Abstract

BACKGROUND Climate change is creating significant challenges for global agriculture, with the increased frequency and intensity of water stress events affecting the productivity of key crops. Among these crops, potato (Solanum tuberosum) stands out as the fifth most important crop worldwide because of its high nutritional value and economic relevance. However, its superficial root system makes it particularly vulnerable to water scarcity, and innovative solutions are needed to improve its resilience and sustainability. In this study, the metabolic and productive effects on potato crops under water stress conditions were evaluated through the application of a bioencapsulated soil yeast (Candida guilliermondii) and iron nanoparticles (Fe2O3 NPs). The yield parameters (weight and number of tubers), accumulation of phenolic compounds by chromatographic methods and antioxidant activity by spectroscopic methods were evaluated.RESULTS The most relevant results indicate that the combination of Candida guilliermondii and NPs increased tuber weight (up to 220%) and promoted the accumulation of key phenolic compounds, such as chlorogenic acids, caffeoylquinic acid derivatives and sinapic acid, especially under water stress conditions. Increases in antioxidant activity were observed under normal irrigation conditions, with C. guilliermondii increasing the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity by 26% when NPs were not applied. Additionally, the copper ion antioxidant capacity increased by 125% in the treatment of C. guilliermondii with NPs, as did the oxygen radical absorbance capacity.CONCLUSION These findings highlight the potential of NPs and growth-promoting microorganisms as sustainable tools to mitigate the effects of water stress, which can be used to improve not only the yield but also the functional value of potato crops.