American Journal of Potato Research最新文献

Food access is a significant issue for rural households, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. Developing nations prioritize commercializing smallholder agriculture to reduce hunger and improve rural economies. Potato is vigorous for food security especially in the highland regions. The objectives of the study were to analyze the impact of potato commercialization on household consumption expenditure. This study used a sample of 390 households from the northwest part of Ethiopia in the South Gondar zone using multistage sampling to draw a representative sample. Data were collected through questionnaires. The average treatment effect on treated (commercialized) and untreated (non-commercialize) was 8786.77ETB and 1501.39ETB, respectively, and significant at one percent. This conclude that Potato commercialization impacts household consumption expenditure positively The study suggests the creation of suitable intervention mechanisms focusing on the aforementioned factors to enhance the performance of potato commercialization then improve welfare of the households.

Potato tuber length-to-width ratio (L/W) is an important trait for consumer visual acceptance, pack-out efficiency, French fry production, and waste recovery. In the U.S. Northwest Potato Variety Development Program (NWPVDP), L/W accounts for 13% of the overall postharvest score. Selections with L/W ≥ 1.8 are preferred for maximum raw-product recovery (≥ 7.6-cm-long fries). However, tuber shape often depends on production location. Our objectives were to (1) model the effects of production location on L/W using 26 years of historical data from the NWPVDP, and (2) quantify the variability in tuber shape phenotype of selected NWPVDP varieties across production locations (WA, ID, OR). A mixed linear model demonstrated that tuber L/W was strongly affected by location, year, and location-by-year interactions (40% of total variation), while variety and variety-by-location accounted for 43% of total variation. L/W of the 227-284-g tubers of twenty-two released varieties from the NWPVDP averaged 1.65, 1.70, and 1.92 for WA, OR, and ID, respectively, and ranged from a low of 1.51 and 1.53 (cvs. Payette Russet & Palisade Russet) to a high of 2.06 and 2.12 (cvs. Ranger Russet & Echo Russet) across locations. The round phenotype of Palisade was stable across locations, leading to consistently low fry recovery (84% FW). By contrast, Payette tubers were invariably round in WA and OR, but elongated when grown in ID. The elongated phenotypes of Echo and Ranger from all locations ensured maximum fry recovery (94 to 95% FW), despite the relatively high variation in L/W (9–13%) attributable to location. Collectively, our results suggest an opportunity for genetic selection of L/W that are stable across locations for market specific reductions in shape waste. Future work should focus on identifying key mechanisms which are impacted by production environment for improved stability of L/W. Furthermore, cultural management strategies should be optimized for L/W consistency and usability by all sectors of the potato industry.

Nitrogen fertilization plays a critical role in the growth and productivity of potato crops, yet its impact on pest populations, particularly Myzus persicae and Bactericera cockerelli, remains underexplored. This study investigates the effects of different nitrogen sources and dosages on the population dynamics of these pests in potato cultivation. Conducted in a greenhouse, the experiment involved three nitrogen sources—ammonium nitrate, calcium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate—applied at three dosages (0.5X, 1X, and 2X). Results indicate that nitrogen fertilization significantly influences M. persicae populations, with intermediate nitrogen levels increasing aphid density and higher levels reducing it. Ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate particularly favored aphid proliferation. In contrast, B. cockerelli populations exhibited marginal responses to nitrogen fertilization, suggesting different nutritional preferences and interactions. This study highlights the need for balanced nitrogen management in pest control strategies, advocating for integrated approaches that consider fertilizer type and application levels to mitigate pest issues while sustaining crop yields. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing nutrient management in potato agriculture and enhancing pest control measures.

Understanding the storage requirements of emerging potato cultivars is paramount for effective storage management. Thus, the objective of this study was to quantify the respiration rates of the standard Russet Burbank, and the new cultivars Ivory Russet, Dakota Russet, and Rainier Russet potatoes to understand the relationship between respiration rate and quality parameters during storage. Tubers were cured at 12.8 °C and 95% relative humidity (RH) for 14 days before gradually transitioning to 5.5, 7.2, or 8.9 °C (95% RH). Lower respiration rates were observed at 5.5 °C, with comparable rates at 7.2–8.9 °C. Dakota Russet had lower respiration rates (0.95 mg CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) while Rainier Russet the highest (1.29 mg CO₂ kg⁻¹ h⁻¹). Sucrose content was negatively affected by respiration of Ivory Russet, Rainier Russet, and Russet Burbank, glucose content was affected by all cultivars, though. Fry color (Photovolt reflectance) was positively correlated to the respiration rates of all cultivars. The respiration rates had low correlations with all quality parameters.

Heat stress reduces potato productivity by restricting photosynthesis, assimilation production, and sink partitioning. Potato wild relatives (Solanum sect. Petota, Solanaceae) possess abiotic stress resistance characteristics. However, we must assess physiological parameters like gas exchange, chlorophyll index, and fluorescence to determine whether wild potato genotypes can boost crop yield under adverse conditions. We utilized a factorial experimental design to find substantial trait-based genotype differences. The mixed-model technique ranked the genotypes according to their performance in terms of predicted true genotypic values. For potato breeding, we used PCA and cluster analysis on genotypic values to identify critical features and heat-stress-tolerant genotypes. Ranking by best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) values and heat comprehensive evaluation values for assessed characteristics indicated that predominantly S. chacoense genotypes performed well. Some of the most important physiological characteristics for investigating heat resistant germplasm genetic diversity are net photosynthetic rates, transpiration rates, stomatal conductance, intracellular/ambient CO₂, water usage efficiency, photosystem II operational efficiency, photochemical quenching, and dry matter content. We were able to find genotypes (BGB083, BGB102, BGB103, BGB109, BGB113, BGB444, BGB451, BGB467, and BGB472) that have a mix of these traits and are better at keeping up their photosynthetic performance, water use efficiency, and chlorophyll content. They also have better photoprotective mechanisms that work better when they are under heat stress. Heat stress is most likely to affect BGB008, BGB096, and BGB107. These characteristics are highly valuable for breeding heat-tolerant potato cultivars that can sustain growth, yield, and tuber quality under the increasing threat of heat stress.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the major crops in Africa with the potential of improving food and nutritional security. Potato cyst nematodes (PCN), Globodera pallida and G. rostochiensis have more recently been reported as a new pest challenging production of the crop in the region. This review analyses development and selection of PCN resistant cultivars in Africa as a PCN control strategy with major focus on sources of host resistance in existing cultivars. A limited number of studies on development and selection of PCN resistant cultivars were found. Despite this, there were multiple PCN resistances particularly among cultivars originally sourced from Europe and grown by farmers in the region. This review proposed identification and utilization of resistant cultivars already adopted by farmers as an immediate strategy for PCN control while waiting for the development of new resistant cultivars as a long-term solution to the problem.

Potato cyst nematode (PCN) Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida have been highlighted as new challenging problems of potato production in Africa. This review traces the emergence and current status of PCN as a problem of potato production and available PCN management options for Africa. The review revealed G. rostochiensis as the most widespread PCN species reported in eight countries as compared to G. pallida only found in four countries. G. rostochiensis Ro1/4 and G. pallida Pa/2/3 were the only PCN pathotypes that have been reported in Africa. Different PCN control strategies which have been tested and recommended as suitable for managing PCN in Africa are reviewed. We recommend expanding PCN surveillance to other potato producing African countries, targeting PCN management based on the most widespread PCN species/pathotypes in Africa and integrated management using locally tested and available PCN control strategies.

Adoption of new cultivars is challenging for commercial growers. To understand the best nitrogen fertilization rate (90, 134, 179, and 224 kg N ha^-1) and within-row spacing (15, 23 and 31 cm) for two potential potato cultivar releases from North Dakota State University, a study was carried out in 2019 and 2020 in North Dakota. The advanced chipping selections ND7799c-1 and ND7519-1 were compared to a chip industry standard, Dakota Pearl. In 2019, ND7799c-1 grown at 23 cm within-row spacing had similar marketable yield to Dakota Pearl. In 2020, ND7519-1 at all within-row spacings, and ND7799c-1 at 15 and 23 cm within-row spacing, yielded similarly to Dakota Pearl. Nitrogen rate did not affect yield or chipping quality in 2019 or 2020. The advanced selections had lower sucrose and glucose levels one month after harvest compared to Dakota Pearl in 2020. ND7799c-1 stored for 8 months, and ND7519-1 for 6 months, before chip quality declined. This research demonstrates the potential for ND7799c-1 and ND7519-1 to be successful chip processing cultivars for the Northern Plains.

Variety selection and cultural management practices are the most common considerations for improved profitability in potato production systems. Planting density investigations have led to both within and between-row spacing recommendations to maximize profitability for commonly grown potato cultivars. Planting density can significantly alter tuber set, tuber size distribution, yield and profitability depending on end-use of the crop. However, rarely have such investigations included an assessment of the residual effects of changes in tuber size distribution on tuber bruising (blackspot and shatter bruise) and associated financial returns. The physics of impact injury suggests that larger tubers are more prone to tuber bruising than smaller tubers when dropped from a similar height. In this study we varied the in-row spacing of seed to investigate the extent to which the associated changes in tuber size distribution affect tuber bruising and crop values. The results demonstrated that: (1) the extent of tuber bruising was directly correlated with total marketable yield as altered by in-row spacing; (2) marketable yields decreased as in-row spacing increased; (3) while the absolute yield (MT ha⁻¹) of bruised tubers increased with closer in-row spacing, the spacing-induced shifts in tuber size distribution had no effect on the percentage of bruised tubers as a proportion of total yield; (4) larger tubers were more prone to bruising; and (5) closer in-row spacing significantly improved financial returns for both processing and seed contracts despite the increase in bruise yield.

Reduction to a haploid state followed by chromosome doubling is an established method for the production of inbred lines for diploid-hybrid true seed production. In potato, the focus on haploid induction has been to use haploid inducers to develop primary dihaploids from tetraploid breeding clones via maternal haploid induction. Further reduction of diploid breeding lines into true monoploids via haploid induction is also possible but has not been explored extensively. PL-4, a diploid potato line developed as an improved haploid inducer, was crossed as female in a limited number of crosses with a diploid breeding line derived from Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja-stenotomum. Embryo rescue resulted in two offspring below the guard cell count threshold, and SNP analysis identified one offspring as a monoploid derived from PL-4.