JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

Physicochemical characteristics of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) are very important for storage and processing qualities. The amount of reducing sugars (glucose and fructose) and organic acids at harvest, during and after storage is the most important factor. In this study, three potato cultivars (Moran, Marfona and Agria) were collected, dry cleaned and graded into three sizes. They were analyzed for specific gravity and dry matter content. Potato tubers were stored at 4°C and about 85% R. H. for 15 weeks and then reconditioned at room temperature (25±l)°C for 4 weeks. During the storage period of tubers, sugars (sucrose, glucose and fructose) were analyzed on a weekly basis, but citric, D-malic and D-pyroglutamic were analyzed on a monthly basis by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Data were analyzed statistically in a completely randomized design with sampling and Duncans multiple range test.

The total sugar and organic acid contents of tubers significantly increased during the 15 weeks of storage at 4°C and decreased after reconditioning at room temperature. The size of tubers did not affect the accumulation of total sugars. Dry matter content and specific gravity of Agria tubers were higher than those of both Moran and Marfona. Also accumulation of reducing sugars was lower in Agria than in Moran and Morfona initially and after the storage and reconditioning periods. Therefore, Agria must be suitable for processing into chips or dry powder.