Carotenoid Composition of Jackfruit (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Artocarpus heterophyllus</Emphasis>), Determined by HPLC-PDA-MS/MS

Carotenoids are pigments responsible for the yellow-reddish color of many foods and are related to important functions and physiological actions, preventing several chronic-degenerative diseases. The objective of this study was to confirm the carotenoid composition of jackfruit by high-performance liquid chromatography connected to photodiode array and mass spectrometry detectors (HPLC-PDA-MS/MS). The main carotenoids were all-trans-lutein (24–44%), all-trans-β-carotene (24–30%), all-trans-neoxanthin (4–19%), 9-cis-neoxanthin (4–9%) and 9-cis-violaxanthin (4–10%). Either qualitative or quantitative differences, mainly related to the lutein proportion, were found among three batches of jackfruit. Since the fruits from batch A showed significantly lower contents for almost all carotenoids, it also had the lowest total carotenoid content (34.1 μg/100 g) and provitamin A value, whereas the total carotenoid ranged from 129.0 to 150.3 μg/100 g in the other batches. The provitamin A values from batches B and C were 3.3 and 4.3 μg RAE/100 g, respectively. The carotenoid composition of jackfruit was successfully determined, where 14 of the 18 identified carotenoids were reported for first time. Differences among batches may be due to genetic and/or agricultural factors.     

Influence of post-harvest storage temperature and gamma irradiation on potato carotenoids

Summary A comparative study of nine Indian potato varieties showed a good correlation between their total carotenoid content and the tuber flesh colour. Regardless of varietal differences, carotenoid level showed an increase during storage at ambient temperature (25–30°C) and to a lesser extent at 2–4°C and 15°C. Tubers exposed to an irradiation dose of 10 krad for sprout inhibition showed decreased levels of carotenoids during storage, particularly at 15°C where 50% loss was observed after 6 months of storage. Irradiated tubers stored for seven months at 15°C, on reconditioning at 34–35°C for 6 to 12 days showed a 2- to 6-fold increase in their carotenoid content.     

Antioxidant in Mango (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mangifera indica</Emphasis> L.) Pulp

This work was carried out to investigate the pulp composition of four mango cultivars (Haden, Tommy Atkins and Ubá) at the ripening stage in relation to three components with antioxidant potential (total phenolics, carotenoids and ascorbic acid). Total phenolic compound content was estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and total carotenoid content by spectrophotometry at 450 nm. The contents of β-carotene and total vitamin C (ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid) were quantified by high performance liquid chromatography. Differences were found among the four mango cultivars in all the components analyzed. The content of phenolic compounds ranged from 48.40 (Haden) to 208.70 mg/100 g (Ubá); total carotenoid from 1.91 (Haden) to 2.63 mg/100 g (Palmer); β-carotene from 661.27 (Palmer) to 2,220 μg/100 g (Ubá) and total ascorbic acid ranged from 9.79 (Tommy Atkins) to 77.71 mg/100 g (Ubá). These results corroborated previous information that mangoes are a good source of antioxidants in human diet.     

Antioxidant,Antimicrobial and Genotoxicity Screening of Hydro-alcoholic Extracts of Five Serbian <Emphasis Type="Italic">Equisetum</Emphasis> Species

The hydro-alcoholic extracts of five Equisetum species, E. arvense L., E. sylvaticum L., E. fluviatile L., E. palustre L. and E. telmateia Ehrh., growing-wild in Serbia were evaluated for their genotoxicity, antimicrobial activity, antioxidant capacity and the results related to the total phenol content and HPLC flavonoid profiles. The total phenol content was 92–349 μmol expressed as equivalents of chlorogenic acid per g of dried plant material. Main identified compounds were kaempferol-, quercetin- glycosides and caffeic acid derivatives. E. telmateia extract showed the greatest antioxidant capacity. Almost all tested microorganisms demonstrated some degree of sensitivity to the examined extracts. All tested extracts at 62.5 μg/ml showed higher incidence of micronucleus formation than in the control sample. The obtained data allowed mutual comparison of examined species and their assessment as possible sources of antioxidants, antimicrobials and/or genotoxic substances.     

Genetic variability in yellow pigment components in cultivated and wild tetraploid wheats

Yellow pigment concentration (YPC) in durum wheat is an important criterion in the assessment of semolina quality, particularly in determining the commercial and nutritional quality of end-products. Genetic variability of YPC and carotenoid components was analysed in 102 wild and cultivated tetraploid wheat accessions in two trials. Overall, modern cultivars showed significantly higher values of YPC compared to old cultivars and wild ssp. dicoccum and ssp. dicoccoides accessions. Total carotenoid concentration varied between 1.178 and 4.416 μg/g with an average of 2.460 μg/g. The portion of carotenoids amounted to 33.2% of the YPC in 80 wheat accessions examined in the 2006 trial. Lutein was the main component of carotenoids, followed by zeaxanthin and β-carotene. α-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin were minor components. Pigment concentration was negatively correlated with kernel weight and grain protein concentration. Significant positive correlations were found between b* index and YPC. Knowledge of the carotenoid composition and concentration is useful for wheat breeders in the development of cultivars with high yellow colour and enhanced phytochemical concentrations, and provides valuable information for evaluating contributions to health benefits from the consumption of durum wheat end-products.     

Variation in Contents of Total Phenolics and Flavonoids and Antioxidant Activities in the Leaves of 11 <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eriobotrya</Emphasis> Species

Eriobotrya plants are known to have significant amounts of phenolics and flavonoids, and exhibit a strong antioxidant activity. Experiments were conducted to examine variation in the contents of total phenolics and flavonoids, and antioxidant activities in the leaves of 11 Eriobotrya species (Tibet loquat, Daduhe loquat, Hengchun loquat, Taiwan loquat, Oak leaf loquat, Bengal loquat, Fragrant loquat, Guangxi loquat, Obovate loquat, Big flower loquat, and common loquat, the last species include two materials, one is a cultivar ‘Zaozhong 6’, another is a wild tree). In these species, ‘Zaozhong 6′ loquat is a cultivar. The leaf extracts of ‘Tibet’, ‘Obovate’, ‘Taiwan’, ‘Bengal’ and ‘Hengchun’ loquats exhibited significantly higher contents of total flavonoids and total phenolics, compared with those of other species. Of these 11 species, the highest contents of total phenolics and total flavonoids were observed in ‘Tibet’ and ‘Obovatae’ loquats, respectively. The significantly stronger antioxidant abilities assessed by the DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power were obtained in the leaf extracts of ‘Taiwan’, ‘Tibet’, ‘Bengal’, ‘Oak leaf’, ‘Hengchun’ and ‘Obovate’ loquats, compared with the other species. In addition, significant correlations were found between the contents of total phenolics or flavonoids and DPPH radical scavenging activity/reducing power. This work indicates that the leaf extracts of the wild Eriobotrya species, ‘Tibet’, ‘Obovatae’, ‘Taiwan’, ‘Bengal’, ‘Oak leaf’ and ‘Hengchun’ loquats, exhibited significantly higher levels of total phenolics and flavonoids, and significantly stronger antioxidant activities, compared with the cultivated species, ‘Zaozhong 6′ loquat, which suggests that these wild species have a better utilization value.     

Wild tuber-bearing species ofSolanum and incidence ofPhytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary on the Western slopes of the volcano Nevado de Toluca. 2. Distribution ofPhytophthora infestans

Summary An area of 15 000 ha on the Western slopes of the volcano Nevado de Toluca was surveyed during 1982–1986. The occurrence of late blight (Phytophthora infestans) was studied in 1986 along five long (7–10 km) transects from an altitude of 2900 m to 3900 m, the upper limit ofSolanum demissum (dms) and in all years in some other sites. Late blight was confined to scattered pockets, 100–500 m in diameter, separated by several kilometers. In 789 colonies of wildSolanum spp., each consisting of 4 to >100 plants per colony ofdms, verrucosum (ver), iopetalum, brachycarpum, × edinense, stoloniferum or one unidentified species, symptoms were found in 10% of the colonies or less than 1% of the plants in each colony. Plants had few (1–2) lesions which did not affect vigour. No infected tubers were found. Most (64%) of the infected colonies were ofdms, the predominant species (69%). Colonies ofver were less frequent (11%) and 17% were infected. No infected plants were found in the unidentified species, thought to bedms×ver.     

Determination of Antioxidant Constituents in Cactus Pear Fruits

An analytical study was carried out on the presence of antioxidant constituents and the in vitro antioxidant capacity in the extracts of three species of Spanish red-skinned cactus pear fruits (Opuntia ficus-indica, Opuntia undulata and Opuntia stricta). The cactus pear fruit extracts were analyzed for determined constituents: ascorbic acid, flavonoids (quercetin, isorhamnetin, myricetin, kaempferol and luteolin), betalains, taurine, total carotenoids and total phenolics. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by means of two different methods: the 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) method and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical method. Opuntia ficus-indica fruit extract had the strongest antioxidant capacity and taurine content. O. stricta fruits were the richest in ascorbic acid and total phenolics, whereas O. undulata fruits showed the highest carotenoid content. Quercetin and isorhamnetin were the main flavonoids detected. This study provides basic information on the presence of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity in extracts of cactus pear fruits, in order to consider these extracts as ingredient for the production of health-promoting food.     

Geographical Location has Greater Impact on Carotenoid Content and Bioaccessibility from Tomatoes than Variety

The suggested health benefits of consuming tomatoes and tomato-based products have been attributed, in part, to the carotenoids present in these foods. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to (i) analyse carotenoid content and bioaccessibility from different tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) types namely cherry, plum, round, and certain tomatoes-on-the-vine; and (ii) determine if geographical location (Ireland vs Spain) influenced the content and bioaccessibility of carotenoids in tomatoes of the same variety. Carotenoid bioaccessibility is defined as the amount of ingested carotenoids that, after digestion, are available for absorption by intestinal cells. Differences were seen in carotenoid content and bioaccessibility between the different tomato types tested. For instance, Irish round high-lycopene tomatoes contained the greatest amounts of lycopene and lutein but lowest levels of β-carotene compared with the other Irish tomatoes. Furthermore, the content and bioaccessibility of carotenoids that were sourced from Ireland and Spain also varied greatly. Spanish tomatoes were generally superior in the content, bioaccessibility, and micelle content of carotenoids. To conclude, our findings suggest that geographical location, rather than the type of tomato, seems to have a more pronounced effect on carotenoid bioaccessibility from tomatoes.     

Enzymatic treatment to enhance carotenoid content in dehydrated marigold flower meal

The effect of enzymatic treatments using a commercial enzyme (Econase-cep at pH 5.0 and 0.1% w/w concentration) at different levels of dehydrated marigold meal (5, 10, 15 and 20% dry weight), to enhance carotenoid extraction, was evaluated. The AOAC method consisting of a simultaneous extraction and saponification by using hexane-ethanol-acetonetoluene (10:6:7:7 v/v) and metanolic KOH (40% w/v) was used to evaluate the carotenoid content. The measurement of carotenoids was also carried out in samples in which the water soluble compounds were previously eliminated (AOAC-H₂O). Total carotenoids ranged from 11.4 to 17. 4 g/kg and 18 to 24.7 g/kg of control and treated marigold meal, respectively. Highest amount of carotenoids were noted when 5% level of treated meal was used.     

Antioxidant Capacity and Antimutagenic Activity of Natural Oleoresin from Greenhouse Grown Tomatoes (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lycopersicon esculentum</Emphasis>)

Natural oleoresins rich in lycopene were obtained from two varieties of tomato (Zedona and Gironda) and their nutraceutical potential (antioxidant and antimutagenic capacity) was evaluated. Both oleoresins had a high content of lycopene, 58.33 ± 1.67 mg/g (Zedona) and 63.97 ± 0.80 mg/g (Gironda). The antioxidant activity (AA) of the oleoresins by β-carotene method were 56.4–74.5% (Zedona) and 51–72.8% (Gironda), while when using the free radical stable 2,2-diphenyl-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) method, the antiradical activity (ARA) was determined to be 18.2–32.7% (Zedona) and 16.6–26.7% (Gironda) for the concentrations tested that of 200–400 μM equivalents of lycopene. The antimutagenic activity of the oleoresins was tested against aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) using the microsuspension assay, both varieties had a very high antimutagenic potential against AFB₁ (60–66%).These results suggest the NCRT can be taken advantage to obtaining rich oleoresin in lycopene with a nutraceutical value.     

Analysis of Flavonoids from Leaves of Cultivated <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lycium barbarum</Emphasis> L.

Leaves of Lycium barbarum are widely used as medicine vegetables and functional tea in China. The main flavonoids present in the leaves were separated and identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry (LC-(APCI) MS) and ultraviolet-visible spectra with shift additives. The predominant flavonoid was identified as rutin. Leaves are the rutin-rich parts (16.03–16.33 mg/g). In the wild and cultivated L. barbarum fruits, contents of rutin were determined very low (0.09–1.38 mg/g). The contents of total flavonoids (21.25 mg/g) of cultivated L. barbarum leaves were much higher than those in the wild L. barbarum leaves (17.86 mg/g), so cultivated barbarum leaves are a suitable source for medicine vegetables and functional tea.     

Association of Potato Psyllid (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bactericera cockerelli</Emphasis>; Hemiptera: Triozidae) with <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lycium</Emphasis> spp. (Solanaceae) in Potato Growing Regions of Washington,Idaho, and Oregon

Potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (?ulc), causes economic damage to potato crops throughout the major potato growing regions of western North America. When cultivated crops are not available, potato psyllid often occurs on non-crop hosts. In the southern U.S. and northern Mexico, native species of Lycium (Solanaceae) are important non-crop hosts for the psyllid. We determined whether Old World species of Lycium now widespread in the Pacific Northwest are reservoirs of potato psyllid in this growing region. We examined Lycium spp. across a wide geographic region in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho at irregular intervals during three growing seasons. Potato psyllids were present at all locations. To determine whether Lycium is also a host during intervals of the year in which the potato crop is not available, we monitored a subset of these sites over the entire year. Six sites were monitored at 1- to 3-week intervals from June 2014 to June 2016. Psyllids were present on Lycium throughout the year at all sites, including during winter, indicating that Lycium is also a host when the potato crop is seasonally not available. Psyllid populations included a mixture of Northwestern and Western haplotypes. We observed well-defined spring and fall peaks in adult numbers, with peaks separated by long intervals in which psyllid numbers were very low. Seasonal patterns in psyllid numbers on these non-native Lycium hosts were very similar to what has been observed on native Lycium in the desert southwest region of the U.S. Our findings demonstrate that potato psyllid associates with Lycium across a broad geographic region within the Pacific Northwest. These results will assist in predicting sources of potato psyllid colonizing potatoes in this important growing region.     

Effect of traditional processing practices on the content of total carotenoid, β-carotene, α-carotene and vitamin A activity of selected Tanzanian vegetables

The α-carotene, β-carotene and total provitamin A carotenoids and the effect of traditional processing practices on the retention of these provitamins were studied using amaranth, cowpea, peanut, pumpkin and sweet potato leaves. Results of this study indicated that the content of total carotenoids, β-carotene and α-carotene were in the range of 26.79–44.74 mg, 4.16–19.12 mg, and 0.99–10.26 mg per 100 g of dry vegetables, respectively. The vitamin A activities were 4.042, 3.124, 0.829, 2.025 and 1.581 mg RE per 100 g of dry amaranth, cowpea, peanut, pumpkin and sweet potato leaves, respectively. The traditional processing practices of sun drying and storage in ventilated containers resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the concentration of total carotenoids, β-carotene and α-carotene for all the vegetables. Conventional blanching and cooking resulted in a significant (p<0.05) increase in the concentration of carotenoids in the cowpea, peanut and pumpkin leaves while in amaranth and sweet potato greens, thermal processing resulted in a significant (p<0.05) decrese in the concentration of these nutrients.     

Enhancement of Xanthophyll Synthesis in Porphyra/Pyropia Species (Rhodophyta,Bangiales) by Controlled Abiotic Factors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Red alga species belonging to the Porphyra and Pyropia genera (commonly known as Nori), which are widely consumed and commercialized due to their high nutritional value. These species have a carotenoid profile dominated by xanthophylls, mostly lutein and zeaxanthin, which have relevant benefits for human health. The effects of different abiotic factors on xanthophyll synthesis in these species have been scarcely studied, despite their health benefits. The objectives of this study were (i) to identify the abiotic factors that enhance the synthesis of xanthophylls in Porphyra/Pyropia species by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of the xanthophyll content found in the literature, and (ii) to recommend a culture method that would allow a significant accumulation of these compounds in the biomass of these species. The results show that salinity significantly affected the content of total carotenoids and led to higher values under hypersaline conditions (70,247.91 µg/g dm at 55 psu). For lutein and zeaxanthin, the wavelength treatment caused significant differences between the basal and maximum content (4.16–23.47 µg/g dm). Additionally, in Pyropia spp., the total carotenoids were considerably higher than in Porphyra spp.; however, the lutein and zeaxanthin contents were lower. We discuss the specific conditions for each treatment and the relation to the ecological distribution of these species.     

Identification and Quantification of Steroidal Alkaloids from Wild Tuber-Bearing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum</Emphasis> Species by HPLC and LC-ESI-MS

Wild Solanum species are characterized by several types of glycoalkaloids (GAs), which are usually not found in commercial potato cultivars. These alkaloids serve as defence compounds against herbivores and microorganisms, especially fungi. In this study, the GA composition of tuber and leaf material of 17 wild Solanum species was analysed qualitatively by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS) and quantitatively by high-performance liquid chromatography. The GAs identified were α-solanine, α-chaconine, β-chaconine, solasonine, solamargine, demissine, dehydrodemissine, α-tomatine, dehydrotomatine, commersonine, dehydrocommersonine, leptine I and leptine II. Most species accumulated the common potato GAs α-solanine and α-chaconine in tubers and solasonine and solamargine additionally in leaves. In some species, such as S. acaule ssp. acaule, S. demissum and S. polyadenium, substantial amounts of unusual alkaloids were detected. By using LC-ESI-MS, we detected several minor alkaloids such as dehydrogenated forms of α-tomatine, demissine and commersonine for the first time. Total GA content, expressed as the sum of the four main alkaloids α-solanine, α-chaconine, solamargine and solasonine differed from species to species. In general, GA contents in leaf tissue were higher and GA patterns were more complex than those of tubers.     

Comparative Study on the Chemical Composition,Antioxidant Properties and Hypoglycaemic Activities of Two <Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum annuum</Emphasis> L. Cultivars (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acuminatum</Emphasis> small and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cerasiferum</Emphasis>)

The present study aimed to evaluate for the first time the phenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin content and the antioxidant and hypoglycemic properties of Capsicum annuum var. acuminatum small and C. annuum var. cerasiferum air-dried fruits. The ethanol extract of C. annuum var. acuminatum small, characterized by the major content of total poliphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids and capsaicinoids, showed the highest radical scavenging activity (IC₅₀ of 152.9 μg/ml). On the contrary, C. annuum var. cerasiferum showed a significant antioxidant activity evaluated by the β-carotene bleaching test (IC₅₀ of 3.1 μg/ml). The lipophilic fraction of both C. annuum var. acuminatum and C. annuum var. cerasiferum exhibited an interesting and selective inhibitory activity against α-amylase (IC₅₀ of 6.9 and 20.1 μg/ml, respectively).     

Antioxidant and Antimutagenic Activities of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Randia echinocarpa</Emphasis> Fruit

We report for the first time the antioxidant and antimutagenic activities of fractions from Randia echinocarpa fruit, which is a Rubiaceae plant native to Sinaloa, Mexico. This fruit has been traditionally used in the prevention or treatment of cancer, among other diseases. The pulp of the fruit was sequentially extracted with solvents of different polarity (i.e. hexane, chloroform, methanol and water). A high extraction yield was obtained with methanol (72.17% d.w.). The aqueous extract showed the highest content of phenolics (2.27 mg/g as ferulic acid equivalents) and the highest antioxidant activity based on the β-carotene bleaching method (486.15). The commercial antioxidant BHT was used as control (835.05). Antimutagenic activity of the aqueous extract (0–500 μg/tube) was evaluated using the Salmonella microsuspension assay (YG1024 strain) and 1-NP as the mutagen (50 and 100 ng/tube). The aqueous extract was neither toxic nor mutagenic and the percentage of inhibition on 1-NP mutagenicity was 32 and 53% at doses of 50 and 100 ng/tube, respectively. The results of the double incubation assay suggest that the extract inhibited the mutagenicity of 1-NP by a combination of desmutagenic and bioantimutagenic effects.     

Impact of Agronomic Strategies (Seed Tuber Pre-sprouting,Cultivar Choice) to Control Late Blight (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora infestans</Emphasis>) on Tuber Growth and Yield in Organic Potato (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum tuberosum</Emphasis> L.) Crops

In order to optimize potato crop management in organic farming systems, knowledge of crop growth processes in relation to limitations and reductions by nitrogen (N) and disease is necessary. This paper examines the effect of different prevention measures (seed tuber pre-sprouting, choice of cultivars: resistance to Phytophthora infestans; earliness of tuber initiation) against disease-related constraints on yields, depending on the N-mediated growing conditions of organic potato crops. Under conditions of a relatively high N supply, accelerating the early development and tuber initiation of potato crops by seed tuber pre-sprouting (yield increase of c. 18–23%) or the selective choice of cultivars with an earlier tuber initiation (yield increase of c. 0–21%) are the most effective strategies in combating late blight. They bring forward the crop development c. 7–10 days, escaping the negative impact of the fungus on tuber growth. Under conditions of a relatively low N supply, these strategies do not affect final tuber yield. The reason for the differences of the effect depending on N supply of the crops is, that the lower the N supply, the shorter the period of time over which tuber growth takes place, independent of whether P. infestans becomes severe or not. Tuber growth of organic crops low in N has mostly ceased by the time late blight becomes potentially important for limiting yield, with the consequence that preventative measures against P. infestans are meaningless. Surprisingly, the level of cultivar haulm resistance to late blight did not affect tuber yields in years with an early and strong late blight development. Probably, the positive effect of a longer resistance to the fungus (c. 1 week) was counterbalanced by a later tuber initiation (also c. 1 week). In years with a moderate late blight incidence, less susceptible cultivars were able to produce higher tuber yields on fields with a lower N availability (c. 17–20%), probably due to higher N use efficiency and a better match of N mineralization and N uptake. Under conditions of a relatively high N supply, the tested cultivars with a higher haulm resistance to late blight were not able to improve tuber yields.     

Cryotherapy of Potato Shoot Tips for Efficient Elimination of Potato Leafroll Virus (PLRV) and Potato Virus Y (PVY)

Viral diseases constitute a major constraint to high yield and high quality production of potato. Potato leafroll virus (PLRV) and Potato virus Y (PVY) are among the most damaging potato viruses and are prevalent in most potato growing areas. In the present study, attempts were made to eliminate PLRV and PVY by three cryogenic protocols, i.e., encapsulation-dehydration, encapsulation-vitrification and droplet. Results showed that both PLRV and PVY could be efficiently eliminated by cryogenic treatments with 83–86% and 91–95% of frequencies of virus-free plantlets obtained for the former and latter, respectively. Frequencies of virus-free plantlets produced by cryogenic treatments were higher than those by meristem culture (56% for PLRV and 62% for PVY) and thermotherapy (50% for PLRV and 65% for PVY), and similar to those by thermotherapy followed by meristem culture (90% for PLRV and 93% for PVY). Survival (75–85%) and regrowth (83–89%) from cryo-treated shoot tips were higher than those from meristem culture (50–55%) and thermotherapy followed by meristem culture (40–50%), but similar to those from thermotherapy (80–87%). The morphology of the plantlets regenerated from cryo-treated shoot tips was similar to that of non-treated plantlets. Thus, cryotherapy would provide an alternative method for efficient elimination of potato viruses, and can be simultaneously used for long-term storage of potato germplasm and for production of virus-free plants.