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Tuber

A tuber is a thickened, underground stem modified for the storage of nutrients, primarily starch, serving as a perennating organ that enables plants to survive adverse conditions and regrow in subsequent seasons.^[1] Botanically, true tubers originate from stem tissue, distinguishing them from tuberous roots, which are enlarged roots lacking stem characteristics like nodes and buds.^[2] They typically feature a solid, fleshy structure without a protective covering, unlike bulbs or corms, and often bear multiple buds or "eyes" along their surface for asexual reproduction.^[3] Tubers play a crucial role in plant physiology by storing carbohydrates and other reserves, which fuel rapid vegetative growth, flowering, and seed production upon sprouting.^[4] This storage function also supports vegetative propagation, where sections of the tuber containing buds can be planted to produce genetically identical offspring, a key method in agriculture and horticulture.^[2] Notable examples include the potato (Solanum tuberosum), a stem tuber with prominent eyes that develop into new shoots, and the tubers of plants like tuberous begonias (Begonia spp.) and cyclamen (Cyclamen spp.), which are shorter and more rounded.^[2]^[5] In addition to their ecological role in plant survival, tubers are economically significant as staple food sources worldwide, providing essential calories and nutrients for human consumption in crops like potatoes, which are harvested for their high starch content.^[6] Their ability to propagate without seeds makes them valuable for cultivation in diverse climates, though they require specific storage conditions to prevent sprouting or decay.^[7]

Definition and Terminology

Botanical Definition

In botany, a tuber is defined as a thickened, underground stem modified for the storage of nutrients such as starch and water, while also facilitating perennation and vegetative reproduction.^[1]^[8] Perennation refers to the plant's ability to survive unfavorable seasons, such as winter or drought, by entering a dormant state supported by these stored reserves.^[9] Vegetative reproduction, or asexual propagation, occurs when buds on the tuber develop into new shoots and roots, allowing the plant to propagate without seeds.^[5] Tubers are distinguished from other underground storage structures like bulbs, which consist of layered, fleshy leaves surrounding a short stem, and rhizomes, which are horizontal, elongated stems that grow parallel to the soil surface.^[10] Unlike bulbs that feature protective, scale-like layers or corms that have a solid, tunic-covered base, tubers typically lack such external protections and instead bear prominent buds, often called "eyes," from which new growth emerges.^[11] True stem tubers originate from axillary buds on underground stems and exhibit nodes and internodes characteristic of stem tissue, whereas root tubers (or tuberous roots) develop from adventitious roots without these stem-like features.^[12]^[5] The primary nutrient stored in tubers is starch, a complex carbohydrate composed of amylose (a linear polymer) and amylopectin (a branched polymer), which accumulates to provide energy for regrowth after dormancy.^[13] This starch buildup enables the plant to endure adverse environmental conditions by sustaining metabolic processes at a minimal level until favorable growing seasons return.^[14] Water storage complements these carbohydrates, helping maintain turgor and preventing desiccation during periods of stress.^[8]

Historical and Etymological Context

The term "tuber" originates from the Latin tūber, meaning "lump," "bump," or "swelling," which botanists adopted to denote thickened underground plant structures used for storage and reproduction.^[15] This etymological root reflects the visible morphology of such organs, evoking irregular, enlarged forms beneath the soil.^[16] Early references to these structures appear in ancient texts, including descriptions of underground plant parts resembling thickened roots or bulbs among herbaceous and wild species. By the 1st century AD, the Latin term gained prominence through Pliny the Elder's Natural History, where he detailed various plants bearing "tubers," such as those with round, root-attached swellings, marking one of the earliest documented botanical applications.^[17] The 18th century saw formal botanical classification advance with Carl Linnaeus's Species Plantarum (1753), which systematically described numerous tuber-producing plants, such as Solanum tuberosum, integrating them into his binomial nomenclature and highlighting their reproductive roles.^[18] This work shifted focus from anecdotal observations to structured taxonomy, though the encompassing life-form category of geophytes—encompassing tubers as perennating organs—was not coined until Christen C. Raunkiaer's system in 1904–1905.^[19] Terminology evolved significantly in the 19th century, transitioning from vernacular folk names like "earth apples" for potatoes in 16th-century European texts (e.g., Marx Rumpolt's 1581 cookbook), which likened the buried tubers to subterranean fruits, to precise distinctions in modern botany.^[20] Botanists then differentiated "stem tubers" (modified stems, as in potatoes) from "root tubers" (modified roots, as in sweet potatoes), emphasizing anatomical origins to refine classification.^[21] Culturally, the term's influence extended to regional languages upon the potato's introduction to Europe in the late 16th century, inspiring names like French pomme de terre ("apple of the earth"), a direct adaptation of folk descriptors that embedded tuber-like imagery into everyday lexicon.^[22]

Types and Morphology

Stem Tubers

Stem tubers are modified underground stems that develop primarily from stolons or rhizomes, serving as specialized storage and reproductive organs in various plant species. Formation begins with the initiation of stolons—horizontal stems emerging from axillary buds at the base of the main stem—under the influence of environmental cues such as short-day photoperiods and hormonal signals. The apical meristem at the stolon tip undergoes rapid cell division and expansion, leading to swelling and the development of the tuber; this process is regulated by proteins like SP6A, which translocate from leaves to promote thickening and inhibit linear growth. Adventitious roots and buds, known as "eyes," form at the nodes along the developing structure, enabling the tuber to function both as a storage site and a propagule for clonal propagation.^[23]^[24] Morphologically, stem tubers exhibit a cylindrical, ovoid, or irregular shape, often covered by a thin, protective periderm or skin derived from the epidermis and cortex. Internally, they feature a parenchyma-rich pith with vascular bundles arranged in a spiral or ring pattern, facilitating nutrient transport and storage. These organs accumulate high levels of starch—up to 20% of fresh weight—synthesized from photosynthetic products translocated via the phloem, alongside smaller amounts of proteins, vitamins, and minerals; the starch granules are typically large and oval, contributing to the tuber's dense, firm texture. Unlike typical stems, stem tubers lack extensive elongation but retain stem-like characteristics, such as scale leaves subtending the buds at nodes.^[25]^[26] The primary biological function of stem tubers is the storage of carbohydrates, particularly starch, which supports the plant's survival during adverse conditions like drought or winter by providing energy reserves derived from aboveground photosynthesis. Additionally, they enable asexual reproduction, as each eye—a dormant bud at a node—can sprout to form a new shoot, root system, and independent plant upon planting or environmental triggering, promoting efficient clonal spread without reliance on seeds. In genera such as Solanum, this dual role enhances adaptability in nutrient-poor or disturbed soils. Biologically, stem tubers differ from root tubers in possessing distinct nodes and internodes with axillary buds, scale leaves, and adventitious (not primary) roots emerging from the base, whereas root tubers lack these stem-specific features and true root hairs, deriving instead from swollen adventitious roots without nodal structure.^[27]^[21]

Root Tubers

Root tubers develop from thickened adventitious or lateral roots, serving as modified storage organs that enable plants to store reserves below ground. This formation typically occurs in response to hormonal signals, particularly auxins, which promote cell division and elongation in root tissues, leading to swelling without the presence of nodes characteristic of stems.^[28] Unlike stems, root tubers undergo secondary growth through the activity of the vascular cambium, which produces layers of secondary xylem and phloem to support expansion and storage capacity.^[29] In terms of morphology, root tubers often exhibit fusiform or irregular shapes adapted for underground storage, featuring a thicker, bark-like exterior formed by the periderm for protection against soil pathogens and desiccation. Internally, they display concentric rings of xylem and phloem resulting from secondary growth, surrounding a core of parenchyma cells that accumulate starch and other reserves, with typical starch concentrations ranging from 10-15% on a fresh weight basis—lower than in many stem tubers.^[30]^[31] The primary function of root tubers is to store water and nutrients, enhancing plant resilience to drought by maintaining hydration and providing energy reserves during periods of stress. They also facilitate vegetative reproduction through root fragmentation, where segments can develop into new plants if attached to the parent crown, though this method is generally less efficient than the budding propagation seen in stem tubers due to the absence of pre-formed meristems.^[32]^[33] Biologically, root tubers differ from stem tubers in lacking buds or "eyes"—specialized axillary meristems for sprouting—and instead represent modifications of swollen adventitious roots, typically in fibrous root systems, as seen in families such as Convolvulaceae (e.g., sweet potato).^[34]^[35]^[36]

Key Examples

Potato as a Stem Tuber

The potato (Solanum tuberosum), a classic example of a stem tuber, develops from underground stolons as swollen storage organs that enable vegetative propagation through dormant buds known as eyes. Each mature tuber typically features 5 to 15 eyes, which are axillary buds capable of sprouting into new shoots under favorable conditions, facilitating the plant's clonal reproduction. The tuber's skin exhibits considerable variation in color, ranging from white and yellow to red and purple, depending on the cultivar, while the flesh is predominantly white or yellowish and serves as a nutrient reservoir rich in vitamin C and potassium, contributing significantly to human dietary needs.^[37]^[38] In its growth cycle, potatoes are planted in spring using seed tubers—cut pieces of mature tubers, each containing at least one to two eyes—that are placed 10 to 15 cm deep in prepared furrows. The crop reaches maturity in 90 to 120 days, at which point vines senesce, signaling harvest time when tubers are dug up to avoid skin damage and exposure to light. Optimal yields are influenced by environmental factors, including well-drained loamy soils that prevent waterlogging and promote root development, and plant spacing of approximately 30 cm between hills to allow adequate sunlight and nutrient access without excessive competition.^[39]^[40]^[41] Genetic diversity underscores the potato's significance as a stem tuber, with over 4,000 varieties cultivated worldwide, many tracing their origins to the Andean highlands of South America where domestication began around 8,000 years ago near Lake Titicaca. This vast varietal pool has historically buffered against famines by enabling adaptation to diverse climates and pests, though reliance on a single susceptible variety during the 19th century amplified vulnerability, as seen in the Irish Potato Famine of 1845–1852, when late blight (Phytophthora infestans) devastated monoculture crops due to low genetic variation.^[42]^[43]^[44] Comprising approximately 80% water by fresh weight, potato tubers store energy primarily as carbohydrates, which account for 15 to 20% of the fresh mass, mainly in the form of starch that supports both plant regrowth and human nutrition. However, they also contain natural defenses like glycoalkaloids, including solanine, which concentrate in green skin and sprouts as toxins to deter herbivores and pathogens, rendering exposed or sprouted portions potentially harmful if consumed in quantity.^[45]^[46]

Sweet Potato as a Root Tuber

The sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a dicotyledonous plant that forms its characteristic storage roots through secondary thickening of adventitious roots within a fibrous root system, distinguishing these true root tubers from stem-based structures.^[47] These enlarged roots serve primarily as nutrient reservoirs, accumulating starches and bioactive compounds, with orange-fleshed cultivars particularly valued for their elevated beta-carotene levels, which act as a precursor to vitamin A and support nutritional interventions against deficiency.^[48] Unlike stem tubers such as the potato, sweet potato roots lack eyes or axillary buds, preventing direct sprouting from the tuber itself. Instead, propagation relies on vine cuttings, typically involving segments with multiple nodes planted to generate new plants, a method that ensures rapid establishment in suitable environments.^[49] Native to tropical regions, I. batatas functions as a perennial in its origin areas but is cultivated annually in most production systems, completing its growth cycle in 3 to 5 months from planting to harvest.^[50] Optimal development occurs in well-drained sandy loam soils with a slightly acidic pH range of 5.0 to 7.5, though the crop demonstrates notable tolerance to suboptimal conditions, including nutrient-poor soils, thanks to its extensive deep root system that enhances water and nutrient uptake.^[51] This adaptability contributes to its global prominence, with annual production approximating 90 million metric tons as of 2023, predominantly in Asia and Africa. Domesticated around 5,000 years ago in Central America by indigenous communities, the sweet potato spread widely through human migration, notably reaching Polynesia via pre-Columbian voyages around AD 1000 to 1300, as evidenced by archaeological and genetic studies.^[52]^[53] Compared to the common potato (Solanum tuberosum), sweet potatoes provide superior nutritional profiles in several aspects, boasting higher dietary fiber content for improved digestive health and greater concentrations of antioxidants like beta-carotene and polyphenols, which offer protective effects against oxidative stress.^[54]^[55] Distinctive features of sweet potato root tubers include the presence of anthocyanins in purple-fleshed varieties, which impart vibrant coloration and potent antioxidant activity linked to anti-inflammatory and potential anti-cancer benefits.^[56] Although vulnerable to pests such as the sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius), which can severely damage storage roots, the crop's deep rooting—often extending beyond 1 meter—confers inherent drought resistance by accessing subsoil moisture, reducing yield losses in arid conditions compared to shallower-rooted alternatives.^[57]

Cultivation and Uses

Agricultural Practices

Tuber crops, such as potatoes and sweet potatoes, are typically propagated vegetatively using disease-free seed tubers or slips to ensure healthy stands and minimize pathogen introduction. For potatoes, certified seed tubers are cut into pieces with at least one eye each and planted at a depth of 10-15 cm in rows spaced 75-90 cm apart, allowing for proper emergence and growth. Sweet potato slips, rooted vine cuttings about 20-25 cm long, are similarly planted 10-15 cm deep in rows 90-120 cm apart to promote root development. Crop rotation with non-host crops like cereals or legumes for 3-5 years is essential to suppress soil-borne pests such as nematodes, reducing population buildup and maintaining soil health.^[58]^[59]^[60] Optimal soil for tuber cultivation is well-drained, loose, and sandy loam or silt loam to prevent waterlogging and allow tuber expansion, with a pH range of 5.5-6.5 for potatoes and 6.0-6.5 for sweet potatoes to support nutrient availability. Stem tubers like potatoes thrive in temperate climates with average temperatures of 15-20°C during tuber initiation, requiring a frost-free period of 90-120 days. In contrast, root tubers such as sweet potatoes prefer tropical or subtropical conditions with temperatures of 20-30°C and a longer frost-free season of 100-150 days for optimal root bulking. Irrigation is critical, providing 500-700 mm of water over the growing season through methods like drip or sprinkler systems to maintain consistent soil moisture without excess, as deficits can reduce yields while overwatering promotes rot.^[60]^[59]^[61] Pest and disease management in tuber crops relies on integrated approaches, including resistant varieties, cultural practices, and targeted treatments to minimize losses. For potatoes, late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans is a major threat, managed through fungicide applications like copper-based compounds during humid conditions and removal of infected foliage, alongside planting resistant cultivars such as 'Defender'. Nematodes and insects like the Colorado potato beetle are controlled via crop rotation and biological agents, reducing chemical reliance. Sweet potatoes face challenges from sweet potato weevils and fungal diseases like black rot, addressed by using virus-free slips, sanitation, and insecticides only when thresholds are met, with crop rotation enhancing soil suppression. Overall, certified planting material and monitoring are foundational to preventing outbreaks across tuber types.^[62]^[63]^[64] Harvesting occurs when tubers reach maturity to maximize yield and quality, typically 90-120 days after planting for potatoes and 100-150 days for sweet potatoes, signaled by vine yellowing or die-back. Tubers are dug carefully with forks or mechanized harvesters to avoid cuts, which invite decay, ideally when soil is dry and temperatures above 10°C. Post-harvest curing heals wounds and thickens skins: for sweet potatoes, hold at 29-30°C and 85-95% relative humidity for 4-7 days; for potatoes, cure at 10-15°C with high humidity for 1-2 weeks. Proper curing extends storage life up to 6 months at 4-13°C and 90-95% humidity, depending on variety, preventing sprouting and rot while preserving marketability.^[65]^[66]^[67]

Culinary and Industrial Applications

Tubers serve as staple foods across diverse cuisines, valued for their versatility in preparation methods such as boiling, frying, mashing, baking, and roasting. Potatoes, for instance, are transformed into french fries through deep-frying, potato chips via slicing and frying, and mashed potatoes by boiling and pureeing, contributing to their status as the world's fourth-largest food crop by production volume.^[68] Sweet potatoes, a root tuber, feature prominently in both savory dishes like roasted or steamed sides and sweet preparations such as pies, casseroles, and baked goods, enhancing flavor with their natural sweetness.^[69] In 2023, global potato production reached approximately 383 million metric tons, underscoring their role in daily diets worldwide.^[70] Nutritionally, tubers provide high levels of complex carbohydrates, serving as an efficient energy source while generally exhibiting a low glycemic index that supports stable blood sugar levels. A medium-sized (148g) baked potato with skin delivers about 30% of the daily value for vitamin C, 15% for potassium, and 7% for dietary fiber, with zero fat and cholesterol.^[71] Sweet potatoes stand out for their rich antioxidant content, offering more than 200% of the daily value for vitamin A (from beta-carotene) per medium serving (130g), alongside significant vitamin C and fiber contributions that promote eye health and immune function.^[72]^[73] In industrial contexts, tubers are processed primarily for starch extraction, with potato starch—composed of about 80% amylopectin—widely applied in paper production for coating and sizing, textiles for warp sizing and finishing, and adhesives due to its binding properties and clarity.^[74] Waste tubers and processing byproducts are increasingly converted into biofuels, such as ethanol, through fermentation, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.^[75] Certain tubers, like yams (Dioscorea species), yield diosgenin, a steroidal sapogenin extracted for pharmaceutical synthesis of corticosteroids, progesterone, and other hormones used in treatments for inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and metabolic disorders.^[76] Economically, tubers bolster food security in developing countries by providing affordable, calorie-dense nutrition to low-income populations, particularly in Africa and Asia where they form up to 55% of caloric intake in some regions.^[77] The global potato trade, encompassing fresh and processed forms, generated approximately $6.2 billion in export value for raw potatoes alone in 2023, supporting rural livelihoods and international markets.^[78]

Ecological Role

Reproductive Function

Tubers facilitate asexual reproduction in plants by serving as storage organs that accumulate carbohydrates and other nutrients, providing the energy necessary for sprouting and the development of new shoots and roots.^[79] During dormancy, tubers remain viable underground, and upon favorable conditions such as moisture and temperature, buds (known as eyes in stem tubers) or basal segments activate to produce independent plants.^[80] This process results in clonal offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, preserving desirable traits without the genetic recombination associated with sexual reproduction.^[81] The primary advantages of tuber-based asexual reproduction include enabling rapid colonization of disturbed or resource-limited soils, where establishing new plants quickly from stored reserves outcompetes slower seed-based strategies.^[82] Additionally, it circumvents the uncertainties of sexual reproduction, such as dependency on pollinators or compatible mates, allowing propagation in isolated or unstable environments.^[83] In natural propagation, Dahlia root tubers divide through the growth of new basal shoots from existing buds, producing multiple daughter tubers annually that can separate and establish independently.^[84] Human-assisted propagation, such as cutting potato stem tubers into segments each containing at least one eye, allows a single tuber to yield 5-10 new plants, accelerating crop multiplication for agriculture.^[85] Despite these benefits, clonal reproduction via tubers increases susceptibility to viral diseases, as pathogens like Potato virus Y persist and spread through successive generations of infected propagules without the buffering effect of genetic variation.^[86] Furthermore, the resulting uniformity reduces overall genetic diversity within populations, limiting adaptability to evolving pests, diseases, or environmental changes compared to seed-propagated plants.^[87]

Adaptations and Distribution

Tubers exhibit several key environmental adaptations that enhance plant survival in challenging conditions. Dormancy in tubers serves as a critical mechanism to withstand frost and drought, allowing plants to remain viable underground during adverse periods and resume growth when conditions improve.^[88] For instance, the belowground storage organs maintain stable temperatures and moisture levels, protecting against freezing temperatures and water scarcity.^[89] Additionally, many tuber-bearing plants produce toxins such as solanine in potatoes to deter herbivores; this glycoalkaloid acts as an antifeedant, discouraging consumption by insects and other pests.^[90] Mycorrhizal associations further bolster resilience by facilitating enhanced nutrient uptake, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, from nutrient-poor soils, which is vital for tuber development in diverse ecosystems.^[91] The formation of tubers has evolved convergently multiple times in angiosperms since the Cretaceous period, with specific examples like potato tubers developing approximately 9 million years ago through hybridization events between a tomato relative and another wild species.^[92]^[93] This emergence facilitated adaptive radiation among geophyte lineages—plants with underground perennating organs like tubers—allowing them to occupy varied niches in both temperate and tropical environments. Geophytes, including those with tubers, have diversified to exploit cooler, drier, and more thermally variable climates compared to non-geophytic plants, with underground structures such as tubers providing advantages in resource storage and regrowth.^[94] Stem tubers have diverse native distributions, with major crops like potatoes originating in the Andes of South America and yams in Africa, Asia, and parts of the Americas, adapted to various temperate and tropical conditions.^[95]^[96] Root tubers are widely cultivated in Africa and Asia, with examples including cassava (native to South America) in sub-Saharan Africa and sweet potatoes (native to Central America) across Asian tropics, demonstrating their successful adaptation to warmer, more humid environments through agricultural spread.^[6] Some tuber species exhibit invasive potential outside native ranges; for example, kudzu vine tubers have facilitated rapid spread across the southeastern United States since their introduction in the 1930s, smothering native vegetation and altering ecosystems.^[97] Climate change poses significant threats to tuber plants, increasing vulnerability through warming soils that accelerate dormancy breakage and heighten disease susceptibility during storage.^[98] Rising temperatures disrupt nutrient uptake and tuber quality, potentially reducing yields in traditional growing areas.^[99] As a result, cultivation zones are shifting; for potatoes, farmers in regions like Peru are moving to higher altitudes to access cooler conditions, though this adaptation is limited by available land and may exacerbate biodiversity loss in montane ecosystems.^[100]

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Potato glycoalkaloids are toxic to humans at doses greater than 2 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Glycoalkaloid levels above 140 milligrams per kilogram ...
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Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato) | CABI Compendium
Root system with fibrous, adventitious roots and enlarged roots, derived from secondary thickening of some adventitious roots, serving as storage organ ...
[48]
Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Properties of Ipomoea batatas ...
Aug 22, 2023 · It produces edible storage roots. Currently, orange varieties contribute to improving food systems and managing vitamin A deficiency. Processing ...Missing: anatomy fibrous
[49]
Sweet potato propagation and production updated
Sweet potatoes are planted in early June, using a five-node cutting method, with most nodes below ground. They are planted 12 inches apart, and the goal is ...
[50]
[PDF] The Sweet Potato - Purdue University
Sweet potatoes are perennial in growth habit but are grown as an annual vegetable in. Indiana. The sweet potato evolved in tropical America and ranked second ...
[51]
[PDF] Sweet Potatoes - Easy Gardening - Texas A&M University
They must be planted in a well-drained, fine sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic pH 5 to 7.5. This allows the sweet potato to grow easily but not remain in a ...Missing: preferences | Show results with:preferences
[52]
Modeling the prehistoric arrival of the sweet potato in Polynesia
Studies based on the plant's present day genetic variability suggest that Central America, and not Peru, was the most probable center of origin (Zhang et al., ...
[53]
Ancient and historic dispersals of sweet potato in Oceania - PNAS
Archaeological research has now conclusively shown that the sweet potato was introduced to Central Polynesia by approximately AD 1200 to 1300.
[54]
Sweet Potato vs. Potato: What's the Difference? - Healthline
Sep 13, 2019 · Both types of potatoes are rich in fiber, carbs, and vitamins B6 and C. Regular potatoes are higher in potassium, while sweet potatoes provide much more ...Origin · Nutrition · Glycemic index
[55]
Potato or Sweet Potato: Which Is Healthier?
Jan 17, 2022 · Potatoes and sweet potatoes both qualify as healthy, nutritious foods. “Neither one of them is a bad choice,” says Czerwony.
[56]
Research Advances of Purple Sweet Potato Anthocyanins - NIH
Purple sweet potato anthocyanins are kinds of natural anthocyanin red pigments extracted from the root or stem of purple sweet potato.
[57]
An Insight into Sweet Potato Weevils Management: A Review
Oct 1, 2015 · Deep-rooting and early maturing varieties (90 to 120 days) are about four times less susceptible to infestation than shallow-rooting and ...
[58]
Growing potatoes in home gardens | UMN Extension
Start potato plants from tubers or pieces of tubers, not from true seed. Buy disease-free seed tubers from a certified grower or seed distributor. Most garden ...
[59]
Sweet Potato Production | Oklahoma State University
Sweet potatoes produce best in a well-drained, light, sandy loam or silt loam. soil. Rich, heavy soils produce high yields of low-quality roots.Production Requirements · Expected Yield · Varieties · Producing Slips “Plants”
[60]
https://extension.psu.edu/potato-production
[61]
Cultivation, harvesting and storage of sweet potato products. by G ...
Overall, biological control, complimented by agronomic practices such as crop rotation is the best way to achieve success in sweet potato cultivation.
[62]
Potato / Agriculture: Pest Management Guidelines / UC ... - UC IPM
Guidelines cover pest monitoring, pesticides, and non-pesticide alternatives. Pests include insects, mites, diseases, nematodes, and weeds. Vertebrates like ...Missing: cultivation | Show results with:cultivation
[63]
Potato | Diseases and Pests, Description, Uses, Propagation
Management. Rotating crops away from potato and destroying any infected tubers helps to control the disease; infection can be reduced by application of ...
[64]
Pests of Sweetpotato | NC State Extension Publications
Jun 14, 2024 · The sweetpotato flea beetle is the most common pest of sweetpotato in North Carolina. Soil-inhabiting pests lower grades or make potatoes unmarketable.
[65]
https://extension.psu.edu/sweetpotato-curing-and-storage
[66]
Best practices for harvesting and storing homegrown potatoes
Cure newly harvested and cleaned potatoes in a dark, well-ventilated space with moderate temperatures and high humidity for 7 to 10 days. Curing helps ...
[67]
Harvesting and Curing Sweet Potatoes - Alabama Extension
Mar 1, 2019 · Curing sweet potatoes involves holding them at 85°F with 90-95% RH for 4-7 days, then storing at 55-60°F with 80-85% RH. Do not wash before ...
[68]
Agricultural production statistics 2010–2023
Dec 20, 2024 · In 2023, world fruit and vegetable production reached 2.1 billion tonnes, up 1 percent from 2022.
[69]
Nutrition Powerhouse - North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission
One medium sweetpotato provides about 100 calories, with 2 grams of protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber.
[70]
World - Potato Production and Consumption
In 2023, global production reached approximately 383.08 million metric tons, according to FAO, with China leading the way at 93.49 million metric tons.<|separator|>
[71]
Potato Nutrition Facts | Nutrients, Calories, Benefits of a Potato
One medium-sized (5.3oz) skin-on potato has 110 calories, fat 0%, cholesterol 0%, fiber 7%, vitamin C 30%, Potassium 15%, vitamin B6 10%.
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Sweet Potatoes 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits - Healthline
Feb 2, 2023 · Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, vitamin C, and potassium. They are also a decent source of many other vitamins and minerals.<|separator|>
[73]
Industrial applications of potato starch products - ScienceDirect
Warp sizing and fabric printing are the principal applications for starch derivatives in the textile industry, where it is a temporary easily removable ...
[74]
Researchers modify potato starch with CRISPR technology
May 24, 2022 · Texas A&M AgriLife scientists are learning how to alter the ratio of potatoes' two starch molecules – amylose and amylopectin – to increase both culinary and ...
[75]
Diosgenin: An Updated Pharmacological Review and Therapeutic ...
May 29, 2022 · Scientists have used it in the treatment of inflammation, malignancies, hyperlipidemia, and infections as it has a wide spectrum of therapeutic ...
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GLOBAL PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION OF ROOTS AND ...
Roots and tubers provide a substantial part of the world's food supply and are also an important source of animal feed. On a global basis, approximately 55 ...
[77]
Leading Global Potato Exports: An Overview for 2023 - Tendata
In 2023, global sales of raw, unprocessed potatoes by exporting countries reached a total of US$6.2 billion. Over the past five years, the value of exported ...
[78]
32.3 Asexual Reproduction – General Biology - UCF Pressbooks
Asexual reproduction produces plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant because no mixing of male and female gametes takes place.
[79]
Influences of clonality on plant sexual reproduction - PMC - NIH
The commonest type of asexual reproduction is clonal growth (vegetative propagation) in which parental genotypes (genets) produce vegetative modules (ramets) ...
[80]
[PDF] Resprouting potential of rhizome fragments from invasive ...
Oct 22, 2019 · Plant species that rapidly colonize areas following hydrologic disturbance typically have at least one fragment type with high regenerative ...
[81]
Plant Growth and Reproduction | The Biology of Sex and Death (Bio ...
Asexual reproduction produces plants that are genetically identical “clones” to each other and to the parent plant. In stable environmental conditions, asexual ...
[82]
Digging, Dividing, and Storing Tubers - The American Dahlia Society
In dividing clumps, each division must have a piece of the crown with an eye. Remove all of the stem, because any remaining tends to promote crown rot and ruin ...
[83]
https://bio1220.biosci.gatech.edu/sex-01/plant-reproduction/
[84]
[PDF] The Effects of Potato Virus Y Strains on Quality ... - University of Idaho
Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is prone to infection by viral pathogens due to successive cycles of vegetative propagation. Potato virus Y (PVY) is an ...
[85]
Asexual reproduction - Definition and Examples - Biology Online
Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction It becomes a disadvantage in the long run when the genetic diversity within the species is considered. It leads to low ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[86]
Are winter and summer dormancy symmetrical seasonal adaptive ...
In addition, winter dormancy in tuber and bulb species confers greater protection against pathogens (Aksenova et al., 2013). Indeed, the benefits of dormancy ...
[87]
[PDF] Winter Adaptation in the Garden
Dec 6, 2019 · The roots and bulbs below ground become dormant and are protected by the relative warmth and steadier temperature of the soil. A thick layer of ...
[88]
Solanine - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Solanine is a glycoalkaloid found in the potato (Solanum tuberosum) that acts as an antifeedant, deterring the feeding of certain pests, such as the snail Helix ...
[89]
Biology, Ecology, and Benefits of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in ...
Mar 21, 2025 · By enhancing nutrient uptake, improving plant health, and mitigating stress factors, mycorrhizal associations can increase crop yield. This ...
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[PDF] Diversification of Angiosperms During the Cretaceous Period
Angiosperms appeared suddenly during a relatively warm period in earth's history, diversified rapidly, and ultimately became a dominant form of plant life. The ...
[91]
global climatic and phylogenetic patterns of geophyte diversity
May 20, 2019 · Geophytes inhabit cooler, drier, and more thermally variable climates compared to non-geophytes. Although some underground traits (ie, bulb, corm, and tuber) ...
[92]
Andean Root and Tuber Crops - International Potato Center
The main nine Andean root and tuber crops (ARTC) are spread throughout South America from southeastern Venezuela to northwest Argentina, with the greatest ...
[93]
The True Story of Kudzu, the Vine That Never Truly Ate the South
In news media and scientific accounts and on some government websites, kudzu is typically said to cover seven million to nine million acres across the United ...
[94]
Climate Change Impacts on Potato Storage - MDPI
Apr 7, 2024 · The review's results suggest climate change can negatively affect potato storage, especially tuber sprouting and diseases in storage chambers.
[95]
(PDF) Climate change impacts on tuber crops - ResearchGate
Jun 9, 2023 · Climate change poses significant challenges to root and tuber crops, requiring robust adaptation strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities.<|separator|>
[96]
In Peru, will potatoes survive climate change? - ThinkLandscape
Oct 9, 2024 · Peruvian farmers are adapting to the climate crisis by planting and cultivating native potatoes at increasingly high altitudes.