Articles tagged with Potatoes
Researchers at Colorado State University have identified four Fusarium species causing potato dry rot in the San Luis Valley, including one not previously found in the US. This study will help improve disease diagnosis and monitoring, as well as guide cultivar selection and breeding for disease resistance.
A new international study reveals that the ancestors of modern crop viruses likely emerged before the last Ice Age, affecting both wild and cultivated plants. The viruses, spread by leaf-eating beetles, infect various crops and wild species, posing risks to agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Researchers at FABI define a conserved subset of Phytophthora RxLR effectors with short linear motifs embedded within folded WY domain cores. This arrangement preserves domain integrity while enabling potential interactions with host immune components, reframing pathogen strategies and challenging SLiM dogma.
A recent study published in The BMJ found that consuming three weekly servings of French fries is associated with a 20% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In contrast, eating similar amounts of boiled, baked, or mashed potatoes does not substantially increase the risk. Replacing potatoes with whole grains was also linked to ...
A new study found that consuming three servings of French fries weekly increased the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 20%. In contrast, baked, boiled, or mashed potatoes were not significantly associated with T2D risk. Swapping any form of potato for whole grains may lower the risk of T2D, with a 4% reduction in risk estimated.
Researchers found that potatoes originated from a hybridization between tomato-like species and potato-like species from South America about 9 million years ago. This event triggered the formation of tubers, allowing early potatoes to adapt to harsh environments and fill diverse ecological niches.
Researchers discovered salicylic acid plays a central role in protecting potato roots from Spongospora subterranea, a soilborne pathogen causing powdery scab. The study used a cutting-edge 'hairy root' system to rapidly test root-pathogen interactions, providing vital insights for developing resistant potato varieties.
A Kobe University team has identified a new molecule, solanoeclepin C, that plants secrete to attract soil microbes. This newly found compound is converted into hatching factors that cause potato cyst nematodes to hatch prematurely, potentially offering a novel approach to parasite control.
A Canadian researcher, Bogumil Karas, has been awarded $1.5M funding from ARIA to create genomes from scratch in plants. His team aims to develop crops that are more nutrient-dense, resilient, and longer-lasting by transferring genomes into crops.
A new study confirms copper-based fungicides as a reliable solution for aerial stem rot in potatoes. The research found that copper fungicide treatments consistently slowed disease spread and improved yields over a 10-year period.
Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. By engineering plants to control when and where these compounds are produced, researchers envision crops that can be stored without risk of toxicity.
A team from the University of Illinois has engineered a potato crop that can thrive in elevated temperatures, resulting in a 30% increase in tuber mass under heatwave conditions. This adaptation aims to improve food security for families dependent on potatoes, which are often affected by changing climate conditions.
Researchers created a pipeline to analyze cis-regulatory elements in potatoes, identifying a core promoter region that regulates gene expression. The study found that editing this region reduced expression levels, resulting in late tuberization under different conditions.
Researchers from Brazil and Spain developed computer models to estimate crop maturity and yield using remote sensing technologies, increasing productivity and reducing CO2 emissions. They also created a system to estimate soil moisture levels with high accuracy, helping growers manage water usage more efficiently.
Researchers have found that blocking the protein StCDF1 in potatoes can improve plant performance in low-nitrogen environments. This could be a promising strategy for reducing potato needs of nitrogen fertilizers.
Scientists have identified a crucial gene, StCDF1, that regulates both tuberization and nitrogen assimilation in potatoes. The discovery offers new insights into enhancing nitrogen utilization, allowing for breeding of climate-smart potato varieties less dependent on chemical fertilizers.
A Virginia Tech-led team is searching for signs of dark matter in billion-year-old rocks. By analyzing crystal lattice structures, they aim to uncover miniature trails of destruction left by long-ago dark matter interactions.
Researchers developed a method to reconstruct hyperspectral images from standard RGB images using deep machine learning. The technique achieved over 70% accuracy in predicting soluble solid content and 88% accuracy in dry matter content in sweet potatoes, with potential applications for the agricultural industry.
A recent study by Neda Akhavan found that baked potatoes can help lower blood sugar and improve body composition in adults with Type 2 diabetes. The study, which involved 24 participants, showed a modest decrease in fasting blood glucose levels and improvements in waist circumference and resting heart rate.
Research reveals native plants and non-native crops attract pests that spread diseases, causing harm to both plant populations. The studies also found viruses transmitted from crops to wild plants, which can have devastating effects on native ecosystems.
A new study reconstructs the global migration history of Phytophthora infestans, challenging the common theory of its Mexican origin. The research found that P. infestans likely originated in the South American Andes and then spread globally.
A new family tree of Solanum plants clarifies the evolution of diverse fruits, showing that size and color are linked and not driven by fruit-eating animals. The study provides insight into breeding agriculturally important plants with desirable traits.
Researchers have determined the molecular level function of free-forming structures in plant cells that help sense light and temperature, enabling plants to distinguish a range of different light intensities. The formation of these organelles is not random but is linked to specific locations within the cell, particularly near centromeres.
A new study from the University of Illinois explores the use of hyperspectral imaging and explainable artificial intelligence to assess sweet potato attributes, leading to more informed decision-making and higher-quality products. The results can help industry professionals understand the significance of different features in predictin...
A new study published in The Plant Cell has identified a genetic element controlling cold-induced sweetening (CIS) in potatoes. CIS is a major production problem for the potato processing industry, causing undesirable dark brown-black color when potatoes are fried.
Researchers have identified the specific gene responsible for cold-induced sweetening and uncovered the regulatory element that switches it on under cold temperatures. This discovery holds promise for developing potatoes that are naturally resistant to cold-induced sweetening and producing toxic compounds.
A study using historic and modern writing reveals more information about the effects and spread of Phytophthora infestans, a plant pathogen that caused the 1840s Irish potato famine. Researchers tracked the disease's spread across the US and Canada, finding it affected multiple states and provinces between 1843-45.
The research aims to find strategies to control sprouting in organic potato systems, replacing traditional chemical treatments. Scientists are exploring natural products and technologies to manage sprouting, with the goal of prolonging storage life and reducing financial losses.
Gray mold is a fungus that causes billions of dollars in crop losses each year, but researchers have discovered a way to control it without using toxic chemicals. The discovery reveals that gray mold uses lipid 'bubbles' to deliver RNA molecules that silence plant immune systems.
Researchers found that cultivating reed grass on undrained peat soil or wet meadows can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional potato crop rotation. This approach also offers potential economic benefits and can help restore the original ecosystem with high biodiversity.
Experts warn that fungal disease in crops could lead to unprecedented challenges in food production, causing losses equivalent to enough food for millions of people. The increasing prevalence of fungal infections is due to rising temperatures and the development of resistance to antifungals.
A study of 15,296 men found that a healthy Mediterranean or Prudent diet had no impact on prostate cancer risk, while an unhealthy Western diet may increase the risk of aggressive tumors. The findings suggest avoiding Western-style diet products and adopting Mediterranean diet habits could help prevent aggressive prostate cancer.
A new approach to evaluating carbohydrate quality, the Carbohydrate Food Quality Score (CFQS), acknowledges nutrient and cultural diversity. It supports health equity by recognizing that carbohydrate foods are not homogenous and varying in nutrient profiles and quality.
Acylated anthocyanins found in purple potatoes, sweet potatoes, and carrots have been shown to reduce type 2 diabetes risk by affecting glucose transporters and enzymes involved in metabolism. These compounds also maintain gut microbiota homeostasis and suppress pro-inflammatory pathways.
Researchers have developed a new gluten-free flour made from orange sweet potatoes that is rich in antioxidants and has potential uses in fermented products and baked goods. The team found that grinding the flour at different temperatures and methods produced distinct properties, with single-grind flours ideal for breads and double-gri...
Researchers found that certain glycoalkaloids in plants like potatoes and tomatoes can inhibit cancer cell growth and promote cancer cell death. These compounds have huge potential for future treatments and may be used to develop new cancer drugs.
A recent study found that consuming the most vegetables, including leafy greens and cruciferous veggies, was associated with a lower risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, potatoes may not have the same benefits but aren't bad if prepared in a healthy way.
A recent study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science found that consuming potatoes has no increased risk of cardiometabolic disorders. In fact, those who ate more potatoes also consumed more fruits and vegetables, meeting dietary guidelines recommendations.
Researchers have identified a new antifungal antibiotic named solanimycin produced by a pathogenic potato bacterium. The compound shows efficacy against various fungi, including Candida albicans, and has potential for both agricultural and clinical applications.
Oregon State University will collaborate with partners on a five-year project to enhance soil health and reduce the carbon footprint of the Pacific Northwest potato industry. The project aims to identify climate-smart practices that increase soil organic matter, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve water holding capacity.
A new biological sensor developed by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has successfully detected hidden rot in potato tubers, one of Israel's chief export industries. The sensor can detect disease before visible symptoms appear, allowing for early identification and prevention of rot and food loss.
A newly identified species of Liberibacter, a family of bacteria known for causing citrus greening disease, is rapidly evolving its ability to infect insect hosts. The research team found 21 genes associated with infectious qualities and identified mutations affecting pilus proteins that allow the bacteria to move into host insects.
A Dartmouth-led study found that urban gardens with rare plant species tend to attract rare bee and bird species. Women, older gardeners, and those living near the gardens are more likely to curate these rare plants, suggesting a cascading effect on biodiversity.
A new processing technique could make potatoes healthier by slowing starch digestion and reducing blood sugar spikes. The approach blocks certain digestive enzymes from reaching potato starch as quickly, leading to a more controlled release of dietary glucose.
A new study challenges the separation of starchy vegetables from non-starchy counterparts in nutrition research. Starchy vegetables, including white potatoes, were found to meet the definitions for high-quality carbohydrates using five separate indices, with some even scoring closer to fruits and non-starchy vegetables than sweets.
Researchers used CRISPR technology to modify the ratio of amylose and amylopectin in potatoes, increasing culinary and industrial uses. The study found that potatoes with high amylopectin content have potential applications in bioplastics, food additives, adhesives, and ethanol production.
A recent study reveals that nearly two-thirds of traditional farmer crop varieties are already represented in genebanks, but conservation gaps persist for key crops like pearl millet and potatoes. The analysis highlights areas with high diversity in landraces, such as Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and India.
Researchers from around the world have developed new breeding tools to help potato breeders adapt their crops to a changing climate. The collaboration identified useful traits, such as local adaptability and climate flexibility, in wild varieties of potatoes, which can be used to cut down on the time and cost of developing new cultivars.
A rigorous randomized controlled trial found that adding a 300-calorie serving of French fries to one's diet daily for a month did not result in differential weight gain or biomarker changes compared to an isocaloric daily serving of almonds. The study measured body composition, blood sugar, and insulin levels, finding no clinically si...
Researchers found that moderate potato consumption among adolescent girls did not increase the risk of overweight or high blood pressure, and may even be associated with improved nutrient intakes. The study suggests that potatoes can be a part of a healthy diet pattern, particularly when consumed in moderation.
A new perspective piece highlights the need for a more complex approach to defining carbohydrate quality, considering nutrient intakes, balanced diets, and environmental impact. The authors propose several potential quality indices, including whole-grain, fiber, and protein content, to establish a standardized metric.
A new study found that incorporating baked potatoes into a typical American diet can help reduce sodium retention and blood pressure. The research, published in Nutrients, suggests that the ratio of potassium to sodium is crucial for cardiovascular health.
A Russian team has created a groundbreaking vertical farm that can produce high-value crops like seed potatoes on an industrial scale. The innovative facility utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including dynamic LED lighting and automated irrigation systems, to achieve six harvests per year and increase productivity by tenfold.
Researchers discovered that the potato toxin α-solanine is biosynthesized from the spirosolane α-tomatine found in tomatoes. The conversion involves a dioxygenase enzyme called DPS, which can be suppressed with an inhibitor, offering a potential basis for suppressing poisonous compound synthesis in potatoes.
A study published in Clinical Nutrition found that individuals with type 2 diabetes can better maintain overnight glycemic control when eating high GI potatoes compared to low GI basmati rice. The researchers suggest that potatoes can be a sustainable and nutrient-dense food option for people with T2D.
The sweet potato microbiome research is a vital step towards increasing crop yields and disease resistance, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that the microbiome follows a two-step model of development, with variability across farms but commonalities within fields.
Researchers at Washington State University developed microwave-assisted thermal sterilization (MATS) to reduce salt in processed foods while maintaining flavor. The new method resulted in up to a 50% reduction in salt content without affecting the taste intensity of other ingredients.
A randomized crossover study found that eating non-fried potatoes instead of refined grains improved diet quality and was associated with lower cardiometabolic risk factors. Participants who ate potatoes had higher potassium and fiber intake, as well as a healthier index score.
Sweet potatoes use a unique terpene compound called DMNT to trigger a defense response in neighboring plants. This single-odor warning system protects the plant from herbivores and reduces the need for pesticides.
The most serious threat to the potato industry in the US is Potato Virus Y (PVY), which causes a 70-80% yield loss and necrotic reactions. New strains like PVY N-Wi and NTN have become dominant, making it challenging for diagnostic labs to detect them.