Genetic and environmental effects on levels of glycoalkaloids in cultivars of potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

Glycoalkaloids were assayed in fifty-five potato cultivars, fifty-four breeding lines and one other species ( S. stolonifer). The total glycoalkaloid content ranged from 16·3 μg/g FW for Alpha to 317·0 μg/g FW for Berita, with most values lying between 35 and 65 μg/g. The α-solanine content, as a percentage of total glycoalkaloids, ranged from 28·3% for Avenir to 57·0% for H42, with the majority of values lying between 38% and 46% α-solanine. There was a highly significant correlation between high total glycoalkaloid content and per cent α-solanine ( P < 1%). The presence of β 2-chaconine was also related in a highly significant way to high total glycoalkaloid content. Potatoes grown at Yanco (hot, dry, inland climate) contained more glycoalkaloids (∼60%) than when grown at Glen Innes (cooler, high altitude climate). However, there was no significant difference between total and relative glycoalkaloid levels of cultivars grown at Glen Innes and Healesville (coastal, temperate climate). A significantly higher per cent α-solanine content, but not total glycoalkaloid content, was observed for potatoes grown in the second year at Glen Innes.