International Potato Center

About: International Potato Center is a facility organization based out in Lima, Peru. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Phytophthora infestans. The organization has 1036 authors who have published 1460 publications receiving 47183 citations.

An improved latex agglutination test for routine detection of potato viruses

Abstract: A modified latex agglutination test with plastic Petri dishes and the dispersant Tween-20 in the extraction buffer proved to be a simple, reliable procedure for routine detection of potato viruses X, Y, S, Andean potato laten and Andean potato mottle in leaves both of singly infected indicator hosts and potato. The main advantages of the modified method are that the flocculates found are large and easy to see, that equal or less amounts of sensitized latex are used, and that non-specific reactions occur less often than with other methods. The method is equally sensitive for detecting more than one virus when polyvalent latex is used.

Chromosome number doubling of 2x potato lines with diverse genetic background through tissue culture

Abstract: Twelve 2x potato clones of diverse genetic origin were tested for doubling of their chromosome number by placing stem and petiole segments in the regeneration medium (Hermsen et al., 1981). Eleven of the 12 clones yielded doubled plants (2n=4x=48). The percentages of regenerated tetraploid plants varied from 0 to 77% among the genotypes tested. The high rates of successful doubling from many genetically different clones, demonstrates the applicability of this method as a means to convert valuable 2x potato germplasm into the 4x level.

Exploring the Influence of Differentiated Nutrition Information on Consumers' Mental Models Regarding Foods from Edible Insects: A Means-End Chain Analysis.

Abstract: This study used a field experiment and means-end chain analysis to examine the effects of positive and perceived negative nutrition information on the households’ motivations to consume insect-based foods. It used a random sample of households drawn from rural communities in Kenya. The study found that provision of nutrition information on benefits of edible insects and perceived negative aspects of insect-based foods influences participants’ perceptions of insect-based foods and hence acceptance. We also found that tasting real products influenced the nature of mental constructs. The results provide marketers of edible insects with potential marketing messages for promotion.

Household dietary diversity, vitamin A consumption and food security in rural Tigray, Ethiopia.

Abstract: Objective To describe: household dietary diversity across four zones in Ethiopia; the relationship between household dietary diversity and consumption of vitamin A-rich foods; and the relationship between household dietary diversity and food security status. Design This was a cross-sectional survey. Data were collected using structured questionnaires in the local language. Household dietary diversity scores measured types of foods households consumed, and households were classified by food security status using a modified version of the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. An ordinal logistics regression model was created to assess the relationship between three tiers of dietary diversity (low, medium and high) and food security while controlling for agricultural zone, educational variables and household characteristics. Setting Rural households in Tigray, Ethiopia. Subjects Three hundred households in Tigray, Ethiopia, were interviewed. Results Of the households, 23, 47 and 30 % had low, medium and high dietary diversity, respectively. Among households with high dietary diversity, eggs and fruit were the most common foods added to the diet. In the fully adjusted model, participants who reported being food secure had 1·8 increased odds of greater dietary diversity (95 % CI 1·0, 3·2) compared with participants who were food insecure. Conclusions Food security was positively associated with dietary diversity. In order to enhance health, interventions that improve dietary diversity and vitamin A consumption should remain important areas of focus for health leaders in the region.