A panoramic review on phytochemistry, pharmacological potential, health benefits, and versatility of Solanum tuberosum L.

The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) belongs to the family Solanaceae and is one of most versatile crops, vital components of the human diet in numerous countries. It is regarded as one of the most promising crops for reducing world hunger and poverty. It is one of the foremost non-grain crops in the world, being a cost-effective and easily accessible food with several health benefits. The entire plant including peel, tuber, and leaves are used in traditional medicine. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates, lipids, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, carotenoids, proteins, flavonoids, vitamins, potassium, phosphorus, copper, and fiber. The purpose of this review study was to present up-to-date information on novel metabolites discovered in potatoes that play a role in preventing illness and improve human well-being. We attempted to assemble data on the variety of pharmacological activity including antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antihypertensive, anticancer, antiobesity and anti-inflammatory properties of potatoes, as well as their function in enhancing gut health and satiety. In-vitro investigations, human cell culture, experimental animal studies have revealed that potatoes have a variety of health-promoting qualities. The observations and recommendations presented here are scientifically interesting for food chemistry, pharmacology, nanotechnology, and toxicology. These may also contribute to enhance nutrition, food safety, and human health

Physiological and anatomical adaptations of rice (Oryza sativa L.) grown under drought stress

Drought stress can affect significant productivity and quality attributes in rice. This research assessed the impact of drought stress on the physiological and anatomical adaptations of ‘Tubtim Chumphae’ rice. Seedlings were cultivated for 45 days in soil before being subjected to drought stress. The seedlings were divided into two groups as full water capacity treatment and drought stress treatment for 21 days before rewatering for 10 days. Dehydration from drought stress reduced rice seedling plant height, tiller number, leaf size, and fresh and dry weight while leaf rolling score increased. The recovery process from drought stress impacted the physiological characteristics. Relative water content and chlorophyll fluorescence decreased while green intensity (SPAD value), chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage percentage, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased. Anatomical studies using free-hand section and peeling techniques revealed that water deficit reduced vascular bundle size, bulliform cell size, stomatal size, and epidermal cell (short cell) size while leaf thickness, cuticle and cell wall thickness and bulliform cell number increased. Our results provide useful information on rice seedling adaptation and response to drought for use in further studies of ‘Tubtim Chumphae’ rice and other cultivars

Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome seedless jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus var. seedless) and its relatives

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is a perennial fruit tree extensively cultivated in Vietnam, where it plays a crucial role in economic development, especially in rural, disadvantaged regions. Recently, a seedless variety has emerged, attracting significant demand due to its superior fruit quality. Remarkably, the edible portion of this variety can comprise more than 90% of the fruit’s total weight, increasing its market appeal. As a result, the demand for seedlings of this variety has risen sharply. However, current identification methods for distinguishing seedless jackfruit from other varieties primarily rely on morphological traits, which are often ineffective due to high similarity. To overcome this limitation, the present study aimed to sequence and analyze the complete chloroplast (cp) genome of the seedless jackfruit variety. The cp genome was determined to be 160,385 base pairs in length, consisting of 128 genes, including 84 protein-coding genes, 36 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. Comparative analysis revealed differences in simple sequence repeat (SSR) patterns between this seedless variety and other jackfruit cp genomes. These findings underscore the value of chloroplast genome characterization as a tool for the precise identification and classification of this novel seedless jackfruit variety

Introduction pages, NBHA-CN 53(1), 2025

The papers published in Notulae Botanicae Horti Agrobotanici Cluj-Napoca, Issue 1, Volume 53, 2025, represent new exciting research in different topics of life science, respectively in plant science, horticulture, agronomy, crop science, and forestry. Among the interesting articles, we invite you to find news about: Resilience of forests in a changing climate: Responses, mechanisms, and adaptations; A panoramic review on phytochemistry, pharmacological potential, health benefits, and versatility of Solanum tuberosum L.; Role of molecular breeding in understanding salinity tolerance in cotton: limitations and perspectives; Evaluation of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and yield attributing traits of caffeine treated Trigonella corniculata L.; Induction and expression of systemic resistance to downy mildew disease in grapevine by chitosan; Molecular insights of pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus mixed infections and its variability in pigeonpea; Assessing the impact of different water stresses on physio-chemical properties and yield-related traits in tomato genotypes: Insights into stability and response; Biochemical and Raman spectroscopic insights into plant-mold interactions; Assessing genetic diversity and population structure in Tulipa species from Türkiye and Kazakhstan; Elicitation effect of hydrogen peroxide to enhance tolerance of Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich. seedlings irrigated with saline water; Effects of different rootstocks on the growth physiology and enzyme activity of Artemisia selengensis; Comparative analysis of bioactive compounds identified in the fruits of three chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) cultivars in different cultivation systems; The impact of cultivar and production conditions on apple quality; Biochemical attributes Portulaca oleracea as affected by manganese oxide and magnesium oxide nanoparticles; Identification of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in queñua (Polylepis rugulosa) in the forest of southern Peru

Exogenous Spermidine (Spd) alleviates NaCl-induced injury effects by improving photosynthesis and oxidative stress tolerance in Brassica napus seedlings

To better understand the mechanism of exogenous application of Spermidine (Spd) to enhance the salt tolerance of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.). The seedlings of rapeseed cultivar ‘Zheyou-18’ were treated with different concentrations of spermidine under 200 mM NaCl. The portable photosynthetic system flame, photometer and portable fluorometer were used to determine the gas-exchange parameters, ion content and Chlorophyll fluorescence. A spectrophotometer was used to determine the activities of SOD (Superoxide Dismutase), POD (Peroxidase), CAT (Catalase), and APX (Ascorbate Peroxidase). Our study revealed that different concentrations of exogenous Spd can alleviate the harmful effect caused by NaCl stress in rapeseed, and inhibition in rapeseed seedling growth was significantly alleviated with the application of 160 mg·L-1 spermidine under 200 mM NaCl, which is reflected in dry and fresh weight. The Spd treatment further enhanced the photosynthetic efficiency of rapeseed leaves, which is reflected in the changes in gas exchange parameters Pn (Photosynthetic rate), Ci (Intercellular CO2 concentration), Tr (Transpiration rate), Gs (Stomatal conductance), Ls (stomatal limitation), WUE (Water Use Efficiency) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, ΦPSII, qP, NPQ), and antioxidant enzymes activity (SOD, POD, CAT, APX) which in turn reduced the level of active oxygen (H2O2, O2-). This study also indicated the Spd treatment reduced the absorption of Na+ and increased the absoraption of K+ and Ca2+. The physiological experiments demonstrate that exogenous Spd enhances salt tolerance in rapeseed under NaCl stress through multiple mechanisms, including improved photosynthetic efficiency, maintenance of cellular ion homeostasis, and reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels

Effects of rootstocks on fruit yield and quality, antioxidant capacity, and total phenol content of almond cultivars ‘Ferragnes’ and ‘Ferraduel’

Almond is a temperate fruit tree whose yield and quality are strongly influenced by rootstocks. This study evaluated pomological traits, yield, antioxidant capacity, total phenol content, and fatty acid composition of the cultivars ‘Ferragnes’ and ‘Ferraduel’ grafted onto Garnem, GF-677, and seedling rootstocks over two years. The assessed pomological traits included shelled fruit and kernel weight, fruit dimensions, and kernel ratio. Palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids were identified as the major fatty acids. Antioxidant activity and total phenol content ranged from 4.80 to 9.50 μmol TE g⁻¹ fresh weight (FW) and from 56.21 to 133.14 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹ FW, respectively, with seedling rootstocks showing higher values than Garnem and GF-677. Average shelled fruit and kernel weights were highest in the seedling/‘Ferraduel’ combination (7.43 g and 1.63 g, respectively) and lowest in Garnem/‘Ferragnes’ (4.71 g and 1.53 g, respectively). In this study, both seedling and GF-677 rootstocks led to higher shell and kernel weights than Garnem in both varieties. Compared to Garnem and GF-677 rootstocks, the Ferraduel and Ferragnes grafted onto seedling rootstock produced the lowest yield. Although Garnem rootstock produced the highest yield, GF-677 resulted in higher shelled and kernel weights and better fruit dimensions. Overall, GF-677 rootstock was identified as the most suitable option for the cultivation of both ‘Ferragnes’ and ‘Ferraduel’, as it combined high yield with favourable pomological characteristics

Synergistic effects of humic acid and boron on quantitative and qualitative traits of tomato

In tropical climates, environmental stresses impose significant obstacle to growing tomato plants and achieving higher fruit yield and better quality. The external treatment of humic acid and boron has the potential to address these challenges in tomato production. However, the interaction effects of humic acid and boron in tomato cultivation is largely elucidate. This research aimed to evaluate the impacts of humic acid and boron on growth parameters, yield, and quality features of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.). The treatments were consisted of three levels humic acid (0, 50 and 100 ppm) and boron (0, 25 and 50 ppm) and they were foliar sprayed at the vegetative, flowering, and fruit setting stages. The results revealed that combined application of humic acid and boron potentially improved the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of tomato plants over control.  The maximum plant height (121.10 cm), the dry weight of each plant (46.72 g), fruit diameter (6.1 cm), single fruit weight (70.4 g), yield per plant (4.45 kg) were observed in combined treatment of 100 ppm humic acid with 25 ppm boron at mature stage. Furthermore, TSS (4.90 °B), total sugar (5.06 mg), vitamin C (21.35 mg), protein (3.11%), ash (0.69 mg), lycopene (4.97 mg), and sodium (6.96 mg) content were higher in 100 ppm humic acid with 25 ppm boron as compared to control at mature stage. These findings revealed that the combined foliar application of humic acid with boron could be practical approach for increasing tomato production and improving quality traits of tomato in subtropical climatic regions

Assessing morpho-chemical and genetic diversity in acid limes germplasm using microsatellite markers

Acid limes are highly nutraceutical and have great market demand. In Pakistan, two lime varieties are cultivated including ‘Mexican lime’ and ‘Eustis limequat’. Hence, other potential varieties were characterized for morphogenetic variability. Leaf shape was elliptic in ‘Mexican lime’ and ‘Eustis limequat’ and obcordate in ‘Tahiti lime’, ‘Seedless lime’ and ‘Tavares limequat’ while the leaf area was greater in ‘Seedless lime’. ‘Tavares limequat’ developed the heaviest fruit (74.55 g) with greater fruit length while fruit diameter was higher in ‘Seedless lime’. Juice weight and juice percentage were greater in ‘Tavares limequat’ and ‘Seedless lime’ respectively. ‘Tahiti lime’, ‘Seedless lime’ and ‘Tavares limequat’ were found as a seedless variety. Titratable acidity was higher in ‘Eustis limequat’ while sugar to acid ratio was lower in ‘Eustis limequat’, ‘Mexican lime’ and ‘Seedless lime’ varieties. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers analysis revealed great genetic diversity among populations. Maximum alleles (9-11) were amplified by using CAC23 and CTT01 markers which showed higher discrimination and heterozygosity. CAC23 and CTT01 markers effectively amplified three alleles in triploids (‘Tahiti lime’ and ‘Seedless lime’), a single allele in diploids (‘Mexican lime’, ‘Eustis limequat’) and two alleles, including a unique allele in diploid ‘Tavares limequat’. Cluster analysis bunched closely related genotypes into two groups, STRUCTURE analysis confirmed the admixture nature of all genotypes and ‘Tavares limequat’ was found to be the most divergent. Conclusively, selected SSR markers effectively discriminated among diploid and polyploid acid limes and may be extended to other citrus species as well. These findings could be helpful for the selection and conservation of heterozygous material and utilization in breeding and germplasm enhancement programs

Functional properties and bioactive compounds of Opuntia mucilage under different irrigation regimes and its use as an additive in an edible coating

Nopal (Opuntia) varieties ‘Amarilla Olorosa’ ‘Cristalina’, ‘Dalia Roja’ and ‘Roja Lisa’ were subjected to three irrigation treatments: without irrigation (WI), supplementary irrigation (SI) (field capacity 0.28 m3 m-3 and 0.14 m3 m-3 permanent wilt point), and complete irrigation (CI) (100 % of crop evapotranspiration) for ~4 months. Mucilage was extracted from harvested cladodes for evaluation of swelling, water retention capacity (WRC), solubility, oil retention capacity (ORC), total polyphenol content (TPC), polyphenol profile, and antioxidant capacity. The highest swelling rates were found in the mucilage of ‘Roja Lisa’ and ‘Crystalline’ WI. The mucilage of ‘Roja Lisa’ WI presented the highest WRC and solubility. The highest ORC values were exhibited by the mucilage from ‘Amarillo Olorosa’ and ‘Dalia Roja’ CI. Likewise, the mucilage of 'Cristalina’ SI showed the highest TPC and antioxidant capacity. Phloretin, pterostilbene, and sinensetin were identified in the mucilage of the four varieties of nopal. Also, edible films of sodium alginate, fortified with Cristalina WI mucilage, were made. To improve the mechanical properties and nutritional composition of the coatings, edible films of sodium alginate were produced and enriched with Cristalina WI mucilage. The coatings presented low opacity and permeability to water vapor. Thus, limiting water to cactus plants could be a viable strategy to produce functional and bioactive mucilage that can be used as edible coating material for fruits and vegetables

Agronomic and economic evaluation of commercial organic manure doses in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) cultivation

This study evaluated the agronomic and economic effects of different organic manure doses recommended by commercial producers on watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) cultivation. Five treatments - chemical fertilization without organic manure (control), vermicompost, ovine manure, poultry manure, and bovine manure - were applied with three replications. Among the treatments, the company-recommended dose of ovine manure resulted in the highest yield (65.38 tons ha⁻¹) and net income (3,334.0 USD ha⁻¹), making it the most effective option. On average, organic manures increased fruit yield by 17.71% and rind thickness by 31.61%, the latter potentially reducing consumer satisfaction. Flesh firmness was lowest in the ovine manure treatment, while other manures showed no significant difference. Farmers should pay attention to the shelf life of watermelon fruit, especially if they prefer ovine manure due to the increase in yield and net income, taking into account that the intra-fruit hardness decreases. Bovine manure led to excessive nitrogen accumulation in leaves, and all treatments except poultry manure showed reduced phosphorus levels in the second season. Organic fertilization also decreased calcium content in leaves, and vermicompost-treated plants showed manganese deficiency, unlike the other treatments. Overall, the dose recommended by the ovine manure producer provided the most favorable balance between productivity, nutrient sufficiency, and economic return in watermelon cultivation