Genetic Variability, Heritability and Correlation of Some Morphological and Yield Components Traits in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Collections

The study was conducted with the main objective to evaluate the genetic variability, heritability, and clustering pattern exploration of morphological and yield related traits in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) collections in the bimodal rainfall agroecological zone of Cameroon using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The data obtained on morphological and yield traits were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed that the viability rate of the collections varied from 77.78% to 96.55% respectively for the Maffo and Desiree collections, while the greatest number of tubers per plant varied from 4 to 18 respectively for Synergie and Desiree. The emergence rate varies from 60% to 1.66% respectively for Maffo et Doza collections. However, Desiree presents the highest TL (96.55) while Maffo shows the lowest value (77.78%). The yield per hectare varied from 1.14 to 9.3 t/h for Maffo and Doza respectively. For all the characteristics observed, Phenotypic Coefficients of Variation (PCV) were higher than Genotypic Coefficients of Variation (GCV) suggesting the role of environment in the expression of traits under observation. The highest GCV and PCV 47.55 and 58.94 respectively were observed for Diameter at the collar (DC). Most of the traits showed high GAM (>20%)) except Average Tuber Length (ATL) with a moderate value (19.8). In terms of vegetative development, the Desiree variety showed the highest performance. Based on the growth and yield results, Doza seems to be the most recommendable crop in the study area.

Isolation of a Plasmalemma Aquaporin Encoding Gene StPIP1 from Solanum tuberosum L. and Its Expression in Transgenic Tobacco

Aquaporin （AQP） belongs to a highly conserved group of membrane proteins considered as major intrinsic proteins, which facilitate water transport across biological membranes. The discovery of AQPs in plants has resulted in a paradigm shift in the understanding of plant-water relations, however, the potential relationship between the role of aquaporins in regulating plant water balance and drought tolerance still remains elusive. In this study, the gene encoding potato AQP cDNA, StPIP1 （GenBank accession no. DQ999080）, was cloned from the leaf of potato cultivar Gannongshu 2 by reverse transcription-PCR （RT-PCR）. Sequence alignment was made by BLASTn in GenBank, the phylogenetic analysis was conducted using PHYLIPWY, the 3D structure was predicted in Swiss-Model server. Subcellular localization of StPIP1 was performed by constructing CaMV35S-StPIP1-GFP and rd29A-StPIP1-GFP fusion proteins and transient expression in onion epidermis. To understand StPIP1 physiological functions in potato under various stress conditions, the StPIP1 gene in a reverse orientation was transformed into tobacco driven by the Cauliflower mosaic virus （CMV） 35S promoter. The expression levels of transgenic and wild-type plants were assessed under various abiotic stress conditions using semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and the morphological and physiological responses of transgenic plants to different stress conditions were investigated. The expression of StPIP1 mRNA decreased in transgenic plants under non-stress and stress conditions, however, the reduction was more severer under drought stress. In both non-stress and stress conditions, StPIP1 was expressed predominantly in root. The morphological and physiological investigation showed no significant differences in growth rate, germination rate, and root fresh weight （FW） between transgenic and wild-type plants when grown under favorable conditions. In contrast, under drought stress, the reduction in StPIPI expression leads to a delay in seed germination and seedling growth, accelerated seedling wilt, and leaf morphological abnormity. Under ＂enough＂ water conditions （i.e., water culture）, the aerial parts of anti-sense plants showed no differences. However, for the aerial parts to accumulate the same amount of biomass, transgenic plants needed about 3 times more abundant root system to transport water for plant growth than wild-type plants. Morphological investigation showed that the reduction in StPIP1 expression increased the root system in transgenic plants under drought stress. As a result, the increase of root mass might compensate the reduced cellular water permeability in order to ensure a sufficient water supply for the plant. Results demonstrated that StPIP1 plays an important role for water transportation in potato, especially under drought stress conditions. The reduced expression of StPIP1 decreases the cellular water transport and influences the expression of endogenous AQPs genes and thereby, has impacts on seed germination, seedling growth, and stress responses of potato to drought conditions.

Transcriptome analysis reveals effects of red and blue lightemitting diodes(LEDs)on the growth,chlorophyll fluorescence and endogenous plant hormones of potato(Solanum tuberosum L.)plantlets cultured in vitro

Red and blue light illumination has been reported to significantly affect plantlet growth.Potato is an important food and feed crop in the world and potato plantlet cultured in vitro plays an important role in potato production.However,few studies have documented the effects of red and blue light on the growth of potato plantlets revealed at the transcriptome level.The objective of this study was to determine the growth and physiological responses of potato plantlets cultured in vitro under monochromatic red(RR),monochromatic blue(BB)as well as combined red and blue(RB)LEDs using the RNA-Seq technique.In total,3150 and 814 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were detected in potato plantlets under RR and BB,respectively,compared to RB(used as control).Compared to the control,the DEGs enriched in"photosynthesis"and"photosynthesis-antenna proteins"metabolic pathways were up-regulated and down-regulated by BB and RR,respectively,which might be responsible for the increases and decreases of maximum quantum yield(F_(v)/F_(m)),photochemical quantum yield(φ_(PSII)),photochemical quenching(q_(P))and electron transfer rate(ETR)in BB and RR,respectively.Potato plantlets exhibited dwarfed stems and extended leaves under BB,whereas elongated stems and small leaves were induced under RR.These dramatically altered plantlet phenotypes were associated with variable levels of endogenous plant hormones gibberellin(GAs),indoleacetic acid(IAA)and cytokinins(CKs),as assessed in stems and leaves of potato plantlets.In addition,monochromatic red and blue LEDs trigged the opposite expression profiles of DEGs identified in the"plant hormone signal transduction"metabolic pathway,which were closely related to the endogenous plant hormone levels in potato plantlets.Our results provide insights into the responses of potato plantlets cultured in vitro to red and blue LEDs at the transcriptomic level and may contribute to improvements in the micro-propagation of potato plantlets cultured in vitro from the light spectrum aspect.

Photosynthetic Water Use Efficiency of Heritage and Modern Potatoes under Limited and Unlimited Water Environments

Photosynthetic capacity for heritage (Taewa) and modern potato cultivars were compared at different water and nitrogenregimes in the glasshouse and field. The glasshouse was 2*2*4 factorial design with two irrigation: 100% ET and 60% ET;two applied N: 50 kg N ha-1 and 200 kg N ha-1, two Taewa (Moe Moe, Tutaekuri) and two modern potatoes (Moonlight, Agria). The 2009/2010 field experiment was a split-plot, with irrigation and rain-fed regimes as the main treatments: four potatoes above were sub-treatments. The 2010/2011 field experiment was a split-split-plot, with three water regimes as the main treatments: three cultivars (Moe Moe, Tutaekuri, and Agria) were subplots;two N rates were sub-sub-treatments. Gaseous exchange was measured by CIRAS-2 at different days from emergence. Leaf water potential was measured using pressure chamber method. Taewa achieved high photosynthetic WUE in glasshouse and 2010/2011 experiment by maintaining high An, low gs and low Ci compared to modern cultivars (p The An, gs and T increased with irrigation and N increase while decreasing Ci (p < 0.01). Water stress significantly increased VPD resulting in low An and photosynthetic WUE in Moonlight in the glasshouse. The leaf water potential for Taewa was very tolerant while modern potatoes were weakened by water stress. The study indicated that Taewa can be scheduled at partial irrigation without more detrimental effects on photosynthetic capacity while modern potatoes need full irrigation to avoid detrimental effects on photosynthetic capacity.

Growth of Micropropagated Solanum tuberosum L.Plantlets under Artificial Solar Spectrum and Different Mono-and Polychromatic LED Lights

In agriculture,LED light sources have increasingly replaced the standard luminescent lamps and have acquired an important role in plant micropropagation.We studied the effect of different light sources such as narrow-band LEDs(bright blue,blue,green,yellow,deep red,and red)and wide-band LEDs(cold white,white,warm white,full spectrum,and an artificial solar spectrum sun box constructed by us)on development of potato plantlets in vitro.White luminescent lamps were used as a control.The light intensity of 49μmol·m^(-2)·s^(-1)was provided in all light treatments.We showed that the long-wave narrow-band light treatments were inapplicable for potato micropropagation,because plantlets were weak with small leaves,inhibited roots,and significantly elongated stems.Blue lights provided growth of shortened plantlets with large leaves,well-growing roots,and abundant green mass.The chlorophyll content was lower under blue and bright blue light and was at the same level in the remained treatments.Significant differences in the stomatal apparatus development were observed depending on the light source.These differences were not always reflected in the plantlet phenotype:e.g.,plantlets under blue and bright blue lights showed no differences in any characteristics except stomatal density and size of stomatal guard cells.We found no significant effect of blue light portion in the white lights and full spectrum on plantlet growth.An artificial solar spectrum sun box was the most suitable for potato micropropagation,because it supported the development of plantlets with good fitness,uniform internodes length,abundant roots and green mass accumulation.

Genetic Diversity and Yield Stability of Potato(Solanum tuberosum L.)

The present study was under taken to investigate the genetic distance and the performance of thirty one potato genotypes in diverse environments.Multivariate and canonical analysis were used to study genetic diversity among the genotypes and stability parameters were estimated according to Eberhart and Russell,Parkinge and Jinks and Freeman and Perkins models for plant height,branch number per plant,tuber number and tuber weight.Thirty one genotypes were grouped in to six clusters with the help of Mahalonobis distance and canonical analysis.The stability analysis revealed that yield was greatly influenced by the environments.Most of the studied genotypes were sensitive for yield with the environment.For over-all performance 'Hera','Chamak','Patnai','Lala pakri','TPS-7','TPS-364','Somerset' and 'Superior' were the best genotypes for tuber yield and breeding material for potato breeding.

A Reliable Methodology for Quantitative Extraction of Fruit and Vegetable Physiological Amino Acids and Their Subsequent Analysis with Commonly Available HPLC Systems

Many of the extraction and amino acid analysis methodologies currently employed do not provide complete analysis of all the physiological amino acids and biogenic amines. Extraction procedures frequently employ dilute acid which partially converts gln and asn to glu and asp. A commonly used pre-column derivatizing agent, o-phthalaldehyde, does not react with the imino acids, pro and hydroxypro. The purpose of this investigation was to integrate extraction and analysis procedures into a reliable method for measuring the complete physiological amino acid profiles of fruit and vegetables using HPLC instrumentation commonly available to most laboratories. Water extraction of ground, frozen-thawed tissues effected complete recovery of the physiological amino acids as demonstrated by spiking experiments and tissue combination experiments. HPLC of dabsyl derivatives of the free amino acids allowed their quantification in a selection of fruit and vegetables. Physiological amino acid levels were determined for peach, apple, potato, onion, tomato, bell pepper, broccoli, and seven types of cucurbits. The coefficient of variation for estimation of an amino acid level generally fell in the range of 5% to 7%. Because of marked variability in physiological amino acid content as a result of growing conditions, cultural practices, and inherent cultivar differences, comparisons of results with literature values were not possible.

合成紫花茄皂苷诱导人肝癌BEL-7402细胞凋亡

目的:探讨合成紫花茄皂苷对BEL-7402细胞的增殖抑制及凋亡诱导作用。方法:采用酸性磷酸酶(APA)法、吖啶橙荧光染色法和流式细胞术检测合成紫花茄皂苷对人肝癌BEL-7402细胞增殖的影响以及诱导细胞凋亡的作用。利用蛋白印迹法检测药物作用后凋亡相关蛋白PARP的表达水平。结果:合成紫花茄皂苷对人肝癌BEL-7402细胞有明显的增殖抑制作用,其72h的IC50为4.2μg/ml。荧光显微镜下细胞呈现典型的凋亡形态。流式细胞术分析发现,细胞经皂苷作用6h、12h和24h后,凋亡率显著增加。蛋白印迹检测结果显示,合成紫花茄皂苷作用后肿瘤细胞内的PARP蛋白被剪切,Bcl-2蛋白的表达量下调。结论:合成紫花茄皂苷对人肝癌细胞的增殖抑制呈浓度相关性,具有诱导肿瘤细胞凋亡的作用,且这一作用可能与Bcl-2表达下调有关。

Environmental, morphological and physiological factors analyzes for optimization of potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i>L.) microtuber <i>in vitro</i>germination

The microtuber is considered one of the most effective means of spreading basic materials, as well as transporting and preserving potato germplasm varieties. To define the optimal conditions for the potato microtuber in vitro germination of Aida, Atlas and Odessa varieties, the effects of temperature, physiological age and grade (size) were evaluated. The study conducted at three different temperature levels has demonstrated that the most favorable temperature for microtuber germination at a higher and faster germination rate was 25℃, regardless of the variety. In addition, microtubers of large caliber, greater than 4 mm, germinate more quickly, with a higher germination rate, than smaller size ones (less than 4 mm) for all genotypes. For Atlas, Aida and Odessa varieties, a germination rate equal to 86.66%, 70% and 70% respectively, was obtained for microtubers with a caliber superior to 4 mm. Physiological age influences microtuber germination. The mean length of sprouts, reached after a 7 week incubation period, was more marked at “multiple sprout” and “branched sprout” stages than at a “monosprout” stage. The average length was 2.35 cm, 2.48 cm and 1.5 cm, respectively. Thus, it is necessary to plant microtubers at a “multiple sprout” stage to optimize their yield in plants and minitubers.

Residual Effects of Sucrose and Hormonal Treatments of the Tuberization Medium on <i>in Vitro</i>Germination of Potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i>L.) Microtubers

The residual effects of sucrose concentrations (80 or 100 g·L-1) and hormonal treatments (BAP + Kinetin or Coumarin) of tuberization medium on in vitro microtubers germination of three potato varieties (Solanum tuberosum L.) so called Aida, Atlas and Odessa, are described. After 3 weeks of incubation at 28℃ ± 1℃, 70% of Aida microtubers variety, previously formed in the MT2 medium [MS/2 + 80 g·L-1 Sucrose], germinated. The best germination rate for varieties Atlas (100%) and Odessa (66.66%) was obtained on microtubers previously formed in the medium MT2 [MS/2 + 100 g·L-1 Sucrose]. The addition of hormones in the tuberization medium allowed optimizing the microtubers germination of the Aida variety unlike the other varieties. Indeed, for the Aida variety, the combination M5 [Kin 2.5 mg·L-1 + Coum 0.025 mg·L-1 + Sucrose 80 g·L-1] increased the germination rate from 70% up to 93.33%. The best germination rate (90%), noticed with microtubers of Atlas variety, initially formed in M2 medium [Kin 1 mg·L-1 + BAP 1 mg·L-1 + Sucrose 100 g·L-1], was lower than that one (100%) obtained on medium without hormones. For Odessa variety, the maximum germination rate (53.33%) of microtubers, from the medium M4 [Kin 2.5 mg·L-1 + BAP 1 mg·L-1 + Sucrose 100 g·L-1], was also lower than that one (66.66%) observed in the medium without hormones. Aida and Atlas varieties thus offer a better germination rate than Odessa after their cold storage.

Study on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity and Physiology and Biochemistry of Solanum nigrum L. under Glyphosate Stress

[Objectives] This study was conducted to investigate the scientific prevention and control of Solanum nigrum L. [Methods] Through experiments on S. nigrum from different sources, it was found that glyphosate stress had significant effects on antioxidant enzyme activity and oxidative damage of sensitive S. nigrum plants. [Results] Sensitive S. nigrum showed oxidative damage under glyphosate stress, while resistant S. nigrum responded to adversity damage by improving its antioxidant enzyme activity. The experimental results showed that the antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione of S. nigrum had certain metabolic detoxification effects under glyphosate stress. [Conclusions] This study provides a theoretical basis for scientific prevention and control of S. nigrum , and has a certain reference value for revealing the glyphosate resistance mechanism of S. nigrum .

Exploring the molecular mechanism of Solanum nigrum L in breast cancer treatment through network pharmacology and molecular docking validation

In 2020,breast cancer emerged as the leading type of cancer worldwide,surpassing lung cancer in the number of new cases.The high cost and frequent failure of current treatments due to drug resistance and other challenges underscore the urgent need for novel,affordable,efficient,and less toxic breast cancer therapies with fewer side effects.This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Solanum Nigrum L.counters breast cancer,employing network pharmacology and molecular docking methods.Methods:The study identified the primary active compounds of Solanum Nigrum L.using databases such as TCMSP,TCM-ID,NPASS,and BATMAN.Prediction of the compounds'targets was facilitated by the SwissADME website,while main breast cancer targets were sourced from the GeneCards,OMIM,and TTD databases.The identified drug-disease intersection targets were analyzed using the STRING platform to construct a protein interaction network,which was then visualized and refined to select hub targets using Cytoscape 3.9.0 software.The Metascape database's MOCDE functional plugin was employed for identifying potential functional modules within the protein interaction network.Further,the DAVID database was utilized for GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of the intersection targets.Molecular docking of key active compounds with core targets was performed using AutoDock Tools 1.5.7 software.Lastly,the GEPIA2.0 database was used for predicting overall survival curves of hub targets and conducting a pan-cancer analysis.Results:Eleven active compounds of Solanum Nigrum L.,including Diosgenin,Tigogenin,and Quercetin,were identified from traditional Chinese medicine databases.We discovered 113 targets common to both Solanum Nigrum L.and breast cancer.Solanum Nigrum L.exhibits anti-breast cancer properties through interactions with 14 key targets,including SRC,PIK3R1,HSP90AA1,PIK3CA,AKT1,VEGFA,and ESR1.These interactions influence several critical signaling pathways,notably the cancer signaling pathway,PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,Ras signaling pathway,and EGFR signaling pathway.Survival analysis indicated that the aberrant expression of these 14 key targets significantly affects patient survival times.Furthermore,pan-cancer analysis highlighted marked differences in the expression patterns of these targets between breast cancer patients and control groups.Conclusion:Solanum Nigrum L.mediates its therapeutic impact on breast cancer through a comprehensive approach,targeting multiple components,targets,and pathways.

Mosquito larvicidal activity of some common spices and vegetable waste on Culex quinquefasciatus and Anopheles stephensi

Objective:To investigate the larvicidal activities of crude and chlor of orm:methanol(1:1 v/ v) extracts of some common spices(Cuminum cyminum,Allium sativum,Zingiber offinale, Curcuma longa) and vegetable waste(Solanum tuberosum germinated tuber) against Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito larvae.Methods:Larval mortality of above mosquito species were observed after 24,48 and 72 h of exposure to five concentrations of aqueous extract(0.1%,0.2%,0.3%,0.4%and 0.5%) and four concentrations(25,50,75 ppm) of chlor of orm:methanol(1:1 v/v) extract.The lethal concentration of individual spices or vegetable waste was determined by log-probit analysis(at 95%confidence level) and effect of crude and chlor of orm:methanol(1:1 v/v) extracts were recorded on non target organisms.Results: Relative mortality rate of both larval mosquito species were recorded in the following sequences: Cuminum cyminum】 Allium sativum】Zingiber offinale,Curcuma longa 】 Solanum tuberosum germinated tuber for crude extract,and efficacy of chlor of orm:methanol(1:1 v/v) extract were as follows:Curcuma longa 】 Zingiber offinale 】 Solanum tuberosum germinated tuber 】 Cuminum cyminum】 Allium sativum.Conclusions:Crude and chlor of orm:methanol(1:1 v/v) extract of Cuminum cyminum,Allium sativum,Zingiber offinale,Curcuma longa and Solanum tuberosum germinated tuber can be recommended effectively in mosquito control programmes at very low concentrations.No mortality and other abnormalities were noticed on non target organisms and further studies are needed to investigate the chemical structure of active principal which are responsible for larvicidal activity.

Foliar spraying of aqueous garlic bulb extract stimulates growth and antioxidant enzyme activity in eggplant(Solanum melongena L.)

Recently,botanical extracts are gaining popularity as biostimulants in vegetable production.In present study,the effect of aqueous garlic bulb extract(AGE)was studied on the growth and physiology of eggplant grown in plastic tunnel.AGE was foliage sprayed with various frequencies,i.e.,0,S1(once),S2(twice)and S3(three times)at two independent growth stages,pre-and post-transplant.The results showed that the treated plants exhibited stimulatory responses in growth and physiology in accord with the repetition of AGE spray and growth stages of the plants,respectively.A single foliage sprayed pre-transplant resulted in improved growth,i.e.,plant morphology and biomass,and enhanced antioxidants enzymes(superoxide dismutase,SOD;peroxidase,POD),photosynthesis and chlorophyll abundance observed at vegetative,first flowering and fruit setting stages,respectively.However,thrice application inhibited the plant growth and development and resulted in lipid peroxidation,i.e.,increased malondialdehyde(MDA)content.In addition,the post-transplant application also showed growth stimulation and interestingly,an overall positive influence was observed with respect to the AGE application and no significant increase in the MDA content indicated the post-transplant seedlings responded well.Our findings demonstrate that AGE can act as a biostimulant to enhance the eggplant growth in plastic tunnel production.

马铃薯PYL5基因对非生物胁迫的响应分析及其启动子的活性鉴定

【目的】脱落酸(ABA)作为一种“应激激素”在植物生长发育和响应干旱、盐等非生物胁迫过程中发挥重要作用,PYR/PYL/RCARs(以下简称“PYL”)作为ABA受体在多种植物中也被广泛研究。基于对马铃薯StPYL5基因生物信息学及表达模式分析,并通过对其启动子活性鉴定,为进一步揭示马铃薯StPYL5功能及抗逆育种提供依据。【方法】根据转录组数据克隆得到StPYL5基因,通过DNAMAN、MEGA等软件分析了StPYL5的分子特征;通过qPCR检测了StPYL5基因的组织特异性及其对非生物胁迫的响应;利用PlantCARE网站对StPYL5基因启动子进行了分析,并通过瞬时转化烟草对其活性进行了鉴定。【结果】StPYL5基因全长534 bp,共编码177个氨基酸,蛋白质分子量20.19 ku,理论等电点(pI)为5.97。系统进化分析显示,StPYL5与SpPYL9-like亲缘关系较近。组织特异性分析结果显示,青薯9号(QS9)中StPYL5在根和叶中表达量较高,其次分别是茎和花,在块茎中表达量较低。不同胁迫下StPYL5表达量分析表明,青薯9号(QS9)中StPYL5在干旱、低温、盐和ABA胁迫下的表达量先升高后降低,且StPYL5的表达受Me JA和SA的诱导。此外,笔者成功克隆得到2 000 bp的StPYL5基因启动子。在烟草中的瞬时转化后的组织化学染色结果表明,StPYL5基因启动子具有成功启动下游GUS报告基因表达的启动子活性。【结论】全面分析了StPYL5基因的分子特征及其在多种非生物胁迫下的表达谱,并成功克隆到具有活性的pStPYL5启动子,该结果为深入研究StPYL5基因的功能以及马铃薯抗逆育种提供依据。

Antioxygenic Activity of <i>Solanum nigrum L.</i>Leaves in Sunflower Oil Model System and Its Thermal Stability

The antioxygenic activity of Solanum nigrum L. leaves and its various solvent extracts were evaluated using sunflower oil model system. Leaf powder and its methanol/water (80:20) soluble fraction showed strong antioxygenic activity in refined sunflower oil. On the other hand, ethyl acetate fraction exhibited marginal antioxygenic activity, whereas the water soluble fraction was practically devoid of any activity in refined sunflower oil. Thermal stability of different extracts of Solanum nigrum L. leaves heated at 80?C in refined sunflower oil also indicated the strong efficacy of methanol/water (80:20) extract to inhibit thermal oxidation. Solanum nigrum L. contain high levels of magnesium (239.0 mg/100g) and phosphorous (80.3 mg/100g). Fatty acid analysis of the lipid extracted from Solanum nigrum L. leaves indicated the presence of linoleic (59.1%) as a major fatty acid. The result of this study confirmed the presence of antioxygenic compounds in leaves, in particular its methanol/water (80:20) extracts showed great potential as a natural antioxidant to inhibit lipid peroxidation in foods.

The Impact of High Temperature during Growing Season on Potato Cultivars with Different Response to Environmental Stresses

Potato crop is the fourth main food crops in the world after maize, rice and wheat. It is characterized by specific temperature requirements and develops best at about 20°C. Forecasts of global warming prompt us to study the tolerance of potato genotypes to heat during the growing season. The aim of this work was to assess the response of chosen potato cultivars to high temperature during the different stages of plant growth under conditions of good soil moisture and drought. The impact of high temperature 32°C/25°C on potato plants was determined in pot experiment in three growth stages. A main measure of tolerance of the potato cultivars to high temperature during the growing season was an evaluation of the yield in relation to the Control combination. Here we demonstrated that tested potato cultivar’s response to high temperature during the growing season is dependent on the growth stage. The earlier it occurs, the more negative its impact on the growth and yield of potatoes is.

Nutritional and Antioxidant Evaluation and Effect of Eggplant Consumption on Anthropometric and Hematologic Parameters in Wistar Rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of green and purple eggplant, their antioxidant activity and their nutritional efficacy on Wistar rats. For nutritional quality, the parameters measured are dry matter, protein, lipid, ash, carbohydrate, iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and energy content. For antioxidant activity, the parameters measured are 50% DDPH free radical inhibition concentration and total polyphenol content. Nutritional efficacy was evaluated in rats fed the control diet and in rats fed the three treated diets containing eggplant meal obtained by replacing 5%, 10%, and 15% of the control diet. The parameters measured are the amount consumed, the weight of the animal and target organs, and hematologic parameters. The results of the nutritional analysis show the following values: 13.31% protein, 2.66% lipids, 0.84% calcium, 0.12% magnesium, 0.43% phosphorus for the Solanum aethiopicum L. species and 13.47% protein, 3.66% lipids, 0.36% calcium, 0.22% magnesium, 0.35% phosphorus for the Solanum melongena L. species. In terms of antioxidant activity, we obtained DDPH inhibition percentages of 40.28 mg/ml for Solanum aethiopicum L. and 12.42 mg/ml for Solanum melongena L., respectively. Finally, hematologic and anthropometric tests showed that for the different diets used, weight loss and an increase in hematologic parameters were observed in the rats tested. This study showed that eggplant has interesting nutritional characteristics and antioxidant activity, contributing to an increase in weight and anthropometric parameters.

Influence of the Size of Potato Microtubers (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i>L.) on the Yield of Plants under Semi-Axenic Conditions

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a vegetable that ranks fifth in the world for human consumption. Its importance is growing more and more in the Senegalese diet. However, the potato production in Senegal does not meet the needs of the market, which maintains dependence on the outside for the supply of quality seeds. In addition, these imported seeds do not often have phytosanitary qualities required for local production in the Sahelian zone. The in vitro production of microtubers, used as seed, has been shown to be one of the most efficient means for propagation of basic material. To overcome the constraints linked to the supply and availability of potato seeds, with high germination capacity, the impact of the microtuber size on the yield of the plants under semi-controlled conditions was examined. The pre-germinated microtubers were produced in vitro from vitroplants of 3 different varieties (Aida, Atlas, Odessa) adapted to the edaphic-climatic conditions of Senegal. The effects of the seed sizes of microtubers, greater than 4 mm, sown under semi-controlled conditions, on the yield of the plants, result in an increase in the ratio, in the vegetative development of the plants, but also in the number and size of the minitubers harvested. The yield of the plants also depends on the variety. It can therefore be envisaged to produce local potato seeds from microtubers and minitubers.

Aromatic compounds from Solanum nigrum L.and their antioxidant activities

Solanum nigrum L.,belonging to the genus Solanum of Solanaceae family,is widely distributed in temperate and tropical regions of the world.It possesses the effects of clearing away heat and detoxification.A wide spectrum of chemical constituents have been isolated from the Solanum nigrum L.,including lignans,steroids,etc.The structures of the eight compounds were determined by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses.It is noteworthy that compounds 1–4,6 and 8 have been isolated from Solanum nigrum L.for the first time.All compounds were evaluated for their antioxidant activities by ABTS and DPPH assays.Based on the results,Solanum nigrum L.could be used as a new natural antioxidant in biomedical applications.