectively. The protein and fiber content of the red potato are 14.280% and 14.572% respectively, this is quite higher than in the yellow cultivar having 12.987% and 10.443% of the nutrients respectively. The ash and carbohydrate content were same in both. The red potato exhibits high level of sodium (11.420 mg/l), potassium (1.206 mg/l), and magnesium (8.468 mg/l) in contrast to the red potato containing 10.270 mg/l, 1.035 mg/l and 6.127 mg/l of the respective elements. Iron and zinc content were comparable in both cultivars while the calcium content (1.444 mg/l) of the yellow cultivar is significantly higher than in the red variety (1.144 mg/l). The vitamin A, B and E content of the red potato are 8.740 µmol/L, 2.977 mg/dl, and 13.267 mg/dl respectively. These values are significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the yellow potato containing 6.047 µmol/L, 1.680 mg/dl, and 11.110 mg/dl of the respective vitamins. There is no significant difference with respect to the vitamin C content of both yellow (11.850 mg/dl) and red potato (12.520 mg/dl). The phytochemicals: tannins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, and anthocyanins content of the red sweet potato are 0.967 mg/g, 1.577 mg/g, 1.867 mg/g, 6.590 mg/g and 2.660 mg/g respectively. Terpenes and anthocyanins were not found in the yellow cultivar. However, saponins (0.823 mg/g) were found in the yellow variety but not in the red potato. Amount of the tannins, flavonoids and phenols observed in the yellow-fleshed potato are 0.667 mg/g, 1.027 mg/g and 1.287 mg/g respectively. These values are lower than in the corresponding red potato. Conclusion: In this study, the nutritional contents of sweet potato varieties have been assessed which will immensely contribute to reducing the menace of malnutrition bedeviling the Northwestern part of Nigeria.

Proximate and Mineral Composition of Aerial Potato (Dioscorea bulbifera Linn) after using Different Fermentation Methods

This study evaluated the nutritional value of aerial yam potato fermented with different methods and other food processing. Aerial potato was subjected to different treatments (peeled, unpeeled, peeled and blanched, unpeeled and blanched, peeled and boiled, unpeeled and boiled) before fermentation with different methods like submerged fermentation and back slope (BS) fermentation. The proximate and mineral compositions were monitored using standard methods. Crude Protein (%) of the peeled aerial potato significantly increased from 4.12 ±0.13 at the initial to 10.11±0.85 at the end of the fermentation while unpeeled aerial potato slightly increased from 3.66a±0.04 at the initial to 4.19±0.03 at the end of the fermentation. Peeled and blanched; unpeeled and blanched as well as the unpeeled and boiled samples had the highest iron (0.143±0.01 ppm), magnesium (6.40±0.02 ppm) and calcium (6.32±0.03 ppm) contents in fermented aerial potato sample. Generally, the different of methods of fermentation employed improved the nutrient contents of fermented aerial potato.

Efecto de la fritura sobre los componentes bioactivos de la papa nativa (Solanum tuberosum sp.) Puka Ambrosio

RESUMEN En esta investigación, con el método de superficie de respuesta (33), se determinó la máxima retención de ácido ascórbico en papa Puka Ambrosio sometida a fritura. Se ensayó con 160, 170 y 180 °C; 150, 180 y 210 segundos; 2, 3 y 4 mm de espesor de hojuela. Se retuvo 87,3% de ácido ascórbico en hojuelas de 2 mm de espesor sometidas a 170 °C y 200 segundos de fritura. El espesor y la interacción entre este y el tiempo tuvieron efecto significativo (p<0,05) sobre la retención. La papa y la hojuela frita tuvieron respectivamente en promedio: 21,0±1,6 y 18,4±2,9 mg/100 g de ácido ascórbico; 27,1 ± 2,1 y 21,1 ± 3,3 mg/100 g de vitamina C en base seca desgrasada; 69,0±0,03 y 22,2±0,03% de humedad; 1±0,09 y 21,9±0,03 de grasa cruda en base seca; y 332±97 y 597±22 mg de ácido clorogénico equivalente/100 g de compuestos fenólicos totales; 6424±57 y 8309±80 μg de equivalente Trolox/g de capacidad antioxidante; y 58,1±1,7 y 33,6±5,0 mg de cianidina-3-glucósido equivalente/100 g de antocianinas totales, todas medidas en base seca desgrasada. La operación de fritura generó modificaciones en las características físicas, químicas, concentración de componentes bioactivos y capacidad antioxidante, observándose un incremento en el contenido de carbohidratos, fibra, cenizas, compuestos fenólicos y capacidad antioxidante.

ABSTRACT In this research, the maximum retention of ascorbic acid was determined in the Puka Ambrosio potato subjected to frying using the response surface method (33). Retention was tested at 160, 170 and 180 °C for 150, 180 and 210 seconds and with a flake thickness of 2, 3 and 4 mm. In 2 mm flakes at 170 °C and 200 seconds of frying, 87.3% ascorbic acid was retained. Flake thickness and the interaction between thickness and frying time had a significant effect (p<0.05) on retention. The potato and its fried flakes had on average: 21.0±1.6 and 18.4±2.9 mg/100 g of ascorbic acid, respectively; and 7.1±2.1 and 21.1±3.3 mg/100 g of vitamin C on a defatted dry basis; 69±0.03 and 22.2±0.03 percent moisture; 1±0.09 and 21.9±0.03 of crude fat on dry basis; 332±97; and 597±22 mg of chlorogenic acid equivalent/100 g of total phenolic compounds; 6424±57 and 8309±80 μg of Trolox equivalent/g of antioxidant capacity; and 58.1±1.7 and 33.6±5.0 mg of cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalent /100 g of total anthocyanins on a defatted dry basis. The frying operation generated modifications in the physical-chemical characteristics, of bioactive component concentration and in the antioxidant capacity. We observed an increase in the content of carbohydrates, fiber, ash, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity.

Ingeniería genética contra estrés abiótico en cultivos neotropicales: osmolitos, factores de transcripción y CRISPR/Cas9 / Genetic engineering against abiotic stress in Neotropical crop plants: osmolites, transcription factors and CRISPR/Cas9

RESUMEN El neotrópico es sitio de origen de gran variedad de plantas que actualmente son cultivadas con éxito en diferentes regiones del mundo. Sin embargo, condiciones climáticas adversas, que se pueden ver acrecentadas por efectos del cambio climático antropogénico, pueden afectar su rendimiento y productividad debido a las situaciones de estrés abiótico que se pueden generar. Como alternativa para contrarrestar estos efectos, se ha experimentado con modificaciones genéticas, particularmente en genes relacionados con la producción de osmolitos y factores de transcripción que han llevado a que estas plantas, a nivel experimental, tengan mayor tolerancia a estrés oxidativo, altas y bajas temperaturas y fotoinhibición, sequía y salinidad, mediante la acumulación de osmoprotectores, la regulación en la expresión de genes y cambios en el fenotipo. En este trabajo se presentan y describen las estrategias metodológicas planteadas con estos fines y se complementan con ejemplos de trabajos realizados en cultivos de origen neotropical de importancia económica, como maíz, algodón, papa y tomate. Además, y debido a la novedad y potencial que ofrece la edición génica por medio del sistema CRISPR/Cas9, también se mencionan trabajos realizados en plantas con origen neotropical, enfocados en comprender e implementar mecanismos de tolerancia a sequía. Las metodologías aquí descritas podrían constituirse en opciones prácticas para mejorar la seguridad alimentaria con miras a contrarrestar las consecuencias negativas del cambio climático antropogénico.

ABSTRACT The neotropics are the site of origin of a large variety of plants that are currently successfully cultivated in different regions of the world. However, adverse climatic conditions, which can be exacerbated by the effects of anthropogenic climate change, can affect their yield and productivity due to the abiotic stresses that can be generated. As an alternative to counteract these effects, genetic modifications have been experimentally implemented, particularly in genes related to osmolyte production and transcription factors, which have ultimately led to increased tolerance of these plants to oxidative stress, high and low temperatures and photoinhibition, drought and salinity, through the accumulation of osmoprotectants, regulation of gene expression and changes in phenotype. In this work, the methodological strategies proposed to these aims are presented and described, and they are complemented with examples of studies carried out in economically important crops of neotropical origin, such as corn, cotton, potato and tomato. In addition, and due to the novelty and potential that gene editing offers through the CRISPR/Cas9 system, works conducted in plants with neotropical origin, focused on understanding and implementing drought tolerance mechanisms, are also mentioned. The methodologies described here could become practical options to achieve food security in the frame of the adverse effects caused by anthropogenic climate change.

Formación de almidón retrogradado relacionado a niveles de amilosa en el almidón de papa (Solanum tuberosum) y chuño / Retrograded starch formation dependent on amylose level of potatoe starch (Solanum tuberosum) and chuño

INTRODUCCIÓN: la papa es el tubérculo más importante producido a nivel mundial como producto alimenticio. Una de las formas ancestrales de conservación de la papa en los países andinos es la obtención de un producto llamado chuño, obtenido a partir de las denominadas papas amargas. Existen pocos datos respecto a la composición química y nutricional del chuño y sobre los cambios producidos en el almidón durante su elaboración en el proceso de congelado-secado en condiciones específicas de temperatura y exposición a rayos ultravioleta. OBJETIVO: el objetivo del trabajo fue realizar una revisión bibliográfica respecto a cambios producidos en la relación de amilosa y amilopectina, la composición de almidón aislado de papa y la modificación de las características de este almidón en el proceso de elaboración de chuño. METODOLOGÍA: La revisión bibliográfica se ha realizado con la recopilación de tres fuentes referenciales de estudios realizados sobre el chuño y su proceso de elaboración, artículos sobre la estructura del almidón de papa y otros tubérculos del mismo género, artículos de otros productos alimenticios del Altiplano boliviano y peruano, y finalmente la influencia de los cambios de la estructura del almidón en el incremento de la formación de almidón retrogradado. RESULTADOS: la revisión bibliográfica realizada, señala que el proceso de elaboración de chuño eleva el porcentaje de amilosa en el contenido total de almidón, lo cual está relacionado a procesos de exposición a radiación UV y a cambios de temperaturas muy drásticos, que van entre -13,5 ºC y 16 ºC. Este proceso llevaría a la activación de enzimas, como amilasas, para la catálisis de reacciones de ruptura de enlaces como principal ruta del proceso; sin embargo, se podrían evaluar otras causas. CONCLUSIONES: el mayor porcentaje de amilosa permitiría la obtención de altos porcentajes de almidón retrogradado.

INTRODUCTION: the potato is the most important tuber produced worldwide as a food product. One of the ancestral ways of preserving pootatoes in the Andean countries is a product called chuño (traditional Andean freeze and sun-dried potato), obtained from the so-called bitter potatoes. There are few data regarding the chemical and nutritional composition of chuño and the changes produced in the starch during its preparation in the freeze-drying process under specific conditions of temperature and exposure to ultraviolet rays. OBJECTIVE: the objective of this article was to do a bibliographic review regarding changes produced in the amylose and amylopectin ratio, the composition of isolated potato starch and the modification of the characteristics of this starch in the process of making chuño. METHODOLOGY: the literature review methodology has the compilation of three reference sources of studies carried out on chuño and its production process, articles about the structure of potato starch and other tubers, research on other food products from the Bolivian and Peruvian of Altiplano and finally the influence of the changes in starch structure in relation to the increasing of retrograde starch formation. RESULTS: the results show that the process of making chuño increases the percentage of amylose in the total starch content, which is related to the processes of exposure to UV radiation and very drastic temperature changes, ranging between -13, 5 ºC and 16 ºC. This process would lead to the activation of enzymes, such as amylases, for the catalysis of bond breaking reactions as the main route of the process; however, other causes could be evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: the higher percentage of amylose would allow the obtaining of high percentages of retrograded starch.

Alternativas de control biorracionales sobre Phytophthora infestans, fitopatógeno causante de la gota en papa / Biorational control alternatives on Phytophthora infestans, phytopathogen causing gout in potatoes

Resumen La gota de la papa o tizón tardío es una de las enfermedades más agresivas que atacan los cultivos de papa y en poco tiempo los destruye, ocasionando enormes pérdidas económicas, es producida por el fitopatógeno Phytophthora infestans, oomyceto que ha tomado gran importancia debido a sus efectos devastadores y las dificultades para lograr su erradicación. Los fungicidas de naturaleza química representan un problema debido al uso inadecuado, lo que hace muy difícil eliminar la enfermedad por la aparición de nuevas especies resistentes. Existen nuevas alternativas para su control, basadas en el uso de sustancias de naturaleza vegetal, y la aplicación de nuevas herramientas capaces de realizar edición de genes, reprogramar o eliminar secuencias de ADN/ARN, favoreciendo así, la obtención de cultivos libres de sustancias tóxicas. En esta revisión, se presentan los métodos existentes de biocontrol: como aceites esenciales, metabolitos microbianos, herramientas moleculares y el uso de sustancias biodegradables que favorecen el manejo y prevención de plagas, que ayudan a mitigar la problemática ambiental generada por el uso de fungicidas de naturaleza química.

Abstract The drop of the potato or late blight is one of the most aggressive diseases that attack the potato crops and in a short time destroys them, causing great economic losses, it is produced by the phytopathogen Phytophthora infestans, oomyceto that has taken great importance due to its devastating effects and difficulties in achieving its eradication. Fungicides of a chemical nature represent a problem due to the affected use, which makes it very difficult to eliminate the disease due to the appearance of new resistant species. There are new alternatives for its control, based on the use of substances of the plant nature, and the application of new specific tools to perform gene editing, reprogram or eliminate DNA / RNA sequences, thus favoring the obtaining of cultures free of toxic substances . In this review, specific biocontrol methods are presented, such as essential oils, microbial metabolites, molecular tools and the use of biodegradable substances that favor the management and prevention of pests, which help mitigate the environmental problems generated by the use of fungicides from chemical nature.

Occurrence of Euscepes postfasciatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in Ipomoea batatas in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam (Convolvulaceae), is an essential crop for food security in developing countries. Euscepes postfasciatus (Fairmaire) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is one of the main pests of I. batatas in tropical and subtropical regions. It feeds on the tuberous roots of I. batatas and induces perforations tunnel-shaped with excrement. The objective of this study was to register, for the first time, the occurrence of E. postfasciatus in I. batatas in the municipality of Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Individuals of E. postfasciatus were found in the larval, pupal and adult stages feeding on the roots, in the genotypes, Brasilândia Branca, Rubisol, UFVJM01, UFVJM02, UFVJM03, UFVJM04, UFVJM08, UFVJM18, UFVJM91, UFVJM291 and UFVJM526 in a greenhouse at the Universidade Federal dos Vales do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri (UFVJM). Euscepes postfasciatus injuries formed superficial and deep galleries with the presence of excrement and unpleasant odor. The record of E. postfasciatus in I. batatas in the municipality of Diamantina is important to develop local strategies for integrated pest management of the crop in the region.(AU)

Seed potato minitubers production in a reused substrate / Produção de minitubérculos de batata-semente em substrato reutilizado

Minituber production is an important step to obtain high-quality seed potatoes. This production is carried out in a greenhouse using a large volume of commercial substrate acquired in specialized trade. An alternative to reduce the volume of substrate purchased for each production of minitubers would be to reuse it, which would be a way to optimize its use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of reused substrates in the minituber production. The experiment was conducted in Tapira-MG with the Atlantic potato cultivar. The experimental design was a randomized block with six treatments and four replications, where each plot was represented by a box (0.15 x 0.4 x 0.5m: height, width, and length, respectively) containing substrates. Treatments consisted of formulation 04-14-08 rates (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 g box-1) added to reused substrate and a control consisting of a new virgin substrate. At 45 days after transplanting, the following characteristics were evaluated: stem size (cm), and quantities of fresh and dry matter of aerial part of plants. Harvesting was performed manually, counting, and calculating the yield of tubers according to class. The reuse substrate with enriched nutrient regardless of the rate, when compared to the use of a new virgin substrate, did not interfere in potato plant development and in the total productivity of minitubers of classes I, II, III, and IV. This can be a feasible alternative for optimizing the use of the virgin substrate. The rate of 25 g box-1 of 4-14-8 is sufficient to provide the needs of potato in nutrients, ensuring high productivity.

A produção de minitubérculos é uma etapa importante para obtenção de batata-semente de alta qualidade. Esta produção é realizada em casa de vegetação e utiliza grande volume de substrato comercial adquirido no comércio especializado. Uma alternativa para diminuir o volume de substrato adquirido a cada produção de minitubérculos seria a reutilização do mesmo, o que seria uma forma de otimizar o seu uso. Neste sentido, objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de substratos reutilizados na produção de minitubérculos de batata. O experimento foi conduzido no município de Tapira-MG, com a cultivar Atlantic. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos casualizados com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições, onde cada parcela foi representada por uma caixa (0,15 x 0,4 x 0,5 m: altura, largura e comprimento, respectivamente) contendo substratos. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por doses do formulado 04-14-08 (0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 g caixa-1) adicionadas ao substrato reutilizado e uma testemunha com substrato virgem. Aos 45 dias após o transplantio foram avaliadas as características: tamanho de haste (cm), matéria fresca e matéria seca da parte aérea. A colheita foi realizada manualmente e procedeu a contagem e a produtividade de tubérculos, em classes. O substrato reutilizado enriquecido com nutrientes, independentemente da dose, quando comparado ao substrato virgem, não interferiu no desenvolvimento da planta de batata e na produtividade total dos minitubérculos das classes I, II, III e IV. Esta pode ser uma alternativa viável para otimizar o uso do substrato virgem. A taxa de 25 g box-1 de 4-14-8 é suficiente para atender às necessidades de batata em nutrientes, garantindo alta produtividade.

Potential Impacts of Climate Change on UK Potato Production

This study assessed the potential impacts of climate change on potato production in the United Kingdom. Climate change actions are becoming a nightmare for growers worldwide, and the British potato industry is not an exception. Extreme weather conditions were experienced in 2006, 2012, and 2018, respectively. Thus, this study identified the future climate risk associated with major potato producing regions in the UK using the recent climate projection weather data (UKCP18) based on RCP 8.5. In total, the study considered seven (7) regions with a minimum average of 3000 hectares of potato planted area in the past five years. Findings showed that drought, high temperatures, and prolonged precipitation caused significant yield and quality loss in the past, with a likelihood of causing a more harmful impact in the future. The analysis revealed a hotter (Tmax ≥ 25°C, Tmin ≥ 15°C) and drier (1-1.5 mm day-1) summer most especially in the EE, EM, SW, WM, and YH as well as a warmer (Tmax& Tmin 6-10°C) and wetter winter (5 mm day-1 on average) in Scotland and North West England respectively. Future climate is predicted to hinder land preparation and harvesting operation in the Northern regions while the EE, EM, SW, WM, and YH would be faced with drought, with irrigation and water demand increasing by 20-30% as evapotranspiration also increases by 20-30% in 2050-2080. Irrigated potatoes are predicted to double its current spatial coverage in the future. The study identified suitable adaptation measures and strategies required to reduce the impacts of climate change on the British potato industry.

Diversity of pectobacterium strains by biochemical, physiological, and molecular characterization / Diversidade de cepas de Pectobacterium por caracterização bioquímica, fisiológica e molecular

Pectobacterium is a complex taxon of strains with diverse characteristics. It comprises several genera, including Erwinia, Brenneria, Pectobacterium, Dickeya, and Pantoea. Pectobacterium and Dickeya cause diseases in a wide range of plants, including potatoes, where they are causative agents of soft rot in tubers and blackleg in field-grown plants.Characterizing Pectobacterium species allows for the analysis of the diversity of pectinolytic bacteria, which may support control strategies for plant bacterial diseases. The aim of this study was to perform biochemical, physiological, and molecular characterizations of Pectobacteriumspp. from different sites and host plants. The isolated strains were characterized by the glucose fermentation test, Gram staining, catalase activity, oxidase activity, growth at 37 ºC, reducing substances from sucrose, phosphatase activity, indole production, acid production from different sources (sorbitol, melibiose, citrate, and lactose), pathogenicity in potato, and hypersensitivity reactions. Molecular characterization was performed with species-specific primers ECA1f/ECA2r and EXPCCF/EXPCCR, which identify P.atrosepticum and P.carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc), respectively, and with primers 1491f/L1RA/L1RG and Br1f/L1RA/L1RG that differentiate Pcc from Dickeya chrysanthemi and from P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliensis. The strains were identified as belonging to the genus Pectobacterium, though they did not fit the biochemical nor the molecular classification standards for subspecies differentiation, indicating significant diversity among the strains.

Pectobacterium é um táxon complexo de isolados bacterianos com características diversas. Compreende vários gêneros como Erwinia, Brenneria, Pectobacterium, Dickeya e Pantoea. Pectobacterium e Dickeya causam doenças em ampla variedade de plantas, incluindo a batateira, na qual são os agentes etiológicos da podridão mole dos tubérculos e da canela-preta de plantas cultivadas em campo.A caracterização de espécies de Pectobacterium permite a análise da diversidade de bactérias pectolíticas, podendo auxiliar estratégias de controle de doenças bacterianas em plantas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar bioquímica, fisiológica e molecularmente isolados de Pectobacterium sp. provenientes de diferentes locais e hospedeiros. Os isolados foram caracterizados pelos testes de fermentação de glicose, Gram, catalase, oxidase, crescimento à 37 ºC, redução de substâncias a partir de sacarose, atividade da fosfatase, produção de indol, produção de ácido a partir de sorbitol, melibiose, citrato e lactose, patogenicidade em batata e reação de hipersensibilidade. Para a caracterização molecular, foram utilizados os pares de primersECA1f/ECA2r e EXPCCF/EXPCCR [específicos para P. atrosepticum e P.carotovorum subsp. carotovorum(Pcc), respectivamente] e as tríades de primers 1491f/L1RA/L1RG e Br1f/L1RA/L1RG, para diferenciar Pcc de Dickeya chrysanthemi e de P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliensis. Os isolados foram identificados como pertencentes ao gênero Pectobacterium, no entanto, não se enquadraram na classificação bioquímica e tampouco molecular para diferenciação das subespécies, demonstrando a grande diversidade dos mesmos.

Aleurothrixus trachoides (Back) can transmit begomovirus from Duranta to potato, tomato and bell pepper

Solanum whitefly, Aleurothrixus trachoides (Back). (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was considered as a non-virusvector by European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) reports. However, in the presentstudy it was found to transmit Duranta leaf curl virus (DLCV) to tomato, bell pepper and potato. A. trachoidesinfested field samples of Duranta sp (100%) and tomato (20%) tested positive for begomovirus by PCR usingbegomovirus degenerate primers and primers specific to Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus showing ampliconof 520 bp and 2.7 Kb respectively. The DNA samples of A. trachoides collected from virus positive durantaand tomato plants also tested positive for the virus. Virulent whiteflies from duranta could successfully transmitDLCV to bell pepper (26%) and tomato (13%) plants as confirmed by Rolling Circle Amplification. The rate ofvirus transmission by A. trachoides from DLCV inoculated tomato to bell pepper and tomato to potato was100% and tomato to tomato was 80%. The results suggest whitefly A. trachoides as the vector for DLCV and tothe best of our knowledge, this is the first report for A. trachoides as vector of begomovirus. These findingssuggest need for reconsideration of A. trachoides as a virus-vector. This will have great impact on solanaceousvegetable cultivation in India and other parts of the world.

Integrated nutrient management and formulation of fertilizer prescription equation for recommendation of fertilizers for potato on alluvial soils of eastern India

Aim: To develop economically viable integrated fertilizer prescription equation for recommendation of fertilizers in potato on alluvial soils of Eastern India.Methodology: Soil test crop response (STCR) experiments on potato were conducted in alluvial soils of Eastern India during 2016-17 to assess the relationship between yield and availability of plant nutrients for developing fertilizer prescriptions of desired yield targets. The decision on optimum fertilizer doses for varying yield targets were made on the basis of crop nutrient requirement per quintal of potato production, soil efficiency, fertilizer efficiency, and FYM efficiency computed from field experimental data. The optimum fertilizer doses for different yield targets were validated in farmers’ field for economic and environmental benefits as compared to general recommended doses of fertilizers and farmers’ practice. Results: Targeted yield equation for potato for alluvial soil of Eastern India was developed based on soil test values, nutrient requirement and contribution of NPK from soil and fertilizer sources as well as FYM. The prescription based fertilizer application along with FYM increased tuber yield of potato in farmers’ field. Validity of the yield target for 22 and 24 t ha-1 was tested in farmer’s fields and variation in potato yield obtained from targeted yield was 7.6% to 9.8%. Interpretation: Fertilizer prescription equations and ready reckoner developed for potato will be useful in alluvial soils of Eastern India for large scale recommendations and in regions with similar soil and agro-climatic conditions. By following ready reckoner, a farmer can save 61 kg N, 55 kg P2O5 and 44 kg K2O ha-1 over general recommended dose, approximately equal to Rs. 4800/- per hectare.

The insertion of bioactive peptides at the C-terminal end of an 11S globulin changes the structural stability and improves the antihypertensive activity

BACKGROUND: The 11S globulin from amaranth is the most abundant storage protein in mature seeds and is well recognized for its nutritional value. We used this globulin to engineer a new protein by adding a four valinetyrosine antihypertensive peptide at its C-terminal end to improve its functionality. The new protein was named AMR5 and expressed in the Escherichia coli BL21-CodonPlus(DE3)-RIL strain using a custom medium (F8PW) designed for this work. RESULTS: The alternative medium allowed for the production of 652 mg/L expressed protein at the flask level, mostly in an insoluble form, and this protein was subjected to in vitro refolding. The spectrometric analysis suggests that the protein adopts a ß/α structure with a small increment of α-helix conformation relative to the native amaranth 11S globulin. Thermal and urea denaturation experiments determined apparent Tm and C1/2 values of 50.4°C and 3.04 M, respectively, thus indicating that the antihypertensive peptide insertion destabilized the modified protein relative to the native one. AMR5 hydrolyzed by trypsin and chymotrypsin showed 14- and 1.3-fold stronger inhibitory activity against angiotensin I-converting enzyme (IC50 of 0.034 mg/mL) than the unmodified protein and the previously reported amaranth acidic subunit modified with antihypertensive peptides, respectively. CONCLUSION: The inserted peptide decreases the structural stability of amaranth 11S globulin and improves its antihypertensive activity.

Design of primers for specific detection of Potato Virus Y (PVY) by RT-PCR / Diseño de cebadores específicos para la detección por rt-pcr del potato virus y (pvy)

RESUMEN El Potato virus Y (PVY) es uno de los virus más limitantes para la producción de papa (Solanum tuberosum y S. phureja) en el mundo. Este virus es transmitido por tubérculo-semilla de papa y por diferentes especies de áfidos. Para su manejo es fundamental la siembra de tubérculos certificados por su sanidad viral, para lo que se requieren metodologías de detección altamente sensibles como ELISA y RT-PCR. Para éstas últimas pruebas, es necesario disponer de cebadores específicos que permitan el diagnóstico del virus en tejidos asintomáticos. En este estudio se reportan los cebadores PVY_Col para la detección del PVY en RT-PCR convencional y en tiempo real (RT-qPCR). Estos cebadores fueron diseñados con base en las secuencias de este virus que se han reportado en Colombia sobre diferentes hospedantes, así como de las diferentes variantes encontradas en el mundo. Una particularidad adicional de estos cebadores es que no presentan reacción cruzada con el genoma del Potato virus V (PVV), otro potyvirus que recientemente se ha encontrado afectando cultivos de papa en Colombia. Se espera que los cebadores PVY_Col sean utilizados para apoyar los programas de certificación de material de siembra de papa, así como para adelantar estudios epidemiológicos y de manejo fitosanitario de este virus.

ABSTRACT Potato virus Y (PVY) is one of the most limiting viruses in the production of potato (Solanum tuberosum and S. phureja) worldwide. This virus is transmitted by aphids and infected tuber-seeds, and for this reason, disease management of PVY requires, among others, using certified planting material through highly sensitive techniques such as ELISA and RT-PCR. However, RT-PCR-based methods require primers of high specificity to allow the unequivocal detection of viruses in asymptomatic tissues. In this work, we report a new set of primers (PVY_Col) for detection of PVY by RT-PCR and real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). These primers were designed using sequences of PVY isolates from Colombia and the rest of the world. An essential feature of these primers is their specificity, since they don't amplify templates from Potato virus V (PVV), a close PVY relative that also infects potato crops in Colombia. It is expected that the PVY_Col primer set will be useful to support potato seed certification programs, epidemiological studies, and PVY disease management programs.