International Potato Center

Abstract Background Epidemiological and phenotypic variability across regions for IBD is well recognised; however, data from Latin America (LATAM) remain limited. Furthermore, specific data Crohn’s Disease (CD) related perianal fistula (PF-CD), a severe phenotype of CD is not available from across LATAM countries. This study aimed to compare the demographic, clinical, and phenotypic characteristics of PF-CD across four LATAM cohorts. Methods A retrospective study was conducted including patients with an established diagnosis of PF-CD from Argentina (N = 75), Chile (N = 49), Colombia (N = 145), and Peru (N = 22). Variables assessed included age at fistula diagnosis, CD duration prior to fistula onset, and prior exposure to immunomodulators and corticosteroids. Inter-country comparisons were performed using the chi-square test for categorical variables and the Kruskal–Wallis test for continuous variables. Results Based on the demographic profile described in Table 1, the cohort included 291 patients with a median age of 30 years at Crohn’s disease diagnosis and 31 years at PF-CD diagnosis, with a predominance of non-stricturing, non-penetrating disease (55%) and colonic or ileocolonic involvement (79%). As shown in Table 2, the median delay from CD diagnosis to PF-CD onset was 21 months [6–48], with substantial variation across countries. Overall, 54% of fistulas were classified as simple and 46% as complex. Active proctitis was present in 44% of patients, with the highest proportions observed in Argentina and Peru. Proctectomy was required in 3% of the cohort, though with notable inter-country variation. These findings highlight the clinical heterogeneity of PF-CD across Latin American settings. Conclusion This multicentre LATAM analysis demonstrates substantial inter-country variability in PF-CD presentation, including differences in disease behaviour, fistula complexity, and time to fistula development. Nearly half of patients presented with complex fistulas, and active proctitis was frequent across cohorts. These results underscore the importance of improving early detection and optimising multidisciplinary management. Overall, the findings highlight the phenotypic heterogeneity of PF-CD in Latin America and support the need for region-specific clinical strategies. Conflict of interest: Dr. Pavez, Carolina: No conflict of interest Juliao Baños, Fabián: No conflict of interest Balderramo, Domingo Cesar: No conflict of interest Cedron Cheng, Hugo Guillermo: No conflict of interest Hernandez-Rocha, Cristian: No conflict of interest Parra Izquierdo, Leidy Viviana: None Osorio, Laura: No conflict of interest Gil Parada, Fabio Leonel: No conflict of interest Puentes-Manosalva, Fabian: No conflict of interest Pizarro, Paula A.: No conflict of interest Etchevers, Maria Josefina: No conflict of interest Sobrero, Maria Josefina: No conflict of interest Montero, Joaquin: No conflict of interest Gil, Anibal Hector: No conflict of interest Sanchez, Maria Belen: No conflict of interest Sambuelli, Alicia: no Balaban, Ezequiel: No conflict of interest Rohwain, María José: No conflict of interest Alvarez-lobos, Manuel: No Conflicts Bellolio, Felipe: No conflict of interest Sepúlveda, Ignacia: No conflict of interest Hernandez, Elisa: No conflict of interest Pérez, Tamara: No conflict of interest Estay, Camila: No conflict of interest Rojas, René: No conflict of interest Sepulveda, Rolando: No conflict of interest Perez Alfaro, Ignacio: No conflict of interest Paredes Mendez, Juan: No conflict of interest Cervera Caballero, Luis: No conflict of interest Sebastian, Shaji: No conflict of interest Catalàn-Serra, Ignacio: No conflict of interest

This study assessed the deficit in neuroanatomy knowledge among neurosurgical trainees in Andean Latin America and tested a novel neuroanatomy curriculum using nontraditional educational resources. A total of 132 neurosurgical trainees with up to 5 years of experience in Andean Latin America participated in a 2-day neurosurgical anatomy course covering both supratentorial and infratentorial areas. Seventy-seven participants attended in person, with 37 receiving lectures only and 40 participating in both lectures and hands-on sessions. A subgroup of each cohort was granted access to a website featuring neurosurgical anatomy video lectures in Spanish. Fifty-five additional participants had access only to the neurosurgical anatomy website resource. Participants completed neurosurgical anatomy surveys immediately and at 3-month follow-up. The scores were categorized into excellence levels (subpar, basic, advanced, and connoisseur). Forty-nine of 77 (64%) course participants showed improvement in anatomic knowledge. Participants who received hands-on training were more likely to improve their scores (35 of 40; 88%) compared with those without hands-on training (15 of 37; 41%; difference 47%, 95% CI: 28.1%-65.8%, P < .01). Among all participants with website access (n = 94), 63 (67%) improved their tier of excellence compared with 10 of 38 (26%) without website access (difference 41%, 95% CI: 23.8%-57.6%, P < .01). Continued website access was an independent predictor of success (r = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.60%-0.78%, P < .001). This study underscores the need to enhance neurosurgical education in the Andean region. Combining online resources with hands-on training holds promise in addressing neuroanatomy knowledge deficits. Tailored educational programs can mitigate educational disparities in global neurosurgery.

En el marco del Año Internacional de la Sanidad Vegetal (AISV), el Centro Internacional de la Papa (CIP) el “Taller Regional sobre el Complejo Bactericera cockerelli, Zebra chip y punta morada en papa y otros solanáceas” desarrolla en Lima, Peru, del 2 al 3 de diciembre del 2025. Asistieron 27 profesionales provenientes de Bolivia (3), Colombia (2), Ecuador (4), Peru (17) representando a organizaciones gubernamentales, universidades, centro de investigación. dieciséis expertos nacionales e internacionales expusieron temas de relevancia sobre las plagas de Bactericera cockerelli (psílido de la papa), Cadidatus Liberibacter solanacerum (Manchado interno de la papa o Zebra chip), y Candidatus Phytoplasma aurantifolia (punta morada). Las presentaciones estuvieron relacionadas de manera integral al monitoreo, diagnóstico y control de Bactericera cockerelli, Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum y fitoplasmas en el Perú, Ecuador y Colombia, además de temas sobre modelamiento de plagas, trampeo, así como capacitaciones a agricultores y extensionistas. Se identificaron las actividades que se están realizando en Ecuador, Colombia y Peru donde se ha reportado estas plagas y en Bolivia donde aún no fueron reportadas. La actividad más importante identificada en el grupo de trabajo es establecer los temas prioritarios para enfrentar al complejo punta morada, se identificaron temas relacionados a la gobernanza, vigilancia, investigación, capacitación y sensibilización y normativa que se tenga entre los países en riesgo de esta plaga. Así mismo se identificaron posibles donantes para poder trabajar en conjunto mediante alianzas estratégicas. El evento fue posteado 2 veces por la página de Facebook del CIP alcanzando 2,234 reproducciones en la foto, y en el video alcanzo a 2160 reproducciones por otro lado se realizó 1 posts en Instagram con un alcance de 3,334 reproducciones.

This report documents the optimization of the ILCYM platform through the incorporation of the new “Complements” module, which reduces critical bottlenecks in data management, standardization, and preprocessing. The platform now integrates curated repositories of life tables, phenology, and climate data (FLT), improves reproducibility, and transforms complex outputs into actionable inputs for pest monitoring and management. With a roadmap that includes machine learning, integration with global databases, and visualization enhancements, the document aligns strongly with Resilient Agrifood Systems, Climate-smart Agriculture, and Regenerative Agriculture, solidifying ILCYM as a strategic CGIAR tool for plant health under climate change.

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam) production is threatened by complex viral diseases, notably sweet potato virus disease (SPVD) worldwide, which results from co-infection by sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) and sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV). This study provides virus-specific transcriptomic insights into the immune responses of three sweetpotato cultivars, 'Beauregard', 'Tanzania', and 'New Kawogo', to SPFMV, SPCSV, and SPVD. Using RNA-seq profiling across three timepoints post-infection at 3, 6, and 12 weeks, we identified distinct virus- and genotype-specific gene expression responses. 'New Kawogo' activated early and sustained immune pathways involving redox regulation, transcriptional control, and hormonal signaling in response to both SPCSV and SPFMV, while showing minimal transcriptional disruption under SPVD, reflecting robust tolerance. 'Beauregard' exhibited early suppression of immune and metabolic genes, with delayed and disorganized recovery efforts, particularly under SPVD. Defense-related pathways including NBS-LRR signaling, RNA silencing, and hormonal regulation were consistently upregulated in 'New Kawogo' and to a lesser extent in 'Tanzania', but remained inactive in 'Beauregard'. This study highlights candidate resistance and susceptibility genes for each virus, providing a molecular basis for developing virus-resilient sweetpotato cultivars through functional genomics and marker-assisted breeding. These findings elucidate the molecular basis of virus resistance in sweetpotato and identify candidate genes for marker-assisted breeding, despite limitations arising from the use of a diploid reference genome and discrete sampling intervals.

The sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) is an important food crop in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, but its yield and quality are heavily affected by viral diseases. Timely and precise detection of virus infections is essential for effective monitoring of seed health and disease management. We evaluated the feasibility of using a compact, ultra-portable LAMP-based diagnostic device—initially designed for human health applications—for detecting key sweetpotato viruses (SPCSV, SPFMV, and SPLCV). Field and greenhouse samples were tested, showing 100% agreement in virus detection with a larger commonly used LAMP device. Sensitivity tests confirmed consistent performance, and the use of portable power banks enabled reliable on-site use. The statistical analysis indicated high accuracy and strong correlation in time-to-positive values between methods (r > 0.89, p < 0.01). Furthermore, cost analysis demonstrated that the pocket LAMP device setup significantly reduced per-test costs—by approximately 40%—while maintaining diagnostics reliability. These findings support the potential of this tool on plant virus detection in locations with limited resources.

The quantification of genotype x environment interaction is essential for recommending high-yielding genotypes for both favorable and unfavorable environments, thereby increasing production. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of sweet potato genotypes in the central–east and central–south regions of São Paulo. The experiments were conducted using a randomized block design with 9 plants per plot and 3 replications, consisting of 18 sweet potato genotypes and 3 commercial cultivars, totaling 21 treatments. The characteristics, such as commercial productivity, dry matter, chroma, hue, insect resistance, eyes, and lenticels showed genotype x environment interaction for 77.78% of the variables. The maximum productivity of the genotypes ranged from 31.81 t/ha−1 to 63.60 t/ha−1. Heritability was observed in 88.89% of the analyzed traits, with values ranging from 75.36% to 93.47%, indicating a significant genetic influence on the evaluated characteristics. Location 4 (first cycle in Botucatu, 20 December 2021) was superior and considered the most suitable for sweet potato cultivation. The genotypes CERAT60-05, CERAT56-23, CERAT60-26, and CERAT35-11 performed best, showing promise as new cultivars.

BACKGROUNDPrimary malignant cutaneous adnexal neoplasms are rare and can spread locally or to lymph nodes, and very infrequently to distant sites, such as the brain. Their management is poorly documented, and there are no established clinical practice guidelines for treatment.OBSERVATIONSA 57-year-old male underwent surgery 2 years earlier for adenocarcinoma of the cutaneous adnexa of the right arm. He was admitted to the emergency department with a 15-day history of drowsiness, dysarthria, and signs consistent with frontal lobe involvement. Preoperative MRI revealed a heterogeneous left frontal lobe tumor with contrast enhancement of a solid mass. A craniotomy and complete tumor resection were performed. He then received radiosurgery (27 Gy). MRI studies at 1 and 6 months postoperatively showed complete resection. These tumors are rare and originate from hair follicles, sebaceous glands, or sweat glands. They have an overall 5-year survival rate of 78.2%, but the metastasis rate can range from 15% to 30%. The treatment approaches are not well described in the literature; combinations of surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiotherapy are utilized.LESSONSMalignant cutaneous adnexal neoplasms are rare conditions that need precise diagnosis and prompt multidisciplinary treatment.https://thejns.org/doi/10.3171/CASE25447

The introduction of quality-certified seed (QCS) in the informal farmer network-based seed systems, which have largely relied on informal signals of quality, represents a promising innovation towards integrated seed sector development, combining formal and informal sector elements. At the same time, behavioral nudges have emerged as potentially powerful ways to encourage the uptake of innovations among smallholder farmers in developing countries. Here we examine whether nudges may be used to influence adoption rates of QCS in an informal seed system. We focused on the use of text message reminders to increase the repurchase of sweetpotato vines that are certified to be free of pests and diseases. Our study site was a sweetpotato growing district in Uganda where yield is severely depressed due to sweetpotato virus disease and sweetpotato weevils. We used a randomized controlled trial involving 120 village clusters to test the effectiveness of text message reminders. We observe some indication that initial text reminders increased the likelihood of repurchase. In subsequent seasons, additional reminders reduced this likelihood. This suggests that simple reminders may be a useful tool to encourage the swifter integration of formal and informal elements in seed systems, but that their repeated use may be counterproductive. This study highlights the potential and limitations of using behavioral nudges to promote sustainable demand for quality seed in informal seed systems. Text reminders can initially encourage adoption of quality seed. However, careful consideration is needed regarding their frequency and implementation to avoid negative effects. • Reliance on informal seed systems reduces yields due to pests and disease buildup. • Text reminders increased initial quality sweetpotato seed repurchase by 4 % in Uganda. • Repeated reminders lost effectiveness and gave negative results in the second year. • Wealth, age, education and land access also affect quality seed repurchase decisions. • Strategically timed reminders are critical for a sustained quality seed adoption.

Abstract Common bean ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a globally important legume with significant nutritional and agronomic value. Genetic diversity in Amazonian landraces remains undercharacterized, limiting their utilization in breeding programs. Here we analyzed 647 accessions from the Peruvian Amazon using 18 morphological traits and 23,050 high-quality DArTseq single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Our results revealed two major genetic groups corresponding to Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools, each subdivided into distinct subgroups, exhibiting high allelic richness and structured diversity. Despite abundant polymorphic loci, observed heterozygosity was low, consistent with the species’ self-pollinating nature. These findings highlight the Peruvian Amazon as a reservoir of unique genetic variation, underscoring the need for integrated in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. This germplasm offers valuable resources for breeding programs targeting tropical adaptation and resilience, contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.