Investigating the involvement of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) StPHR1 gene in the combined stress response to phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity.

Phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity in acidic soils are important factors that limit crop yield. To further explore this issue, we identified 18 members of the StPHR gene family in the potato genome in this study. Through bioinformatics analysis, we found that the StPHR1 gene, an important member of this family, exhibited high expression levels in potato roots, particularly under conditions of phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity stress. This suggested that the StPHR1 gene may play a crucial regulatory role in potato's resistance to phosphorus deficiency and aluminum toxicity. To validate this hypothesis, we conducted a series of experiments on the StPHR1 gene, including subcellular localization, GUS staining for tissue expression, heterologous overexpression, yeast two-hybrid hybridization, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC). The results demonstrated that the StPHR1 gene is highly conserved in plants and is localized in the nucleus of potato cells. The heterologous overexpression of the gene in Arabidopsis plants resulted in a growth phenotype that exhibited resistance to both aluminum toxicity and phosphorus deficiency. Moreover, the heterologous overexpressing plants showed reduced aluminum content in the root system compared to the control group. Furthermore, we also identified an interaction between StPHR1 and StALMT6. These results highlight the potential application of regulating the expression of the StPHR1 gene in potato production to enhance its adaptation to the dual stress of phosphorus deficiency and high aluminum toxicity in acidic soils.

Potato Berries as a Valuable Source of Compounds Potentially Applicable in Crop Protection and Pharmaceutical Sectors: A Review.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a major agricultural crop cultivated worldwide. To meet market demand, breeding programs focus on enhancing important agricultural traits such as disease resistance and improvement of tuber palatability. However, while potato tubers get a lot of attention from research, potato berries are mostly overlooked due to their level of toxicity and lack of usefulness for the food production sector. Generally, they remain unused in the production fields after harvesting the tuber. These berries are toxic due to high levels of glycoalkaloids, which might confer some interesting bioactivities. Berries of various solanaceous species contain bioactive secondary metabolites, suggesting that potato berries might contain similarly valuable metabolites. Therefore, possible applications of potato berries, e.g., in the protection of plants against pests and pathogens, as well as the medical exploitation of their anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, and antifungal properties, are plausible. The presence of valuable compounds in potato berries could also contribute to the bioeconomy by providing a novel use for otherwise discarded agricultural side streams. Here we review the potential use of these berries for the extraction of compounds that can be exploited to produce pharmaceuticals and plant protection products.

Harnessing the health benefits of purple and yellow-fleshed sweet potatoes: Phytochemical composition, stabilization methods, and industrial utilization- A review.

Purple-fleshed sweet potato (PFSP) and yellow-fleshed sweet potato (YFSP) are crops highly valued for their nutritional benefits and rich bioactive compounds. These compounds include carotenoids, flavonoids (including anthocyanins), and phenolic acids etc. which are present in both the leaves and roots of these sweet potatoes. PFSP and YFSP offer numerous health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and neuroprotective properties. The antioxidant activity of these sweet potatoes holds significant potential for various industries, including food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics. However, a challenge in utilizing PFSP and YFSP is their susceptibility to rapid oxidation and color fading during processing and storage. To address this issue and enhance the nutritional value and shelf life of food products, researchers have explored preservation methods such as co-pigmentation and encapsulation. While YFSP has not been extensively studied, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the nutritional value, phytochemical composition, health benefits, stabilization techniques for phytochemical, and industrial applications of both PFSP and YFSP in the food industry. Additionally, the comparison between PFSP and YFSP highlights their similarities and differences, shedding light on their potential uses and benefits in various food products.

A Sweet Potato MYB Transcription Factor IbMYB330 Enhances Tolerance to Drought and Salt Stress in Transgenic Tobacco.

MYB transcription factors (TFs) play vital roles in plant growth, development, and response to adversity. Although the MYB gene family has been studied in many plant species, there is still little known about the function of R2R3 MYB TFs in sweet potato in response to abiotic stresses. In this study, an R2R3 MYB gene, IbMYB330 was isolated from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). IbMYB330 was ectopically expressed in tobacco and the functional characterization was performed by overexpression in transgenic plants. The IbMYB330 protein has a 268 amino acid sequence and contains two highly conserved MYB domains. The molecular weight and isoelectric point of IbMYB330 are 29.24 kD and 9.12, respectively. The expression of IbMYB330 in sweet potato is tissue-specific, and levels in the root were significantly higher than that in the leaf and stem. It showed that the expression of IbMYB330 was strongly induced by PEG-6000, NaCl, and H2O2. Ectopic expression of IbMYB330 led to increased transcript levels of stress-related genes such as SOD, POD, APX, and P5CS. Moreover, compared to the wild-type (WT), transgenic tobacco overexpression of IbMYB330 enhanced the tolerance to drought and salt stress treatment as CAT activity, POD activity, proline content, and protein content in transgenic tobacco had increased, while MDA content had decreased. Taken together, our study demonstrated that IbMYB330 plays a role in enhancing the resistance of sweet potato to stresses. These findings lay the groundwork for future research on the R2R3-MYB genes of sweet potato and indicates that IbMYB330 may be a candidate gene for improving abiotic stress tolerance in crops.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Viral Activity of Sweet Potato Trypsin Inhibitor via Downregulation of TMPRSS2 Activity and ACE2 Expression In Vitro and In Vivo.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a global pandemic. Known as COVID-19, it has affected billions of people worldwide, claiming millions of lives and posing a continuing threat to humanity. This is considered one of the most extensive pandemics ever recorded in human history, causing significant losses to both life and economies globally. However, the available evidence is currently insufficient to establish the effectiveness and safety of antiviral drugs or vaccines. The entry of the virus into host cells involves binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a cell surface receptor, via its spike protein. Meanwhile, transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), a host surface protease, cleaves and activates the virus's S protein, thus promoting viral infection. Plant protease inhibitors play a crucial role in protecting plants against insects and/or microorganisms. The major storage proteins in sweet potato roots include sweet potato trypsin inhibitor (SWTI), which accounts for approximately 60% of the total water-soluble protein and has been found to possess a variety of health-promoting properties, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, ACE-inhibitory, and anticancer functions. Our study found that SWTI caused a significant reduction in the expression of the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 proteins, without any adverse effects on cells. Therefore, our findings suggest that the ACE2 and TMPRSS2 axis can be targeted via SWTI to potentially inhibit SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Lactating mothers' perceptions and sensory acceptability of a provitamin A carotenoid-iron-rich composite dish prepared from iron-biofortified common bean and orange-fleshed sweet potato in rural western Uganda.

Uganda's lactating mothers are vulnerable to deficiencies of vitamin A and iron because they consume plant-based conventional foods such as white-fleshed sweet potato (WFSP) and non-iron biofortified common bean (NIBCB) that are low in provitamin A (PVA) and iron, respectively. A PVA carotenoid-iron-rich dish was prepared from a combination of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) and iron-biofortified common bean (IBCB). This study evaluated the perceptions and sensory acceptability of OFSP+IBCB (test food) against WFSP+NIBCB (control food) among lactating mothers in rural Uganda. A total of 94 lactating mothers participated in the study. The sensory attributes (taste, color, aroma, texture, and general acceptability) of test and control foods were rated using a five-point facial hedonic scale (1 = dislike very much, 2 = dislike, 3 = neutral, 4 = like 5 = like very much). An attribute was acceptable if the participant scored from like to like very much. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to assess participant perceptions about their future consumption of OFSP+IBCB. The chi-square test was used to detect the proportion difference for each sensory attribute between OFSP+IBCB and WFSP+NIBCB, while FGD data were analyzed by thematic analysis. Taste, color, and aroma were acceptable to the mothers and not significantly different between OFSP+IBCB and WFSP+NIBCB (p > .05). Participants had positive perceptions of the taste, aroma, and color of the OFSP+IBCB and negative perceptions about the soft texture of OFSP. The lactating mothers had positive perceptions of consuming OFSP+IBCB provided they were accessible, affordable, and feasible to prepare.

Pulsed electric field effect on acrylamide reduction and quality attributes of continuous-style Lamoka potato chips.

Potato chips are a popular snack, well-liked because of their texture-flavor combination. Potato chips are made by frying slices of potato in vegetable oil to achieve a crispy texture. Frying potato slices initiates the Maillard reaction, resulting in chemical changes that enhance taste, color, and texture, but also undesired acrylamides, which are suspected carcinogens. The application of pulsed electric field (PEF) technology is commonly used in French fry processing operations to prolong cutting blade sharpness and reduce waste, energy consumption, and water usage. Despite these attributes, PEF systems have not yet gained widespread adoption by potato chip producers. In the current study, Lamoka potatoes were PEF-treated prior to continuous frying into potato chips. The effect of specific energy at 0.75 kJ/kg (Low-PEF) and 1.5 kJ/kg (High-PEF) and electric field strength of 1 kV/cm, frequency of 24 kV, and pulse width of 6 µs versus untreated (control) samples was studied, then batches of 250 g of slices were fried at 170 °C or 185 °C for two frying times to obtain potato chips with acrylamide levels below the California Proposition 65 limit (275 ng/g). The Lamoka potato chip product quality metrics that were assessed include moisture, fat, reducing sugars, asparagine, acrylamide, chip color, and texture. PEF treatment of Lamoka potatoes resulted in chips fried in 10 % less time, lower oil content by 8 %, and a decrease of reducing sugars by 19.2 %, asparagine by 42.0 %, and acrylamide by 28.9 %. The PEF fried chips were lighter in color but maintained textural attributes compared to continuous frying cooking. The process of frying potato slices at 170 °C for 150 s with High-PEF yielded potato chips with acrylamide content below the California Proposition 65 limit; which speaks to the health implications for consumers and the quality and safety of these chips.

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.

Elicitation of salicylic acid and methyl jasmonate provides molecular and physiological evidence for potato susceptibility to infection by Erwinia carotovora subsp. carotovora.

Among the range of severe plant diseases, bacterial soft rot caused by Erwinia carotovora is a significant threat to crops. This study aimed to examine the varying response patterns of distinct potato cultivars to the influence of E. carotovora. Furthermore, it seeks to highlight the potential role of salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA) in stimulating the antioxidant defence system. We collected eight bacterial isolates from diseased and rotted tubers which were morphologically and physiologically identified as E. carotovora subsp. carotovora. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to analyse the antioxidant responses of three different potato cultivars (Diamont, Kara, and Karros) at various time intervals (2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24 h) after bacterial infection (hpi). We assessed the extent of disease damage by applying a foliar spray of 0.9 mM salicylic acid (SA) and 70 µM methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Inoculating with Ecc led to an increase in total phenolic levels, as well as the activities and gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POX) as time progressed. Additionally, the application of SA and MeJA resulted in a further increase relative to the diseased treatments. The Karros cultivar, unlike the Diamont and Kara cultivars, demonstrated the highest expression levels of PAL, PPO and POX through inoculation, reflecting its higher levels of activity and resistance. Furthermore, the genetic response of potato cultivars to infection at 0 hpi varied depending on their susceptibility. The examination of the rate of PAL activity upregulation following SA or MeJA stimulation clarifies the cultivars' susceptibility over time. In conclusion, the study identified E. carotovora subsp. carotovora as the most virulent isolate causing soft rot disease in potato tubers. It further revealed that the Karros cultivar displayed superior resistance with high activities and gene expression of PAL, PPO and POX, while the cv. Diamont exhibited sensitivity. Additionally, foliar exposure to SA and MeJA induced antioxidant responses, enhancing the potato plants' resistance against Ecc pathogenesis and overall plant defence.

MYB24, MYB144, and MYB168 positively regulate suberin biosynthesis at potato tuber wounds during healing.

The essence of wound healing is the accumulation of suberin at wounds, which is formed by suberin polyphenolic (SPP) and suberin polyaliphatic (SPA). The biosynthesis of SPP and SPA monomers is catalyzed by several enzyme classes related to phenylpropanoid metabolism and fatty acid metabolism, respectively. However, how suberin biosynthesis is regulated at the transcriptional level during potato (Solanum tuberosum) tuber wound healing remains largely unknown. Here, 6 target genes and 15 transcription factors related to suberin biosynthesis in tuber wound healing were identified by RNA-seq technology and qRT-PCR. Dual luciferase and yeast one-hybrid assays showed that StMYB168 activated the target genes StPAL, StOMT, and St4CL in phenylpropanoid metabolism. Meanwhile, StMYB24 and StMYB144 activated the target genes StLTP, StLACS, and StCYP in fatty acid metabolism, and StFHT involved in the assembly of SPP and SPA domains in both native and wound periderms. More importantly, virus-induced gene silencing in S. tuberosum and transient overexpression in Nicotiana benthamiana assays confirmed that StMYB168 regulates the biosynthesis of free phenolic acids, such as ferulic acid. Furthermore, StMYB24/144 regulated the accumulation of suberin monomers, such as ferulates, α, ω-diacids, and ω-hydroxy acids. In conclusion, StMYB24, StMYB144, and StMYB168 have an elaborate division of labor in regulating the synthesis of suberin during tuber wound healing.

Preparation of Steamed Purple Sweet Potato-Based Films Containing Mandarin Essential Oil for Smart Packaging.

Anthocyanin-rich steamed purple sweet potato (SPSP) is a suitable raw material to produce smart packaging films. However, the application of SPSP-based films is restricted by the low antimicrobial activity of anthocyanins. In this study, SPSP-based smart packaging films were produced by adding mandarin essential oil (MEO) as an antimicrobial agent. The impact of MEO content (3%, 6%, and 9%) on the structures, properties, and application of SPSP-based films was measured. The results showed that MEO created several pores within films and reduced the hydrogen bonding system and crystallinity of films. The dark purple color of the SPSP films was almost unchanged by MEO. MEO significantly decreased the light transmittance, water vapor permeability, and tensile strength of the films, but remarkably increased the oxygen permeability, thermal stability, and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the films. The SPSP-MEO films showed intuitive color changes at different acid-base conditions. The purple-colored SPSP-MEO films turned blue when chilled shrimp and pork were not fresh. The MEO content greatly influenced the structures, physical properties, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the films. However, the MEO content had no impact on the color change ability of the films. The results suggested that SPSP-MEO films have potential in the smart packaging of protein-rich foods.

Using Age-Stage Two-Sex Life Tables to Assess the Suitability of Three Solanaceous Host Plants for the Invasive Cotton Mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley.

Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), the cotton mealybug, is an invasive polyphagous species that has been extending its geographic range, posing a conspicuous threat to many Mediterranean crops of economic importance. These include three species of Solanaceae, namely Solanum lycopersicum L. (tomato), Solanum tuberosum L. (potato) and Solanum melongena L. (eggplant) all of which are economically important worldwide. In this study, we used age-stage two-sex life tables to investigate the suitability of these three plant species as hosts for P. solenopsis and to calculate pest fitness, life history parameters and population projection parameters. All tested host plants that were suitable for the pest and eggplant host plant induced a higher fecundity (276.50 ± 10.78 eggs/female), net reproductive rate (R0) (243.32 ± 15.83 offspring/female) and finite rate of increase (λ) (1.18 ± 0.0043 day-1) and more extended adult longevity (males: 6.50 ± 0.34 days and females: 24.15 ± 0.50 days). Population growth predictions over a period of 90 days of infestation, commencing with an initial population of 10 eggs showed that adult population size was 674,551 on tomato, 826,717 on potato and 355,139 on eggplant. Our data on plant host preference of P. solenopsis will aid the development of appropriate management strategies and achieve successful control of this invasive pest in key Mediterranean crop systems.

In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion of Various Sweet Potato Leaves: Polyphenol Profiles, Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability Elucidation.

The chemical composition discrepancies of five sweet potato leaves (SPLs) and their phenolic profile variations during in vitro digestion were investigated. The results indicated that Ecaishu No. 10 (EC10) provided better retention capacity for phenolic compounds after drying. Furthermore, polyphenols were progressively released from the matrix as the digestion process proceeded. The highest bioaccessibility of polyphenols was found in EC10 intestinal chyme at 48.47%. For its phenolic profile, 3-, 4-, and 5-monosubstituted caffeoyl quinic acids were 9.75%, 57.39%, and 79.37%, respectively, while 3,4-, 3,5-, and 4,5-disubstituted caffeoyl quinic acids were 6.55, 0.27 and 13.18%, respectively. In contrast, the 3,4-, 3,5-, 4,5-disubstituted caffeoylquinic acid in the intestinal fluid after dialysis bag treatment was 62.12%, 79.12%, and 62.98%, respectively, which resulted in relatively enhanced bioactivities (DPPH, 10.51 µmol Trolox/g; FRAP, 8.89 µmol Trolox/g; ORAC, 7.32 µmol Trolox/g; IC50 for α-amylase, 19.36 mg/g; IC50 for α-glucosidase, 25.21 mg/g). In summary, desirable phenolic acid release characteristics and bioactivity of EC10 were observed in this study, indicating that it has potential as a functional food ingredient, which is conducive to the exploitation of the sweet potato processing industry from a long-term perspective.

Applications and characterization of anti-browning enzymatically modified potato starch (EPS) film associated with chitosan (CTS)/L-Cys/citric acid (CA) on fresh-cut potato slices.

This study explores the influence of incorporating L-cysteine (L-Cys), chitosan (CTS), and citric acid (CA) on the enzymatic modification of potato starch (EPS) films to enhance anti-browning properties. Four types of EPS composite films were evaluated for preserving fresh-cut potato slices at low temperatures to inhibit browning. Their thermal, physiochemical, mechanical, and digestibility properties were assessed. Results indicate that the addition of CTS, CA, and L-Cys improved the anti-browning activity of the EPS films by increasing film thickness and reducing water vapor permeability (WVP), oxygen transmission rate (OTR), ultraviolet (UV) transmittance, and tensile strength (TS). Furthermore, these additives improved the film's microstructure, resulting in reinforced intermolecular interactions, increased elongation at break, heightened crystallinity, enhanced thermal stability, and favorable gastrointestinal digestibility. Overall, EPS/CTS/L-Cys/CA composite films show promise as edible packaging materials with effective anti-browning properties.

syn-tasiRnas targeting the coat protein of potato virus Y confer antiviral resistance in Nicotiana benthamiana.

Trans-acting small interfering RNAs (tasiRNAs) are 21-nt phased (phased siRNAs) resulting from successive DCL-catalyzed processing from the end of a double-stranded RNA substrate originating from the RDR of an AGO-catalyzed cleaved RNA at a micro RNA target site. Plant tasiRNAs have been synthesized to produce synthetic tasiRNAs (syn-tasiRNAs) targeting viral RNAs that confer viral resistance. In this study, we engineered syn-tasiRNAs to target potato virus Y (PVY) infection by replacing five native siRNAs of TAS1c with 210-bp fragments from the coat protein (CP) region of the PVY genome. The results showed that the transient expression of syn-tasiR-CPpvy2 in Nicotiana benthamiana (N. benthamiana) plants conferred antiviral resistance, supported by the absence of PVY infection symptoms and viral accumulation. This indicated that syn-tasiR-CPpvy2 successfully targeted and silenced the PVY CP gene, effectively inhibiting viral infection. syn-tasiR-CPpvy1 displayed attenuated symptoms and decreased viral accumulation in these plants However, severe symptoms of PVY infection and a similar amount of viral accumulation as the control were observed in plants expressing syn-tasiR-CPpvy3. syn-tasiR-CPpvy/pvx, which targets both PVY and potato virus X (PVX), was engineered using a single precursor. After the transient expression of syn-tasiR-CPpvy/pvx3 and syn-tasiR-CPpvy/pvx5 in N. benthamiana, the plants were resistant to both PVY and PVX. These results suggested that engineered syn-tasiRNAs could not only specifically induce antiviral resistance against one target virus but could also be designed for multi-targeted silencing of different viruses, thereby preventing complex virus infection in plants.

A survey of the Sli gene in wild and cultivated potato.

Inbred-hybrid breeding of diploid potatoes necessitates breeding lines that are self-compatible. One way of incorporating self-compatibility into incompatible cultivated potato (Solanum tuberosum) germplasm is to introduce the S-locus inhibitor gene (Sli), which functions as a dominant inhibitor of gametophytic self-incompatibility. To learn more about Sli diversity and function in wild species relatives of cultivated potato, we obtained Sli gene sequences that extended from the 5'UTR to the 3'UTR from 133 individuals from 22 wild species relatives of potato and eight diverse cultivated potato clones. DNA sequence alignment and phylogenetic trees based on genomic and protein sequences show that there are two highly conserved groups of Sli sequences. DNA sequences in one group contain the 533 bp insertion upstream of the start codon identified previously in self-compatible potato. The second group lacks the insertion. Three diploid and four polyploid individuals of wild species collected from geographically disjointed localities contained Sli with the 533 bp insertion. For most of the wild species clones examined, however, Sli did not have the insertion. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Sli sequences with the insertion, in wild species and in cultivated clones, trace back to a single origin. Some diploid wild potatoes that have Sli with the insertion were self-incompatible and some wild potatoes that lack the insertion were self-compatible. Although there is evidence of positive selection for some codon positions in Sli, there is no evidence of diversifying selection at the gene level. In silico analysis of Sli protein structure did not support the hypothesis that amino acid changes from wild-type (no insertion) to insertion-type account for changes in protein function. Our study demonstrated that genetic factors besides the Sli gene must be important for conditioning a switch in the mating system from self-incompatible to self-compatible in wild potatoes.

A novel biopolymeric composite edible film based on sunnhemp protein isolate and potato starch incorporated with clove oil: Fabrication, characterization, and amino acid composition.

Composite edible films were developed by casting method using sunnhemp protein isolate (SHPI) and potato starch (PS) at various proportions (100:0, 90:10, 80:20; 70:30, 60:40, and 50:50) containing glycerol as a plasticizer and clove oil. All the edible films were evaluated for thickness, moisture content, solubility, swelling ratio, water activity. Further characterization of edible films was done on the basis of mechanical, optical, thermal and structural attributes along with morphology. Among all the films, composite film containing 50 % SHPI, 50 % PS and 1 % clove oil were having better characteristics. The solubility and WVP decreased, while the tensile strength and elongation at break of composite film increased with the inclusion of potato starch and clove oil. Intermolecular interactions in the composite film matrix were confirmed by FTIR and XRD analysis. SEM images confirmed the structural compactness and integrity of all the developed films. The amino acid composition of edible films indicated presence of most of the essential amino acids. The present finding of this research work shows that the utilization of sunnhemp protein in the development of biocomposite edible films represents an alternative opportunity of sustainable edible food packaging.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of tarragon and Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oils and their applications as active agents to improve the shelf life of freshly cut potato strips.

This study investigated the possibility of using active coatings based on Zedo gum containing essential oils of Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZE) and tarragon (TE) to increase the shelf life and maintain the quality of freshly cut potato strips. The chemical compositions of ZE and TE were initially identified, and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were investigated. ZE consisted mainly of carvacrol (26.26%), p-cymene (21.50%), thymol (18.05%), and linalool (11.31%), and those of TE comprised p-allylanisole (81.92%), ß-Ocimene E (8.06%), and ß-Ocimene Z (5.35%). Afterwards, a Zedo gum active coating (1% v/w) containing 1% (v/v) essential oil was prepared, and the produced coating solutions were used to soak the potato strips for 5 min. The coated potatoes were kept fresh in a refrigerator for 9 days, and their quality characteristics were examined every 3 days. The results show that the weight loss, browning index, total microbial count, and mold and yeast counts in the strips increased during 9 days of cold storage, and hardness decreased (p < .05). However, the coatings of strips, especially those containing essential oils, reduced the intensity of changes in moisture, color, and hardness, increased microbial stability, and maintained the sensory acceptance of strips compared with the uncoated sample (control). Finally, this study demonstrated that the quality and shelf life of fresh potato strips can be improved by using active coatings based on Zedo gum containing ZE and TE (especially ZE).

Phenolic profile, cheminformatics, and antiplatelet aggregation activity of orange and purple sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) storage roots.

Sweet potatoes are rich in cardioprotective phytochemicals with potential anti-platelet aggregation activity, although this benefit may vary among cultivars/genotypes. The phenolic profile [HPLC-ESI(-)-qTOF-MS2], cheminformatics (ADMET properties, affinity toward platelet proteins) and anti-PA activity of phenolic-rich hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from orange (OSP) and purple (PSP) sweet potato storage roots, was evaluated. The phenolic richness [Hydroxycinnamic acids> flavonoids> benzoic acids] was PSP > OSP. Their main chlorogenic acids could interact with platelet proteins (integrins/adhesins, kinases/metalloenzymes) but their bioavailability could be poor. Just OSP exhibited a dose-dependent anti-platelet aggregation activity [inductor (IC50, mg.ml-1): thrombin receptor activator peptide-6 (0.55) > Adenosine-5'-diphosphate (1.02) > collagen (1.56)] and reduced P-selectin expression (0.75-1.0 mg.ml-1) but not glycoprotein IIb/IIIa secretion. The explored anti-PA activity of OSP/PSP seems to be inversely related to their phenolic richness. The poor first-pass bioavailability of its chlorogenic acids (documented in silico) may represent a further obstacle for their anti-PA in vivo.

Discovery of Pyrido[1,2-α] Pyrimidinone Mesoionic Compounds as Potential Control Agents Against Potato Virus Y.

Potato virus Y (PVY) relies on aphids and tubers to spread in the field and causes serious economic losses in the potato industry. Here, we found that pyrido[1,2-α] pyrimidinone mesoionic compounds with insecticidal activity against aphids possessed a good inhibitory effect on PVY. Among them, compound 35 had the best inhibitory activity against PVY (EC50 = 104 µg/mL), even superior to that of ningnanmycin (125 µg/mL). The fluorescence and qPCR results confirmed that compound 35 could inhibit the proliferation of PVY in Nicotiana benthamiana. Preliminary experiments on the mechanism of action indicated that compound 35 had good binding affinity with the coat protein (CP), which plays an essential role in aphid-PVY interactions. Molecular docking revealed that compound 35 could bind to the pocket of CP formed by Ser52, Glu204, and Arg208. Compound 35 had substantially lower binding affinity (Kd) values with CPS52A (219 µM), CPE204A (231 µM), and CPR208A (189 µM) than those with CPWT (5.80 µM). A luciferase assay confirmed that mutating Ser52, Glu204, and Arg208 significantly affected the expression level of CP and further reduced virus proliferation. Therefore, the broad-spectrum activity of compound 35 provides a unique strategy for the prevention and treatment of PVY.