Potato Research

The European Association for Potato Research (EAPR) publishes a journal, Potato Research, which includes original scientific contributions on both fundamental and applied research on potatoes, review articles and topics of general interest. It also contains Association news and reports on section meetings (including abstracts of papers presented).
A volume of the Journal (usually approximately 450 pages), consists of four issues, published in the same year. Submission of manuscripts is exclusively online via a web-based electronic submission and tracking system available at https://www.editorialmanager.com/potr

EAPR Members have online access to Potato Research (use the EAPR member login page)
A list of addresses of editors of ‘Potato Research’
Contents of ‘Potato Research’ can be found at Springerlink
Instructions for authors
Any comments regarding the publication and distribution of Potato Research should be addressed to EAPR

Springer Link

https://link.springer.com/journal/11540

Latest Issues

Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivation by Zero Tillage and Paddy Straw Mulching in the Saline Soils of the Ganges Delta
15th October, 2020
Abstract

In the coastal region of the Ganges Delta, rice is the predominant crop during the wet/kharif season and most of the land remains fallow during dry/rabi season due to soil salinity and irrigation water scarcity. Sustainable intensification of coastal saline land needs an improved package of practices which conserves soil moisture, facilitates early crop establishment, ensures profitability and has a positive effect on soil health. To achieve these objectives, we evaluated seven treatments for the potato crop in a randomized complete block design with five replications (farms) during the rabi season of 2017–2018 and again in 2018–2019, viz. T1, ridge planting (control); T2, zero tillage planting with 15 cm (9 t ha−1) paddy straw mulching; T3, T2 + foliar spray of nutrients; T4, zero tillage planting with 20 cm (12 t ha−1) paddy straw mulching; T5, T4 + foliar spray of nutrients; T6, zero tillage planting with 25 cm (15 t ha−1) paddy straw mulching; and T7, T6 + foliar spray of nutrients. Tuber yield was higher in T5, T6 and T7 (37.9–41.5 t ha−1) during the second year over other treatments (21.5–32.3 t ha−1). About 200 mm of irrigation water can be saved by zero tillage planting with paddy straw mulching compared with ridge planting. The tuber quality in terms of crude protein, fat, crude fibre and carbohydrate was better under zero tillage planting with paddy straw mulching. The cost of cultivation of potato was reduced by about 27% due to zero tillage planting (US$ 1211.6 ha−1) compared with conventional tillage, intensive ridge planting practice (US$ 1660.4 ha−1). Zero tillage planting with paddy straw mulching resulted in a net return of US$ 1779.2 ha−1, whereas under conventional cultivation, it was US$ 589.6 ha−1. Zero tillage planting of potato with paddy straw mulching reduced soil salinity (ECe) from 5 to 3 dS m−1, conserved soil moisture (4–8%), improved soil bulk density from 1.49 to 1.44 Mg m−3 and increased soil organic carbon from 0.39 to 0.44%. The results of this study suggest that zero tillage potato cultivation in the dry/rabi season can increase cropping intensity in the salt-affected Ganges Delta and increase income of the farmers.
See full article
Role of Virus Infection in Seed Tubers, Secondary Spread and Insecticidal Spray on the Yield of Potato in Deccan Plateau, India
13th October, 2020
Abstract

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important food and cash crop of India. An important constraint in potato cultivation in Deccan Plateau of India is non-availability of quality seed tubers. Many certified cultivars are readily available, but their quality check pertaining to viral infection is neglected. This study was made to determine the infection level of potato viruses in certified seed potatoes of Kufri Jyoti, a popular cultivar of the Deccan Plateau region. The seed tubers were originally collected from selected stores of Hassan and Chikkamagaluru markets, from where the growers procure seeds for cultivation, and tested for PVY and PLRV viruses through DAC-ELISA. The highest prevalence was of PVY (59.1% to 66.9%), whereas 15.2% to 19.8% of PLRV infection was found. As these infected tubers serve as a major source for field incidence of viruses, further studies were made in the field. The influence of PVY infection level in seed tubers on the secondary spread, growth and yield parameters was determined. Virus incidence was lowest (27.1%) in potato plants grown from tubers with 0% PVY infection but increased steadily with 10, 30 and 50%, and the highest incidence (100%) was with 100% infected tubers. The incidence and spread of virus in the field could be explained by both prior infections of seed tubers with PVY and field transmission through aphids. The slowest plant growth and lowest tuber yield were recorded with tubers having 100% infection of PVY. This study strongly emphasized the need to refocus on improving the health status of seed tubers, on farm management of aphids, and spread of virus.
See full article
The Effect of Chemical Treatments on the Tuber Dormancy of Hungarian Potato Cultivars
12th October, 2020
Abstract

The length of tuber dormancy of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important property of cultivars, which significantly determines the duration of storage period, the storage conditions, the economy of storage and the earliest time of planting. Potato cultivars can largely differ in the duration of dormancy period. Under temperate climatic conditions, longer dormancy is more advantageous. However, in case of multiple planting within one calendar year or in case of specific needs, it can be necessary to artificially break the dormancy of tubers. In this study, we investigated the effect of chemical treatments on the tuber dormancy of three Hungarian potato cultivars (Balatoni rózsa, Démon, Botond) having different dormancy periods. The experiment was conducted in three consecutive years (growing periods). Treatments were performed using gibberellic acid, benzyl-adenine and Rindite in different concentrations and combinations. Results showed that the treatments largely influenced the length of tuber dormancy. Rindite and its combination with gibberellic acid treatments largely and significantly reduced the dormancy period for all the cultivars in all growing season, with an average 65% reduction (1906 to 669 °C). Treatments had the greatest impact on the cultivar Balatoni rózsa, with an average 33% reduction of dormancy, while they had the least impact on the cultivar Démon, with an average 25% reduction. We did not observe significant relationship between cultivar maturity type and the reduction of tuber dormancy. We found that the weather conditions of growing period influence the duration of dormancy and the efficiency of chemical treatments.
See full article
Prevalence of R Genes for Resistance to Potato Viruses in Uganda Germplasm
6th October, 2020
Abstract

The most important potato viruses in Uganda are Potato virus Y (PVY), Potato leafroll virus (PLRV), Potato virus X (PVX), Potato virus S (PVS), Potato virus A (PVA) and Potato virus M (PVM). Utilization of R genes in breeding for resistance to viruses has not been explored in Uganda due to limited information on the prevalence of R genes in the available genotypes. This study aimed at identifying potato genotypes with R genes for resistance to potato viruses important in Uganda. The study screened 71 potato accessions from the National Potato Breeding Programme at Kachwekano Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute for the presence of resistance genes to viruses using diagnostic molecular markers. The results indicated that 21 out of 71 genotypes had resistance markers, of which nine genotypes, NKRN59.58, Derby, Markies, Sifra, 395017.229, Nakpot 5, 20108.5, Royal and 393220.54, had Ryadg gene for PVY resistance and two genotypes, Kimuri and 319919.3, had Rysto gene for resistance to PVY and PVA. Nine genotypes, 395011.2, Markies, Nakpot 5, 20108.5, Sifra, 20157.6, Royal, 2015.8 and Ambition, had the Nbtbr gene for resistance to PVX. In addition, 14 genotypes, 395011.2, Markies, Nakpot 5, Sarpouna, 393220.54, 391046.14, Sarpomira, 395077.12, Sifra, 20157.6, Royal, Ambition, Kimuri and Caruso, had the Nsadg gene conferring resistance to PVS. Four genotypes, Markies, Sifra, Nakpot 5 and Royal, had the Ryadg, Nbtbr and Nsadg genes for combined resistance to PVY, PVX and PVS. The resistant genotypes could be used as parents to introgress resistance genes into susceptible cultivars.
See full article
Modelling Shrinkage in Deep-Fried Satina Potato Slices Pretreated with Ultrasound
28th September, 2020
Abstract

When frying foods, volume changes appear as shrinkage that can affect their physical properties including density and porosity, which are both important factors for heat and mass transfer. Challenges faced in heat and mass transfer while processing foods are associated with shrinkage. It is thus necessary to analyse and quantify structural changes in foods (such as shrinkage) to better understand the transfer mechanisms and their modelling. The use of ultrasound pretreatment is a promising method to improve the qualitative and quantitative properties of fried products, including decreased sample shrinkage rate. In this regard, the effect of ultrasonic pretreatment at two frequencies (20 and 40 kHz) for 15 min on the moisture content (MC) and shrinkage of potato slices, which were deep-fried at 175 °C and 195 °C for 3, 4 and 5 min, was investigated. The samples pretreated at 40 kHz had lower MC and shrinkage than the other samples. Sample MCs decreased with temperature and frying time but shrinkage increased. Six models were used for predicting shrinkage in samples. The best model (a rectangular hyperbola) was selected based on R2 and $ {\mathcal{X}}^2 $ and its coefficients were quantified using nonlinear regression analysis.
See full article

Latest Issues

Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) Cultivation by Zero Tillage and Paddy Straw Mulching in the Saline Soils of the Ganges Delta

Abstract

Role of Virus Infection in Seed Tubers, Secondary Spread and Insecticidal Spray on the Yield of Potato in Deccan Plateau, India

Abstract

The Effect of Chemical Treatments on the Tuber Dormancy of Hungarian Potato Cultivars

Abstract

Prevalence of R Genes for Resistance to Potato Viruses in Uganda Germplasm

Abstract

Modelling Shrinkage in Deep-Fried Satina Potato Slices Pretreated with Ultrasound

Abstract

EAPR Sustaining Members