Concentrations of some macroelements in potato tubers stored at 4ºC and 8ºC

Abstract

The objective of the investigations was to evaluate changes in concentrations of total protein (nitrogen x 6.25), phosphorus and potassium in tubers of two potato cultivars: Rywal and Saturna, as dependent on the application of herbicides (Afalon 50 WP, Azogard 50 WP, Sencor 70 WG, and Apyros 75 WG), after harvest and after 3 and 6 months of storage. Concentrations of total protein, phosphorus and potassium in potato tubers were strongly conditioned by genetic features of the cultivars. The tubers collected from the objects sprayed with the herbicides over the vegetation period contained by 3.7%, 8.1%, and by 3.5% more protein, phosphorus and potassium, respectively, than those nursed exclusively mechanically. The corresponding values in the latter case reached respectively (means for the objects with the use of herbicides) 24.4 g kg-1, 660.5 mg kg-1 and 5351.3 mg kg-1. After 3 and 6 months of storage at 8°C, the content of nitrogen was significantly lower. Similarly, tubers stored at 4oC contained significantly less nitrogen, but not earlier than after 6 months. In contrast, concentrations of phosphorus and potassium did not change significantly over the storage of tubers in chambers with the lower temperature (4°C).