Comparative LC-MS-based metabolite profiling, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of Bunium bulbocastanum tubers from two regions in Algeria.

Traditional herbalists have been relied on for many years by Algerians to cure a wide range of diseases. Regardless of their nutritional values, mushrooms have chemical properties that make them attractive, beneficial, and more likely to be studied by researchers, according to ethnobotanical literature on traditional phytotherapy. Among all the edible mushrooms, tubers are a type of fungus that are traditionally used in fine dining and have garnered attention recently because of their many therapeutic applications. This research delves into a meticulous analysis of bioactive constituents in Bunium bulbocastanum tubers, sourced from Mostaganem and Relizane regions, with a keen focus on polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. The quantification of total phenolic content was executed through the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, while flavonoids were assessed via the aluminum chloride colorimetric method. In addition, condensed tannins were evaluated in this study. Antioxidant capacities were scrutinized employing the 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Microbial inhibition studies were conducted against five benchmark bacterial strains, utilizing the agar disc diffusion technique. Furthermore, a comprehensive liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis was performed to identify and quantify bioactive compounds. The findings underscore that the Mostaganem extracts were particularly rich in polyphenols (11.65 mg GAE/g of extract) and tannins (1.30 mg CE/g of extract), while the Relizane extracts boasted significant flavonoid concentrations (9.421 mg QE/g of extract). Notably, 4-methylguaiacol (82.04 mg/L), caffeic acid dimethyl ether (27.76 mg/L), syringic acid (20.48 mg/L), and naringenin (16.05 mg/L) emerged as the predominant volatile compounds. Compositional investigation of the extracts by LC-MS confirmed the presence of various compounds that were linked to the bioactivities exhibited by B. bulbocastanum tubers. These findings demonstrate the effective antibacterial and antioxidant properties of B. bulbocastanum tubers, indicating their potential use in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications.

Effect of silver nanoparticles foliar application on the nutritional properties of potato tubers.

The aim of presented study was to test nutritional properties of potato tubers and silver ions accumulation pattern after foliar application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) during potato vegetation. Potato plants were sprayed with different concentration of Ag nanoparticles (0.1, 1.0 and 10 mg·dm-3) synthesized with incorporation with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and sodium citrate as stabilizing agent. The lowest amounts of silver ions were transported to the tubers after spraying with AgNPs synthesized with SDS, rather than with citrate. Nevertheless silver ions accumulation in tubers was negligible. SDS method of synthesis was more favourable in terms of nutritional properties of potato tubers. The highest tested concentration of AgNPs_SDS had a favourable effect on a variety of macro- and micronutrients, ascorbic acid and soluble sugars. In turn, lower concentrations of AgNPs_SDS increased the content of phenolic compounds and free radical scavenging efficiency of tubers. These correlations were also confirmed by Principal Component Analysis.

Transcriptome analysis unravels the biocontrol mechanism of Serratia plymuthica A30 against potato soft rot caused by Dickeya solani.

Endophytic bacterium Serratia plymuthica A30 was identified as a superior biocontrol agent due to its effective colonization of potato tuber, tolerance to cold conditions, and strong inhibitory action against various soft rot pathogens, including Dickeya solani. We characterized transcriptome changes in potato tubers inoculated with S. plymuthica A30, D. solani, or both at the early and the late phases of interaction. At the early phase and in the absence of the pathogen, A30 influenced the microbial recognition system to initiate plant priming. In the presence of the pathogen alongside biocontrol strain, defense signaling was highly stimulated, characterized by the induction of genes involved in the detoxification system, reinforcement of cell wall structure, and production of antimicrobial metabolites, highlighting A30's role in enhancing the host resistance against pathogen attack. This A30-induced resistance relied on the early activation of jasmonic acid signaling and its production in tubers, while defense signaling mediated by salicylic acid was suppressed. In the late phase, A30 actively interferes with plant immunity by inhibiting stress- and defense-related genes expression. Simultaneously, the genes involved in cell wall remodeling and indole-3-acetic acid signaling were activated, thereby enhancing cell wall remodeling to establish symbiotic relationship with the host. The endophytic colonization of A30 coincided with the induction of genes involved in the biosynthesis and signaling of ethylene and abscisic acid, while downregulating those related to gibberellic acid and cytokinin. This combination suggested fitness benefits for potato tubers by preserving dormancy, and delaying sprouting, which affects durability of tubers during storage. This study contributes valuable insights into the tripartite interaction among S. plymuthica A30, D. solani, and potato tubers, facilitating the development of biocontrol system for soft rot pathogens under storage conditions.

Characterization of active transposable elements and their new insertions in tuber propagated greater yam (Dioscorea alata).

BACKGROUND: Greater yam is a key staple crop grown in tropical and subtropical regions, while its asexual propagation mode had led to non-flowering mutations. How transposable elements contribute to its genetic variations is rarely analyzed. We used transcriptome and whole genome sequencing data to identify active transposable elements (TEs) and genetic variation caused by these active TEs. Our aim was to shed light on which TEs would lead to its intraspecies variation. RESULTS: Annotation of de novo assembly transcripts indicated that 0.8 - 0.9% of transcripts were TE related, with LTR retrotransposons (LTR-RTs) accounted for 65% TE transcripts. A large portion of these transcripts were non-autonomous TEs, which had incomplete functional domains. The majority of mapped transcripts were distributed in genic deficient regions, with 9% of TEs overlapping with genic regions. Moreover, over 90% TE transcripts exhibited low expression levels and insufficient reads coverage to support full-length structure assembly. Subfamily analysis of Copia and Gypsy, the two LTR-RTs revealed that a small number of subfamilies contained a significantly larger number of members, which play a key role in generating TE transcript. Based on resequencing data, 15,002 L-RT insertion loci were detected for active LTR-RT members. The insertion loci of LTR-RTs were highly divergent among greater yam accessions. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the ongoing transcription and transpositions of TEs in greater yam, despite low transcription levels and incomplete proteins insufficient for autonomous transposition. While our research did not directly link these TEs to specific yam traits such as tuber yield and propagation mode, it lays a crucial foundation for further research on how these TE insertion polymorphisms (TIPs) might be related to variations in greater yam traits and its tuber propagation mode. Future research may explore the potential roles of TEs in trait variations, such as tuber yield and stress resistance, in greater yam.

Understanding starch biosynthesis in potatoes for metabolic engineering to improve starch quality: A detailed review.

Potato tubers accumulate substantial quantities of starch, which serves as their primary energy reserve. As the predominant component of potato tubers, starch strongly influences tuber yield, processing quality, and nutritional attributes. Potato starch is distinguished from other food starches by its unique granule morphology and compositional attributes. It possesses large, oval granules with amylose content ranging from 20 to 33 % and high phosphorus levels, which collectively determine the unique physicochemical characteristics. These physicochemical properties direct the utility of potato starch across diverse food and industrial applications. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the molecular factors controlling potato starch biosynthesis and structure-function relationships. Key topics covered are starch granule morphology, the roles and regulation of major biosynthetic enzymes, transcriptional and hormonal control, genetic engineering strategies, and opportunities to tailor starch functionality. Elucidating the contributions of different enzymes in starch biosynthesis has enabled targeted modification of potato starch composition and properties. However, realizing the full potential of this knowledge faces challenges in optimizing starch quality without compromising plant vigor and yield. Overall, integrating multi-omics datasets with advanced genetic and metabolic engineering tools can facilitate the development of elite cultivars with enhanced starch yield and tailored functionalities.

Molecular insights into the anti-spoilage effect of salicylic acid in Favorita potato processing.

Salicylic acid is a commonly used anti-spoilage agent to prevent browning and quality degradation during potato processing, yet its precise mechanism remains unclear. This study elucidates the role of StuPPO2, a functional protein in Favorita potato shreds, in relation to the anti-browning and starch degradation effects of 52 SA analogues. By employing molecular docking and Gaussian computing, SA localizes within the hydrophobic cavity of StuPPO2, facilitated by hydroxyl and carboxyl groups. The inhibitory effect depends on the distribution pattern of the maximal electrostatic surface potential, requiring hydroxyl ion potentials of >56 kcal/mol and carboxyl ion potentials of >42 kcal/mol, respectively. Multiomics analysis, corroborated by validation tests, indicates that SA synthetically suppresses activities linked to defense response, root regeneration, starch degradation, glycoalkaloids metabolism, and potato shred discoloration, thereby preserving quality. Furthermore, SA enhances antimicrobial and insect-repellent aromas, thereby countering biotic threats in potato shreds. These collective mechanisms underscore SA's anti-spoilage properties, offering theoretical foundations and potential new anti-browning agents for agricultural preservatives.

Mycotoxin Accumulation in Dry Rot Potato Tubers from Algeria and Toxigenic Potential of Associated Isolates of Fusarium Genus.

The presence of different mycotoxins in 232 tuber samples exhibiting dry rot symptoms and their associated Fusarium strains from two production sites in Algeria was investigated. LC-MS/MS was used to simultaneously detect and quantify 14 mycotoxins, including trichothecenes and non-trichothecenes. A total of 49 tubers were contaminated with at least one mycotoxins, including T-2, HT-2, Diacetoxyscirpenol (DAS), 15-acetoxyscirpenol (15-AS) and Beauvericin (BEA). Positive samples from the Bouira region had a significantly higher level of toxin contamination compared to Ain Defla (56.34% and 5.59%, respectively). A total of 283 Fusarium strains were isolated: 155 from Bouira and 128 from Ain Defla. These strains were evaluated for their ability to produce the targeted mycotoxins. The results showed that 61.29% and 53.9% of strains originate from Bouira and Ain Defla regions were able to produce Nivalenol, Fusarenone-X, DAS, 15-AS, Neosolaniol, BEA and Zearalenone. The phylogenetic analysis of the conserved ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences of 29 Fusarium strains, representative of the recorded mycotoxins profiles, was distributed into 5 Fusarium species complexes (SC): F. incarnatum-equiseti SC (FIESC), F. sambucinum SC (FSAMSC), F. oxysporum SC (FOSC), F. tricinctum SC (FTSC) and F. redolens SC (FRSC). This is the first study determining multiple occurrences of mycotoxins contamination associated to Fusarium dry rot of potato in Algeria and highlights fungal potential for producing trichothecene and non-trichothecens mycotoxins.

Structural characteristics and wound-healing effects of Bletilla striata fresh tuber polysaccharide.

A homogeneous polysaccharide from Bletilla striata fresh tuber (BSPS) was prepared and extensively characterized using HP-GPC, colorimetry, FT-IR, methylation, GC-MS, NMR, Congo red experiment, SEM, and AFM. The molecular weight of BSPS was 722.90 kDa. BSPS consisted of glucose and mannose in the molar ratio of 1 : 2.5. BSPS had a linear chain structure consisting mainly of →4)-ß-d-Glcp-(1→ and →4)-ß-d-Manp-(1→ residues. O-acetyl group linked to C2 of →4)-ß-d-Manp-(1→ residue. Its monosaccharide molar ratio, molecular weight, and O-acetyl substituted position were different from that of the polysaccharide from B. striata dried tuber reported previously. Furthermore, BSPS at concentrations of 3.125-25 µg/mL significantly promoted the viability (ca. 10%), differentiation (1.5-4 folds), migration (15%-70%), and invasion (1.84-4.65 folds) of C2C12 cells. Of note, BSPS remarkably accelerated the epidermal regeneration and wound healing in mice. This study for the first time reported the structure of polysaccharides in B. striata fresh tubers. The results demonstrated that BSPS could be explored as a novel natural wound-healing drug.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of Cyperus esculentus and C. rotundus with contrasting oil contents in tubers defines genes and regulatory networks involved in oil accumulation.

Plant vegetative organs present great potential for lipid storage, with tubers of Cyperus esculentus as a unique example. To investigate the genome and transcriptomic features of C. esculentus and related species, we sequenced and assembled the C. esculentus genome at the contig level. Through a comparative study of high-quality transcriptomes across 36 tissues from high-oil and intermediate-oil C. esculentus and low-oil Cyperus rotundus, we identified potential genes and regulatory networks related to tuber oil accumulation. First, we identified tuber-specific genes in two C. esculentus cultivars. Second, genes involved in fatty acid (FA) biosynthesis, triacylglycerol synthesis, and TAG packaging presented increased activity in the later stages of tuber development. Notably, tubers with high oil contents presented higher levels of these genes than those with intermediate oil contents did, whereas tubers with low oil contents presented minimal gene expression. Notably, a large fragment of the FA biosynthesis rate-limiting enzyme-encoding gene BCCP1 was missing from the C. rotundus transcript, which might be responsible for blocking FA biosynthesis in its tubers. WGCNA pinpointed a gene module linked to tuber oil accumulation, with a coexpression network involving the transcription factors WRI1, MYB4, and bHLH68. The ethylene-related genes in this module suggest a role for ethylene signaling in oil accumulation, which is supported by the finding that ethylene (ETH) treatment increases the oil content in C. esculentus tubers. This study identified potential genes and networks associated with tuber oil accumulation in C. esculentus, highlighting the role of specific genes, transcription factors, and ethylene signaling in this process.

YourTuber matters: Screening for potato variety for the synthesis of bacterial cellulose in its tuber juice.

This study aimed to characterize potato varieties for producing potato juice media (PJM) that allow bacterial cellulose (BC) effective and cost-efficient production. The study used 12 edible and 10 starch potato varieties from an accredited company for breeding and seed production. In general, edible varieties produced a 73 % higher PJ yield. Favorable BC yields were obtained using five edible and two starch varieties. Notably, the average BC yields in PJM from three edible varieties (Altesse, Mazur, and Owacja) were above the average BC yield from Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium (4.3, 4.1, and 3.9 g/L v. 3.69 g/L, respectively); these varieties had relatively high concentrations of glucose (3.3-4.2 g/L), fructose (3.0-4.2 g/L), and sucrose (2.9-4.2 g/L). It was also shown that the macro- and microstructure, crystallinity, and polymerization degree showed no significant differences between PJM-derived BC and HS-BC. As estimated, the cost of PJM required to produce 1 kg of BC is approximately EUR 60. In contrast, the cost of HS medium exceeds 1200 EUR. In conclusion, our research has proven that PJM can significantly reduce the costs (by over tenfold) of the medium for BC biosynthesis, ultimately lowering overall costs of producing this valuable biomaterial.

Lathyrane diterpenoids with multidrug resistance reversal activity from the tubers of Euphorbia antiquorum.

Nine previously unreported lathyrane diterpenoids named euphorantesters A-I, along with 16 known analogues, have been separated from the tubers of Euphorbia antiquorum. Their structures were established by means of spectroscopic analyses, time-dependent density functional theory based electronic circular dichroism calculation and single crystal X-ray crystallography. Their reversal ability against P-glycoprotein-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) in MCF-7/ADR cell line was then evaluated, and 15 ones exhibited moderate MDR reversal activity with reversal fold falling in the range of 1.12-13.15. The most active euphorantester B could effectively increase the sensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cell to adriamycin comparably to the reference drug verapamil.

Localization of potato browning resistance genes based on BSA-seq technology.

Browning is a common problem that occurs during potato processing; it is typically resolved by adding chemicals during the production process. However, there is a need to develop potato varieties that are resistant to browning due to a growing consumer interest in healthier diets. This study initially identified 275 potato varieties that are resistant to browning; these were narrowed down to eight varieties, with four of them being highly resistant. A hybrid population was developed by crossing the highly resistant CIP395109.29 with the easily browned Kexin 23. Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was conducted, which identified 21 potato genes associated with anti-browning properties through sequencing data analysis and organization. The findings of this study lay a solid groundwork for future research on breeding potatoes with anti-browning traits, offer molecular markers for identifying anti-browning varieties, and serve as a valuable reference for further investigations into potato browning mechanisms.

Effect of microwave combined with ethanol pretreatment on the quality of potato CO2 explosion puffing drying.

To enhance the drying quality of potato slices, this investigation employed a microwave heating (MH) combined with ethanol osmotic dehydration (EOD) pretreatment strategy to improve the quality of explosion puffing drying (EPD). This paper systematically investigated the effects of different pretreatment methods (no treatment, HAD, MH, EOD, MH+EOD) on the quality and physicochemical properties of potato slices subjected to CO2-EPD. The results showed that after MH and EOD pretreatments, the internal pores of the potato slices exhibited a uniform porous structure. The MH+EOD+CO2-EPD treatment demonstrated superior expansion, crispness, hardness, and color, with higher retention rates of vitamin C and protein. The measurements were an expansion ratio of 2.15, hardness of 1290.01 g, crispness of 745.94 g, ΔE of 6.54, protein content of 1.99 g/100 g, and VC content of 17.33 mg/100 g. Additionally, the study explored the effects of microwave power, microwave drying time, ethanol concentration, and ethanol soaking time on the expansion ratio, hardness, crispness, protein content, VC content, and color. MH+EOD+CO2-EPD is an environmentally sustainable and efficient solution with potential for widespread industrial application to enhance processing quality and economic benefits.

Tuber pathogenicity of Macrophomina phaseolina strain 3 a isolated from rotten cassava tuber from farm lands in Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria, its virulence genes and ADMET properties.

BACKGROUND: Macrophomina phaseolina is a pathogen that causes an opportunistic disease that spreads by soil and seeds and affects more than 500 different plant species, like fruits, trees, and row crops. Mycotoxins, such as phaseolinic acid, and phaseolinone, are produced by M. phaseolina isolates in previous investigations; however, the production of these mycotoxins seems to vary depending on the host and the region. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, Macrophomina phaseolina strain 3 A was isolated from rotten cassava tuber and identified using the analysis of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer region. The isolate was inoculated on a fresh healthy cassava tuber at 25 °C and tuber-rotting potential was monitored for 4 weeks. Virulence genes MPH_06603, MPH_06955, and MPH_01521 were determined with designed primers, and secondary metabolites were characterized by FTIR and GCMS. The rotten tuber effect was observed from the 2nd week of the experiment with severe tuber rot and weight reduction. The PCR showed the presence of MPH_06603 virulence gene. The GCMS showed N-Methylpivalamide (115.0 m/z), Butane, 1,4-dimethoxy- (119.0 m/z), and 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (126.0 m/z) were the predominant metabolites produced by the pathogen. The compounds in the metabolites inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes, cause eye irritation, and Human Ether-a-go-go-related gene inhibition. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that M. phaseolina was responsible for the cassava tuber rot which leads to a lower yield of farm produce. The metabolites produced are toxic and unsafe for human consumption. It is suggested that farmers should destroy any cassava affected by this pathogen to prevent its toxic effects on humans and animals.

Foliar application of salicylic acid improved morpho-anatomical features of potato by irrigating with wastewater.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of using drain water as a source of irrigation and its effects along with salicylic acid on morphological, anatomical, physico-chemical as well as yield attributes of potato. For this study, potato tubers were grown in pots and irrigated with different concentrations of drain water. Salicylic acid treatments vis. 0, 0.5 and 1.0 mM were applied foliarly. Pre- and post-harvest analysis was carried out to determine different attributes of soil, water and plants after 60 days. RESULTS: The growth of potato plant was increased as the concentration of SA increased through increasing shoot length, fresh/dry weight and tuber number/plant. In this research work, plant respond to overcome metal stresses by up regulating antioxidant defense system such as, peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase) by application of highest treatment of SA when irrigated with 6% drain water. Plants accumulated the highest concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Pb in the leaves when treated with 1 mM of SA, compared to other plant parts. It was observed that photosynthetic pigment enhanced in 6% drain water treated plants when applied with 1mM SA as compared to control. An increase in epidermis and cortical cell thickness, as well as stomatal closure, was observed, helping to maintain water loss under stress conditions. CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, it can be suggested that SA is potent signaling molecule can play an essential role in maintaining potato growth when irrigated with drain water containing heavy metals through stimulating metal up take and up regulation of antioxidant enzymes.

Amorphophallus campanulatus tuber extract protects diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy rat model by regulating oxidative stress and TNF-α inflammatory pathway.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of Amorphophallus campanulatus tuber (Ac) extract in the protection of diabetic nephropathy in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) rat model. METHODS: Diabetes was induced with STZ (60 mg/kg, i.p.), and DN was confirmed after six weeks of STZ administration with the estimation of kidney function test. Further rats were treated with Ac 250 and 500 mg/kg p.o. for next four week. Oxidative stress and level of inflammatory cytokines were estimated in the kidney tissue of DN rats. Histopathology of kidney tissue was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: There was improvement in the body weight of Ac treated groups than DN group of rats. Blood glucose level was observed to be reduced in Ac treated groups than DN group on 42nd and 70th day of protocol. Treatment with Ac ameliorated the altered level of kidney function tests (creatinine and BUN), enzymes of liver function (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase), and lipid profile in the serum of DN rats. Oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species enhances and reduction in the level of glutathione and superoxide dismutase) and inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 reduces in the tissue of Ac treated group than DN group. Treatment with Ac also attenuates the altered histopathological changes in the kidney tissue of DN rats. CONCLUSIONS: The report suggests that Ac protects renal injury in DN rats by regulating inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress.

Unveiling the hidden reserves: allocation strategies associated with underground organs of Cerrado legumes in fire-prone savannas.

The synthesis and differential allocation of reserve compounds is an important adaptive mechanism that enables species to resprout in fire-prone ecosystems. The analysis of compound allocation dynamics (differential accumulation of compounds between plant organs) provides insights into plant responses to disturbances. The aim was to quantify reserves in eight legume species from Cerrado open savannas with high fire frequency in order to investigate the patterns of allocation and distribution of compounds between leaves and underground organs, drawing ecophysiological inferences. The species were collected in 'campo sujo' areas of the Cerrado. Leaves and underground organs (xylopodium, taproot tubers) were subjected to physiological analyses. Overall, underground organs were characterised by greater deposits of carbohydrates, mainly soluble sugars, and also with the accumulation of proteins and amino acids. This suggests that nitrogen reserves, as well as carbohydrates, may have an ecophysiological function in response to fire, being allocated to the underground organs. Phenols were mainly evident in leaves, but a morphophysiological pattern was identified, where the two species with taproot tubers tended to concentrate more phenols in the underground portion compared to species with xylopodium, possibly due to functional differences between these organs. Such data allow inferring relevant ecophysiological dynamics in legumes from open savannas.

Early asymptomatic prediction of potato soft rot disease using phytohormone-induced volatile biomarkers.

Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are one of the world's major staple crops. In stored potatoes, Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp carotovorum causes soft rot. As a result of the rapid spread of the disease during post-harvest storage, potato production suffers huge losses. By detecting disease early and controlling it promptly, losses can be minimized. The profile of volatiles of plants can be altered by phytopathogens. Identifying unique volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as biomarkers for early disease detection has attracted considerable research attention. This study compared the VOC profiles of healthy and soft rot inoculated potatoes (cv. "Kufri Pukhraj") over a time course using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). It was found that there was a differential emission of 27 VOCs between healthy non-inoculated potatoes and soft rot inoculated potatoes. Among 27 VOCs, only five (1-octen-3-ol, 2-methylisoborneol, 3-octanone, 1,4-dimethyladamantane, and 2-methyl-2-bornene) were found exclusively in soft rot inoculated potatoes, suggesting them potential biomarker for non-destructive prediction of soft rot disease in potatoes. Reactive oxygen species (H2O2) and phytohormone methyl-jasmonate (MeJa) levels increased transiently on infection with soft rot. The analysis of the primary metabolism of soft rot infected tubers at three different stages suggests metabolic reprogramming that occurs at the early stage of infection, possibly leading to biomarker volatile emission. Based on these results, it appears that the initial potato-soft rot bacteria interaction initiates metabolic reprogramming mainly through H2O2 and the MeJa signalling pathway. In asymptomatic potatoes, these biomarkers may be promising candidates for non-destructive detection of soft rot at an early stage. These biomarkers can be used to develop an e-nose sensor to predict soft rot in the future.

Phenotypic and transcriptomics characterization uncovers genes underlying tuber yield traits and gene expression marker development in potato under aeroponics.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Transcriptome analysis in potato varieties revealed genes associated with tuber yield-related traits and developed gene expression markers. This study aimed to identify genes involved in high tuber yield and its component traits in test potato varieties (Kufri Frysona, Kufri Khyati, and Kufri Mohan) compared to control (Kufri Sutlej). The aeroponic evaluation showed significant differences in yield-related traits in the varieties. Total RNA sequencing was performed using tuber and leaf tissues on the Illumina platform. The high-quality reads (QV > 25) mapping with the reference potato genomes revealed statistically significant (P < 0.05) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) into two categories: up-regulated (> 2 Log2 fold change) and down-regulated (< -2 Log2 fold change). DEGs were characterized by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways. Collectively, we identified genes participating in sugar metabolism, stress response, transcription factors, phytohormones, kinase proteins, and other genes greatly affecting tuber yield and its related traits. A few selected genes were UDP-glucose glucosyltransferase, glutathion S-transferase, GDSL esterase/lipase, transcription factors (MYB, WRKY, bHLH63, and BURP), phytohormones (auxin-induced protein X10A, and GA20 oxidase), kinase proteins (Kunitz-type tuber invertase inhibitor, BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 1-associated receptor kinase 1) and laccase. Based on the selected 17 peptide sequences representing 13 genes, a phylogeny tree and motifs were analyzed. Real time-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was used to validate the RNA-seq results. RT-qPCR based gene expression markers were developed for the genes such as 101 kDa heat shock protein, catechol oxidase B chloroplastic, cysteine protease inhibitor 1, Kunitz-type tuber invertase inhibitor, and laccase to identify high yielding potato genotypes. Thus, our study paved the path for potential genes associated with tuber yield traits in potato under aeroponics.

Analysis of Maillard reaction precursors and secondary metabolites in Chilean potatoes and neoformed contaminants during frying.

Southern Chile native potatoes are an interesting raw material to produce novel snacks like colored potato chips. These novel products should be comprehensively evaluated for the presence of undesirable compounds such as acrylamide, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furan, the main neoformed contaminants in starchy rich fried foods. This study evaluated the neoformed contaminant levels and oil content on chips made from eleven Chilean potato accessions and compared them with commercial samples. The neoformed contaminant contents were related to Maillard reaction precursor levels (reducing sugars and asparagine) and secondary metabolites (phenolic compounds and carotenoids). Neoformed contaminants correlated well among them and were weakly correlated with reducing sugars and asparagine. Acrylamide level in native potato chips ranged from 738.2 to 1998.6 µg kg-1 while from 592.6 to 2390.5 µg kg-1 in commercial samples. Thus, there is need to implement neoformed contaminant mitigation strategies at different steps of the production chain of colored potato chips.