The Influence of selected physical methods on the content of starch and simple sugars in stored potato tubers

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of physical methods applied in agriculture (alternating magnetic field, impulse electric field, microwave radiation, C band ultraviolet radiation) on the content of starch and simple sugars in stored potato tubers (Solanum tuberosum L.) with regards to their economic use. The experiment which was carried out encompassed selected physical methods and the range of parameters which are usually used in experiments concerning stored potato crops in order to limit storage losses. The subject of the research encompassed potato tubers of medium-early and medium-late strains: Finezja, Redstar and Jelly. The starch content in the potato tubers was marked using the polarymetric method whilst a refractometer was used to mark the content of sugar. The tested material was stored in a cold storage room, in wooden boxes (in individual layers to ensure uniform conditions for the exchange of heat and biological material mass with the surroundings). The thermohigrometric conditions during storage complied with potato tuber storage methodology and the storage period lasted 179 days. In the tubers exposed to the influence of physical methods, a greater loss of starch and increased content of simple sugars were observed following the storage period with reference to the control sample.