Establishing a critical phosphorus dilution curve for potato in semi-arid regions based on a Bayesian analysis.

Phosphorus (P) fertilizer use efficiency in potato production is relatively low in semi-arid regions, wasting P resources and increasing environmental risks. Therefore, improving P use efficiency (PUE) is critical for sustainable potato production. The critical P dilution curve (CPDC) and P nutrition index (PNI) have proven to be robust diagnostic tools for assessing crop P status and aiding in improving P fertilizer management. Several potato CPDCs have been established, however, few studies have been conducted to establish a CPDC for potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) under ridge planting with drip irrigation, a planting pattern that has been increasingly adopted in semi-arid regions. In addition, the different CPDCs established using the conventional Jestus statistical model cannot discriminate the true variability across scenarios or have become linked to estimation errors. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) establish a potato CPDC based on a Bayesian statistical method and (2) evaluate the relationship between potato yield and PNI. Three years of field experiments with five levels of P2O5 application (0, 80, 160, 240, 320 kg ha-1) were conducted in Inner Mongolia, China. No significant differences were found between CPDCs across the year × site for the assessed scenarios, and thus, a generic CPDC for potatoes in the region was derived as Pc = 0.616 DM-0.296, and it can be used to calculate the PNI. Further analysis showed that at each growth stage, the PNI exhibits a significant plateauing linear relationship with relative potato tuber yield. Thus, it provides a standard for diagnosing the P nutritional status in potatoes and lays a robust foundation for precise P recommendations in the region.

Antifungal activity of 2-chloro-5-trifluoromethoxybenzeneboronic acid and inhibitory mechanisms on Geotrichum candidum from sour rot Xiaozhou mustard root tuber.

Xiaozhou mustard (Brassica napiformis) root tuber, a traditional fermented vegetable, has a long history in Rongan County, Guangxi Province. However, the frequent occurrence of root tuber sour rot by Geotrichum candidum (G. candidum) has seriously reduced Xiaozhou mustard production and quality in recent years. The objective of the present study is to investigate the antifungal efficacy of 2-chloro-5-trifluoromethoxybenzeneboronic acid (Cl-F-BBA) against G. candidum and its possible mechanisms. The results revealed that a concentration of 0.25 mg/mL Cl-F-BBA completely halted mycelial growth and spore germination. Furthermore, a slightly lower concentration of 0.20 mg/mL was sufficient to compromise the integrity of the plasma membrane in mycelia and mitochondria, leading to a reduction in respiratory rate, activities of malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), ATP content, and energy charge. This concentration also significantly disordered antioxidant metabolism, resulting in the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and caused intracellular leakage in mycelia. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that Xiaozhou mustard root tubers treated with Cl-F-BBA exhibited markedly lower decay rates and lesion diameters compared to the control group. In summary, Cl-F-BBA presents a promising solution for controlling root tuber sour rot in Xiaozhou mustard caused by G. candidum.

Apple fruit as a biological suppressant for potato tuber sprouting during ambient storage.

In many countries, potato (Solanum tuberosum) is a crucial carbohydrate-rich crop and staple food. However, sprouting during storage can adversely affect the quality of the harvested tubers. To maintain the postharvest quality, this study assessed the potential of apple fruit as one of the biological suppressants for potato tuber sprouting at ambient storage. Potato tubers were obtained from four commercial farms. Thereafter, they were stored in a brown paper alone (control) or with apple fruit at ±23 °C for 30-day period. Potato tubers were evaluated for their weight loss, sprouting percentage, decay and soluble sugars during storage duration. Tubers stored with apple fruit had significantly (P < 0.05) reduced physiological weight loss after 30-day storage compared to the control. The results indicated that sprouting was significantly lower on tubers stored with fruit compared to the control. Sucrose, glucose and fructose increased in tubers stored with apple fruit compared to the control, especially in tubers obtained from Jamba and Leeubult. Tubers stored with apple fruit decayed significantly compared to the control in tubers from Jamba and Leeubult. Furthermore, dry matter and starch content were significantly lower tubers stored with apples compared to the control. In conclusion, apple fruit could serve as an effective sprout suppressant for potatoes at ambient storage. Therefore, apple fruit can be adopted as an alternative sprout suppressant to synthetic ethylene gas and various chemicals such as Chloropropham.

Transcriptomic and Metabolic Analysis Reveals Genes and Pathways Associated with Flesh Pigmentation in Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Tubers.

Anthocyanins, flavonoid pigments, are responsible for the purple and red hues in potato tubers. This study analyzed tubers from four potato cultivars-red RR, purple HJG, yellow QS9, and white JZS8-to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying tuber pigmentation. Our transcriptomic analysis identified over 2400 differentially expressed genes between these varieties. Notably, genes within the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were enriched in HJG and RR compared to the non-pigmented JZS8, correlating with their higher levels of anthocyanin precursors and related substances. Hierarchical clustering revealed inverse expression patterns for the key genes involved in anthocyanin metabolism between pigmented and non-pigmented varieties. Among these, several MYB transcription factors displayed strong co-expression with anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, suggesting a regulatory role. Specifically, the expression of 16 MYB genes was validated using qRT-PCR to be markedly higher in pigmented HJG and RR versus JZS8, suggesting that these MYB genes might be involved in tuber pigmentation. This study comprehensively analyzed the transcriptome of diverse potato cultivars, highlighting specific genes and metabolic pathways involved in tuber pigmentation. These findings provide potential molecular targets for breeding programs focused on enhancing tuber color.

Drought response of tuber genes in processing potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Limited crop production due to lower rainfall has a major impact on the supply and demand of food for the human population. In potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), one of the major crops, there is also concern about a lack of production due to drought stress. Especially the cultivar "Toyoshiro" suitable for processing, has significant reduction in drought yield. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of gene expression changes that occur in potato "Toyoshiro" plants and tubers during drought. METHODS AND RESULTS: Seed potatoes were split in half and one was used as a control plant (CT), and the other was used as a drought-stressed plant (DS). CT was watered daily, and DS watered off to mimic the weather conditions of the Tokachi-Obihiro region in 2021. These tubers were harvested at week 14 and the transcriptome was analyzed. DS plants showed 423 downregulated genes and 197 upregulated genes compared to CT. Factors related to cell wall modification, heat stress response, and phytosterol metabolism were detected among the genes whose expression changed. Moreover, the expression of "Abscisic acid and environmental stress-inducible protein TAS14 like (TAS14)," a molecule reported to be upregulated under drought stress, was also upregulated, and was upregulated expression in all strains that reproduced drought. The localization of this molecule in the nucleus and plasma membrane was confirmed in a mCherry-tagged TAS14 mutant line. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings contribute to understanding the survival strategy system of Japanese processing potatoes in response to drought stress.

Effectiveness and safety of Liriope Tuber (Liriopis seu Ophiopogonis Tuber, Maidong) included traditional herbal medicine for patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and network analysis.

Background: Conventional medicine (CM) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) have limitations and side effects. Integrative approaches, including traditional herbal medicines like Liriope Tuber, are being explored for potential benefits, although evidence remains limited. Methods: In April 2023, a literature search was conducted across nine databases, focusing on randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of Liriope Tuber in traditional herbal medicine (LTHM) on PAF. The risk of bias was evaluated using Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. A random-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis. Results: A total of 43 studies with 3,743 participants were included. The meta-analysis indicated that adding LTHM to CM reduced PAF frequency (SMD = -0.99, 95 % CI = -1.40 to -0.57, I² = 88 %, N = 16, n = 1266), left atrium diameter (LAD) (MD = -2.39 mm, 95 % CI = -3.09 to -1.68), P-wave dispersion (Pd) (MD = -6.41 ms, 95 % CI = -8.44 to -4.37), high sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) (MD = -1.10 mg/l, 95 % CI = -1.73 to -0.47), and improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (MD = 4.71 %, 95 % CI = 3.17 to 6.25). Thirty-four studies raised concerns about bias, with eight showing high risk. Certainty of evidence was rated as "low" for PAF frequency, LAD, Pd, hs-CRP, and LVEF. Conclusion: LTHM combined with CM may reduce PAF frequency. However, due to the complexity of interventions, with Liriope Tuber being only one component of the regimen, high risk of bias, substantial heterogeneity, and indirectness, interpretations should be cautious. Study registration: PROSPERO (ID: CRD42023477926).

Sodium silicate accelerates suberin accumulation at wounds of potato tuber by inducing phenylpropanoid pathway and fatty acid metabolism during healing.

Although soluble silicate was reported to accelerate wound healing in muskmelon fruit through encouraging the deposition of lignin or free fatty acids, whether sodium silicate affects the biosynthesis, cross-linking and transport of suberin monomers during potato wound healing remains unknown. In this study, sodium silicate upregulated the expression and activity of 4-coumarate: coenzyme A ligase (4CL), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), and promoted the synthesis of phenolic acids (caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, cinnamic acid, sinapic acid, and ferulic acid) in tuber wounds. Meanwhile, sodium silicate upregulated the expression of glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (StGPAT), fatty acyl reductase (StFAR), long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase (StLACS), ß-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (StKCS), and cytochrome P450 (StCYP86A33), and thus increased the levels of α, ω-diacids, ω-hydroxy acids, and primary alcohols in wounds. Sodium silicate also induced the expression of ω-hydroxy acid/fatty alcohol hydroxycinnamoyl transferase (StFHT), ABC transporter (StABCG), and promoted the deposition of suberin in wound surface, hence reducing tuber disease index and weight loss during healing. Taken together, sodium silicate may accelerate suberin accumulation at potato tubers wound through inducing the phenylpropanoid pathway and fatty acid metabolism.

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.

In Vitro Assay Development to Study Pulse Field Ablation Outcome Using Solanum Tuberosum.

Exposing cells to intense and brief electric field pulses can modulate cell permeability, a phenomenon termed electroporation. When applied in medical treatments of diseases like cancer and cardiac arrhythmias, depending on level of cellular destruction, it is also referred to as irreversible electroporation (IRE) or Pulsed Field Ablation (PFA). For ablation device testing, several pulse parameters need to be characterized in a comprehensive manner to assess lesion boundary and efficacy. Overly aggressive voltages and application numbers increase animal burden. The potato tuber is a widely used initial model for the early testing of electroporation. The aim of this study is to characterize and refine bench testing for the ablation outcomes of PFA in this simplistic vegetal model. For in vitro assays, several pulse parameters like voltage, duration, and frequency were modulated to study effects not only on 2D ablation area but also 3D depth and volume. As PFA is a relatively new technology with minimal thermal effects, we also measured temperature changes before, during, and after ablation. Data from experiments were supplemented with in silico modeling to examine E-field distribution. We have estimated the irreversible electroporation threshold in Solanum Tuberosum to be at 240 V/cm. This bench testing platform can screen several pulse recipes at early stages of PFA device development in a rapid and high-throughput manner before proceeding to laborious trials for IRE medical devices.

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.

Photosynthetic Performance, Carbohydrate Partitioning, Growth, and Yield among Cassava Genotypes under Full Irrigation and Early Drought Treatment in a Tropical Savanna Climate.

In a tropical savanna climate like Thailand, cassava can be planted all year round and harvested at 8 to 12 months after planting (MAP). However, it is not clear how water limitation during the dry season without rain affects carbon assimilation, partitioning, and yield. In this field investigation, six cassava genotypes were planted in the rainy season (August 2021) under continuous irrigation (control) or subjected to drought for 60 days from 3MAP to 5MAP during the dry season (November 2021 to January 2022) with no irrigation and rainfall. After that, the plants were rewatered and continued growing until harvest at 12MAP. After 60 days of stress, there were significant reductions in the mean net photosynthesis rate (Pn), petiole, and root dry weight (DW), and slight reductions in leaf, stem, and tuber DW. The mean starch concentrations were reduced by 42% and 16% in leaves and tubers, respectively, but increased by 12% in stems. At 6MAP after 30 days of rewatering, Pn fully recovered, and stem starch was remobilized resulting in a dramatic increase in the DW of all the organs. Although the mean tuber DW of the drought plants at 6MAP was significantly lower than that of the control, it was significantly higher at 12MAP. Moreover, the mean tuber starch concentration at 12MAP of the drought plants (18.81%) was also significantly higher than that of the controls (16.46%). In the drought treatment, the high-yielding varieties, RY9, RY72, KU50, and CMR38-125-77 were similarly productive in terms of tuber DW and starch concentration while the breeding line CM523-7 produced the lowest tuber biomass and significantly lower starch content. Therefore, for cassava planted in the rainy season in the tropical savanna climate, the exposure to drought during the early growth stage was more beneficial than the continuous irrigation.

Comparison of nanovesicles derived from Panax notoginseng at different size: physical properties, composition, and bioactivity.

Aim: Plant-derived nanovesicles have emerged as potential agents for combating tumors. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of Panax notoginseng-derived nanovesicles (PnNVs) on the proliferation and migration of squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, we explored the relationship between plant tuber size and the physical properties, composition and bioactivity of these nanovesicles. Methods: We isolated PnNVs from Panax notoginseng tubers of varying sizes: small-sized (s_PnNVs), medium-sized (m_PnNVs) and large-sized (l_PnNVs), and evaluated for size, potential, and morphology. Cellular uptake efficiency was assessed using confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The ability of different PnNVs to inhibit oral squamous cell carcinoma cells was evaluated using plate cloning, CCK8 assay, and scratch healing assay. Off-target metabolomics was used to compare metabolic compounds of different PnNVs. Results: Our findings revealed that s_PnNVs exhibited lower potential but had the highest cellular uptake efficiency, whereas m_PnNVs were characterized by the smallest size and lowest cellular uptake efficiency. Notably, m_PnNVs demonstrated the most effective inhibition of squamous cell carcinoma growth and migration. Compositional analyses showed that PnNVs were rich in proteins and contained lower levels of RNA, with l_PnNVs having the highest protein content. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomics analysis revealed a significant increase in the expression of specific antitumour-related metabolites in m_PnNVs compared to s_PnNVs and l_PnNVs. Conclusion: Overall, our results underscore the influence of plant tuber size on the bioactivity of the nanovesicles from which they are derived, emphasizing its importance for experimental design and study reproducibility.

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.

Investigation of Tissue-Specific Distribution and Genetic Variation of Alfalfa Mosaic Virus and Chinese Artichoke Mosaic Virus in Chinese Artichoke (Stachys affinis miq.).

The Chinese artichoke (Stachys affinis syn. S. sieboldii) is a widely cultivated crop, and its rhizome is used as a medicinal vegetable. To investigate the causes of viral diseases in Chinese artichokes, the infection rates of four virus species infecting Chinese artichoke were investigated. Since the Chinese artichoke propagates through its tuber, this study aimed to determine whether viral transmission to the progeny is possible through the tuber, by identifying the virus present in the tuber and investigating its accumulation. First, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to detect viruses using total RNA extracted from the flowers, leaves, and tubers of Chinese artichoke plants. Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) and Chinese artichoke mosaic virus (ChAMV) had high infectivity in Chinese artichoke and most plants were simultaneously infected with AMV and ChAMV. These viruses were present in all tissues, but their detection frequency and accumulation rates varied across different tissues of the Chinese artichoke. Also, we sequenced the coat protein (CP) genes of AMV and ChAMV to investigate genetic variations of virus between the leaf and tuber. It provides information on CP gene sequences and genetic diversity of isolates identified from new hosts of AMV and ChAMV. This study offers valuable insights into the distribution and spread of the ChAMV and AMV within Chinese artichoke plants, which have implications for the management and control of viral infections in crops.

Inter-generational consistency of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community in a mixed pine-cedar post-fire stand.

The mutualistic interaction between trees and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) can have a major effect on forest dynamics and specifically on seedling establishment. Here, we compared the EMF community composition associated with the roots of young saplings and mature trees of two co-habiting Pinaceae: Pinus halepensis and Cedrus deodara growing together in a post-fire forest plot, using fungal ITS metabarcoding. We found that the differences in the EMF community between the two sapling groups were mostly attributed to changes in the relative abundance of specific fungal species, with little species turnover. Specifically, Tomentella showed high abundance on pine roots, while Tuber, Russula and Sebacina were more common on the roots of cedars. The physical proximity to a specific host species was correlated with the EMF community composition of young saplings. Specifically, regardless of the sapling's own identity, the roots of saplings growing next to mature cedars had higher abundance of Tuber species, while Tomentella coerulea (Höhn. & Litsch), Russula densifolia (Secr. ex Gillet) and Tuber nitidum (Vittadini) dominated saplings next to mature pines. Cedar saplings' shoot structure was correlated with a specific EMF species. Overall, these results suggest that when germinating next to mature trees, the EMF community of saplings could be determined by extrinsic factors such as the small-scale distribution of mature trees in the forest.

Investigating the Roles of Coat Protein and Triple Gene Block Proteins of Potato Mop-Top Virus Using a Heterologous Expression System.

Potato mop-top virus (PMTV) is an emerging viral pathogen that causes tuber necrosis in potatoes. PMTV is composed of three single-stranded RNA segments: RNA1 encodes RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, RNA2 contains the coat protein (CP), and RNA3 harbors a triple gene block (TGB 1, TGB2, and TGB3). CP plays a role in viral transmission, while TGB is known to facilitate cell-to-cell and long-distance systemic movement. The role of CP in symptom development, specifically in the presence of TGB genes, was investigated using potato virus X (PVX) as a delivery vehicle to express PMTV genes in the model plant Nicotiana benthamiana. Plants expressing individual genes showed mild symptoms that included leaf curling and crumpling. Interestingly, symptom severity varied among plants infected with three different combinations: CP with TGB1, CP with TGB2, and CP with TGB3. Notably, the combination of CP and TGB3 induced a hypersensitive response, accompanied by stunted growth and downward curling and crumpling. These results suggest the potential role of TGB co-expressed with CP in symptom development during PMTV infection. Additionally, this study demonstrates the use of the PVX-based expression system as a valuable platform for assessing the role of unknown genes in viral pathogenicity.

Tuber crops could be a potential food component for lowering starch digestibility and estimated glycemic index in rice.

BACKGROUND: Rice is considered a high estimated glycemic index (eGI) food because of its higher starch digestibility, which leads to type II diabetes and obesity as a result of a sedentary life style. Furthermore, the incresaing diabetes cases in rice-consuming populations worldwide need alternative methods to reduce the glycemic impact of rice, with dietary prescriptions based on the eGI value of food being an attractive and practical concept. Rice is often paired with vegetables, pulses, tubers and roots, a staple food group in Africa, Latin America and Asia, which are rich in fibre and health-promoting compounds. RESULTS: Rice from four categories (high protein, scented, general and pigmented) was analyzed for eGI and resistant starch (RS) content. Among the genotypes, Improved Lalat had the lowest eGI (53.12) with a relatively higher RS content (2.17%), whereas Hue showed the lowest RS (0.19%) with the highest eGI (76.3) value. The addition of tuber crops to rice caused a significant lowering of eGI where the maximum beneficial effect was shown by elephant foot yam (49.37) followed by yam bean (53.07) and taro (54.43). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that combining rice with suitable tuber crops can significantly reduce its eGI value, potentially reducing the burden of diet-associated lifestyle diseases particularly diabetics. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Black and White Mulch on Mycelial Growth of Tuber Species in Korean Field Environment.

Truffles, belonging to the genus Tuber, are ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi that form underground ascocarps and primarily establish symbiosis with oaks and hazels. The cultivation of Tuber spp. involves transplanting inoculated seedlings that have formed ectomycorrhiza with Tuber species, with mulching being effective for truffle cultivation. In this study, we investigated the effects of mulching on the mycelial growth of four Tuber species (T. himalayense, T. koreanum, T. melanosporum, and T. borchii) in the Korean natural environment, highlighting the potential for Korea as a truffle cultivation site. We developed and tested species-specific primers for quantifying the soil mycelial biomass of Tuber spp. by qRT-PCR, determined the superior mulch color for mycelial growth, and identified the Tuber species exhibiting the highest growth rate in the Korean field environment. Our results demonstrated that white mulch significantly enhanced mycelial growth in Tuber species than black mulch, likely owing to its ability to maintain low soil temperatures, control weeds, and improve host plant growth. Among the Tuber species, T. himalayense showed the greatest growth potential in the Korean natural environment. Additionally, a significant and positive correlation was observed between the mycelial biomass of Tuber species and the growth of inoculated seedlings, as measured by the total stem length and the number of leaves, thereby indicating the importance of symbiosis between ECM fungi and host plants. This study provides valuable insights into truffle cultivation in Korea and highlights the potential of using white mulch to promote mycelial growth, thereby contributing essential data for understanding the appropriate environmental conditions for Tuber spp. cultivation in Korea. Further study is needed to assess the long-term impact of mulching and to explore the effectiveness of other mulching materials.

Subpial resection of epileptogenic tubers: operative nuances and lessons learned.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant neurocutaneous disorder. Tubers of the central nervous system are a hallmark of the disorder and often cause epilepsy. Many TSC patients fail to achieve seizure control with medication alone. Several case series have demonstrated high seizure freedom rates after resective surgery. However, the technique for the resection of epileptogenic tubers has largely been unreported. Here the authors present 2 cases to illustrate their multistage approach for localizing and resecting the seizure onset zone in patients with TSC. At their institution, they have excellent seizure outcomes and a low complication rate with this technique. The video can be found here: https://stream.cadmore.media/r10.3171/2024.4.FOCVID2411.

Dry Matter Accumulation, Water Productivity and Quality of Potato in Response to Regulated Deficit Irrigation in a Desert Oasis Region.

As one of the most important food crops, the potato is widely planted in the oasis agricultural region of Northwest China. To ascertain the impact of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on various facets including dry matter accumulation, tuber yield, quality and water use efficiency (WUE) of potato plants, a two-growth season field experiment under mulched drip irrigation was conducted in the desert oasis region of Northwest China. Water deficits, applied at the seedling, tuber formation, tuber expansion and starch accumulation stages, encompassed two distinctive levels: mild (55-65% of field capacity, FC) and moderate (45-55% FC) deficit, with full irrigation (65-75% FC) throughout the growing season as the control (CK). The results showed that water deficit significantly reduced (p < 0.05) above-ground dry matter, water consumption and tuber yield compared to CK, and the reduction increased with the increasing water deficit. A mild water deficit at the tuber formation stage, without significantly reducing (p > 0.05) yield, could significantly increase WUE and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), with two-year average increases of 25.55% and 32.33%, respectively, compared to CK. Water deficit at the tuber formation stage increased starch content, whereas water deficit at tuber expansion stage significantly reduced starch, protein and reducing sugar content. Additionally, a comprehensive evaluation showed that a mild water deficit at the tuber formation stage is the optimal RDI strategy for potato production, providing a good balance between yield, quality and WUE. The results of this study can provide theoretical support for efficient and sustainable potato production in the desert oasis regions of Northwest China.