Quality Of Potato Tubers Research Articles

Evaluation of tuber quality, yield and yield related traits of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) genotypes at Holetta, Central Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, potato is a food security and income generating crop for millions of smallholder farmers. Previous research efforts related to variety development was focusing on tube yield and late blight resistance with wide adaptability. So far, the potato research program in the country however, devoted less on tuber quality traits and processing parameters except few recently released varieties that considered tuber quality traits for processing. These few potato varieties with processing qualities not yet satisfied the ever-emerging processing industries for chips and French fries in the country. Hence, this study aimed to seek evaluating more potato genotypes that have merits for tuber quality traits used for processing and yield attributes. The experiment was laid out in a randomized completed block design with three replications using 24 potato genotypes to evaluate the processing quality traits of advanced potato genotypes at Holetta Agricultural Research Centre in 2017 main cropping season. The results of the analysis of variance revealed that all the traits showed significant differences among the genotypes indicating there is wide genetic variation. The highest and significantly different tuber physical quality traits of geometric mean diameter and surface area was recorded from CIP395017.229, sphericity of the tuber from CIP396027.205, and length to width ratio from CIP399075.7. The specific gravity of tubers, dry matter content and total starch content also ranged from 1.070 to 1.103 gcm−3, 18.67 to 25.75%, and 12.64% to 18.95%, respectively. The five advanced genotypes CIP398098.65, CIP392617.54, CIP398190.404, CIP394611.112, and C398190.89 were selected for their high total tuber yields over 36.80 t/ha, with more than 31.47 t/ha marketable tuber yield, greeter than 69.92 g/tuber average tuber weight, higher than 58.41 mm3 geometric mean diameter, more than 21.25% dry matter content, excellent tuber characteristics and processing quality traits for chips and French fries making. From this study, selection of potato genotypes that consider both external and internal tuber quality traits would expedite the process of advancing ample potato varieties with processing qualities in the country considering comprehensive study by including more potato genotypes across wider growing environments.

Pear twig biochar combined with nitrogen fertilizer regulates morpho-physiological growth, copper uptake and tuber quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) grown in polluted soil

Application of pear twig derived biochar and nitrogen fertilizer is strategic for addressing the challenges posed by copper pollution in soils. Their combined use aims to improve plant health and promote sustainable agricultural practices, which leads to better potato growth and quality. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the effects of different levels of pear twig biochar (B0:0, B1:3, B2:5, B3:7% w/w) combined with nitrogen fertilizer (N0:0, N1:150, N2:200, N3:250, N4:300 mg kg-1) on morpho-physiological growth and copper uptake of potato cultivated in Cu polluted soil. Results showed that combined approach of pear twig biochar and nitrogen significantly influenced morpho-physiology, antioxidant enzyme activity, mineral content and tuber quality of potato. B2N3 significantly increased the plant height and chlorophyll in plants as compared to B0N0 (control). Malondialdehyde and proline contents were highest in control; however, maximum reductions in MDA and proline contents were recorded at B2N4 (70.32% and 92.12% at budding stage, respectively) and at B2N3 (82.44% and 91.93% at flowering stage, respectively). Likewise, B2N3 showed maximum reduction in activities of peroxidase (7343.47 and 11077.27 U g-1), catalase (1184.98 and 165.64 U g-1) and superoxide dismutase (14.84 and 19.94 U g-1) at budding and flowering stages, respectively. However, lowest contents of soil available Cu (2.03 ± 0.5 μg g-1) and tuber flesh Cu (4.44 ± 0.3 μg g-1) were recorded at B2N3 as compared to control. Interestingly, 7% biochar at all levels of nitrogen exhibited a significant decrease in soil available Cu and tuber flesh Cu. Tuber quality traits were also significantly improved at B2N3 as compared to control. However, future research and field trials can help refine the best practices for integrating these elements in different agricultural systems.

Genotype and Plant Biostimulant Treatments Influence Tuber Size and Quality of Potato Grown in the Pedoclimatic Conditions in Northern Apennines in Italy

AbstractIn marginal mountain areas, farm management presents challenges, particularly the sustainable improvement of yield and quality. To ensure this agronomic result, it is crucial to select appropriate varieties and apply sustainable agricultural practices, such as the use of plant biostimulants. To address these challenges a two-year field study was conducted using three potato varieties (Désirée, Kennebec and Spunta) in the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. These varieties were treated with two plant biostimulants: one based on hydrolyzed proteins from animal epithelial tissue (Fitostim®) and another based on seaweed extracts (FitostimAlga®). Agronomic and biochemical traits were used to evaluate the development of plants, yield and tubers quality. Significant interactions among factors were found, resulting in higher or lower efficiency of the plant biostimulant treatment depending on weather conditions and potato genotype. Furthermore, results demonstrated that plant biostimulant treatments increased the leaf chlorophyll content (+ 11.5%), the number of leaves per plant (+ 13.3%) and the height of potato plants (+ 6.5%), while no effects were observed on yield. The Désirée variety achieved the highest yield (0.54 kg plant-1), whereas Kennebec was shown as the best variety to use for production of French fries due to a lower tuber quantity of reducing sugars, which were reduced also by plant biostimulants treatment (-18%). Moreover, Spunta tubers had the highest content of polyphenols, and the best value was achieved by Spunta variety treated with Fitostim® alga in the second year. Our finding have proven that plant biostimulant treatments can increase the quality of potato tuber without compromising yield.

Crop Nutrition and Soil Fertility Management in Organic Potato Production Systems

Organic farming is a comprehensive production management system that fosters and improves the health of agroecosystems, encompassing biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. The potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a crucial crop in organic farming systems, standing out as one of the most highly demanded organic products on the market. Among all crops, with potatoes, there is a very large yield gap between organic and conventional systems, attributable mainly to its intensive nutrient demands. The present review, considering the most relevant scientific literature worldwide, discusses the contemporary state of knowledge on crop nutrition and soil fertility management in organic potato crop production, analyzing the effects of animal manures, green manures, organic amendments, and biostimulants on organic potato tuber yield and quality. Overall, the main findings show a particular combination is needed to effectively maintain good soil fertility, satisfy the nutritional needs of the crop, and overcome the difference in potato yield between organic and conventional farming methods while meeting consumer demand. This combination entails using an animal manure or leguminous green manure with an organic soil amendment, and even better with a biofertilizer, such as a mycorrhizae-fungus-based one. It also emerged that more targeted studies are needed to select appropriate cultivars for organic potato farming systems to optimize this environmentally friendly production method.

The impact of biologically enhanced fertilisation systems on sweet potato (Ipomoеa batаtas) productivity and quality

The relevance of this research lies in determining the potential use of microbial preparations with varying functionalities to optimise the nutrition and stimulate the growth processes of sweet potato plants, as well as the synergistic effects of different preparations. The developed nutrient optimisation systems are designed to restore soil fertility, reduce the anthropogenic load on vegetable agroecosystems, produce high-quality yields, and increase sweet potato productivity without relying on energy-intensive production methods. This study aimed to investigate the impact of biological fertilisation systems on the biometric parameters, yield, and quality of sweet potato tubers. The research programme was implemented through field, statistical, computational-analytical, and laboratory methods. An increase in the number (7.33-9.83 per plant) and length (175.55-184.89 cm) of shoots was observed with the application of the biological preparations “Groundfix” + “Humifriend”, “Help-Rost for vegetables”, and “Mycofriend”. The use of foliar fertilisations in three terms of “Help-Rost for vegetables”, both in combination with “Mycofriend” during fertigation and with the foliar fertilisation “Humifriend”, resulted in maximal leaf mass formation on the plant (2.41-2.56 m2 /ha in the third decade of June and 23.12-27.45 m2 /ha in the third decade of August). Microbial preparations significantly increased net photosynthetic productivity by 28.9-63.9% during the period from the third decade of June to the third decade of July, especially when “Groundfix” and “Humifriend”, or “Humifriend” and “Help-Rost for vegetables” were combined. A substantial commercial yield of tubers (17.4 t/ha) was achieved by applying the mycorrhizal preparation “Humifriend” (1.5 L/ha) in the first fertigation and conducting three foliar applications of “Help-Rost for vegetables” at 2.0 L/ha. Treatments involving biological preparations demonstrated improvements in key biochemical parameters. The use of “Groundfix” + “Humifriend” and “Humifriend” + “Help-Rost for vegetables” resulted in a decrease in nitrate levels in the produce. The authors hypothesise that the optimal supply of micronutrients, particularly iron, manganese, and molybdenum, enhances the transformation of nitrates into organic matter. This research provides valuable insights for the rational application of biologically enhanced fertilisation systems to achieve high yields and quality of sweet potato tubers in various agricultural settings

Growth, Yield, and Tuber Quality of Potato with Foliar Application of Tryptophan and Its Derivatives

Growth, Yield, and Tuber Quality of Potato with Foliar Application of Tryptophan and Its Derivatives

The Sprout Inhibitor 1,4-Dimethylnaphthalene Results in Common Gene Expression Changes in Potato Cultivars with Varying Dormancy Profiles

AbstractSprout suppression is a crucial aspect of maintaining postharvest Solanum tuberosum (potato) tuber quality. 1,4-dimethylnaphthalene (DMN) has demonstrated effective sprout suppression during long-term storage of potatoes. Its mode of action, however, remains unknown, and previous studies utilizing single cultivars preclude identification of a common response to treatment. Thus, the goal of this study was to identify common transcriptomic responses of multiple potato cultivars of varying dormancy lengths to DMN exposure during two dormancy stages. RNA-seq gene expression profiling supported differing sensitivity to DMN treatment dependent upon cultivar and dormancy stage. A limited number of genes with similar expression patterns were common to all cultivars. These were primarily identified in ecodormant tubers and were associated with cell cycle progression, hormone signaling, and biotic and abiotic stress response. DMN treatment resulted in significant upregulation of members of ANAC/NAC and WRKY transcription factor families. Investigation of affected protein-protein interaction networks revealed a small number of networks responsive to DMN in all cultivars. These results suggest that response to DMN is largely cultivar and dormancy stage-dependent, and the primary response is governed by a limited number of stress and growth-related genes and protein-protein interactions.

Effects of Blended NPSZnB Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Quality Traits of Potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> L) at Assosa District

Potato is ranked third after rice and wheat in terms of consumption in the world, and first among root and tuber crops. However, the production is limited by several factors including low in soil fertility, lack of improved varieties, inappropriate spacing, and other poor agronomic management. The objective of the present study is to recognize the optimum rate of the blended NPSZnB and potassium fertilizers for profitable production of potato at Assosa area. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with arrangement of split plot in three replications. The main plot consisted of two potato varieties i.e. Belete and Gudane varieties. The subplot consisted of four levels of blended NPSZnB with potassium chloride rates, one recommended NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) and unfertilized plot. The interaction effects of potato tuber size distribution and quality traits were not significantly (P>0.05) affected by different rates of NPSZnB with adjusted nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium chloride fertilizers and different potato varieties. Out of different potato varieties, Belete variety gave the highest yield as compared to Gudane variety. The highest total tuber yield and large sized tuber yield were obtained by the application of 200% NPSZnB (35.4N+70.6P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5</sub>+15.2S+0.5B+4.4Zn) +138 kg<sub> </sub>K<sub>2</sub>O ha<sup>-1</sup>, with adjusted 184.6kg N+ 109.6kg P<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5 </sub>per ha therefore, we are tentatively recommended for beneficiaries at Assosa area.

Effect of Cultivars and Spraying With Boron on Growth, Production and Quality of Potato Tubers

Effect of Cultivars and Spraying With Boron on Growth, Production and Quality of Potato Tubers

Synergistic Effects of Soil-Based Irrigation and Manure Substitution for Partial Chemical Fertilizer on Potato Productivity and Profitability in Semiarid Northern China.

Soil-based irrigation and the partial substitution of chemical fertilizers with manure are promising practices to improve water and nitrogen (N) use efficiency. We hypothesize that their combination would simultaneously benefit potato production, tuber quality and profitability. A two-year experiment was conducted in semiarid northern China to investigate the combined effects of three water treatments [rainfed (W0), soil-based irrigation (W1), conventional irrigation (W2)] and three N treatments [no N (N0), chemical N (N1), 25% manure substitution (N2)] on these indicators, and to perform a comprehensive evaluation and correlation analysis. The results showed that water and N treatments separately affected all indicators except vitamin C content. Compared to W2, W1 significantly increased water productivity by 12% and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) by 30% due to 10% lower evapotranspiration and 21% lower water use. However, W1 and W2 negatively affected crude protein content. Conversely, this was compensated by the combination with N1 and N2. There were slight differences between N1 and N2 for all indicators on average across water treatments, while under W1, N2 significantly increased leaf area index (LAI) and N recovery efficiency (REN) by 18% and 29.4%, respectively, over N1. Also, comprehensive evaluations showed that W1N2 performed best, with the highest tuber yield, profit and acceptable quality. This can be explained by the increase in LAI, IWUE and REN due to the positive correlations with tuber yield and net return. Consequently, soil-based irrigation combined with 25% manure substitution had complementary effects on tuber quality and synergistic effects on potato productivity and profitability.

Physiological and starch quality of potato tubers discarded from the potato chip industry in Mexico

Physiological and starch quality of potato tubers discarded from the potato chip industry in Mexico

Effect of Menthol Treatment on the Sprouting and Quality of Potato Tuber

This study used Dutch potatoes at the end of dormancy as a material to explore the impact of menthol (0.2 and 0.5 g/kg based on potato mass) treatment on sprouting inhibition and potato quality. The findings revealed that a menthol concentration of 0.5 g/kg effectively inhibited potato tuber sprouting and significantly reduced glucoside alkaloid production. After a storage period of 15 days, the sprouting percentage and glucoside alkaloid content of potatoes treated with 0.5 g/kg menthol were observed to be significantly lower at 4.17% and 68.63 mg/kg, respectively, compared to the control group which exhibited values of 100% and 282.01 mg/kg, respectively (p < 0.05). Throughout the storage period, 0.5 g/kg of menthol promoted respiration, reduced malondialdehyde production in potatoes, inhibited polyphenol oxidase activity, and slowed down tissue browning. Additionally, it mitigated the decline in starch and soluble protein content, inhibiting the accumulation of reducing sugars.

Features of using Tropicana 1 on potatoes in the forest steppe of Western Siberia

The results of experimental studies on the effectiveness of using the medicine Tropikanka 1 during the growing season of potatoes of the Vega (early) variety are presented. Arid conditions were observed during the experiments, especially in May and June. Tropikanka 1 was used during the potato growing season by spraying plants at the beginning of budding and mass flowering in concentrations of 0.005, 0.01, and 0.02% with a working fluid flow rate of 300 l/ha. Spraying with water was used as a control. The research aims to develop ways to use environmentally friendly organic fertilizer to stimulate the growth and development of potatoes and increase their yield with good quality and product safety. It was shown that on gray forest heavy loamy soil of the forest-steppe of the Ob region under conditions of acute moisture deficiency in May, June, and early July 2023, the use of Tropikanka 1 during the potato growing season accelerated the rate of progression of the phenological phases of potatoes by two days compared to the control (water). The maximum leaf area was formed during the use of the drug Tropikanka 1, especially at a concentration of 0.01% - 1.4 times higher than the control. Against the background of spraying potato plants during the growing season with Tropikanka 1, the yield of tubers increased by 1.3 times. The total yield in the variants with spraying plants with Tropikanka 1 at a concentration of 0.01%for the early variety Vega was 27.1 t/ha, 21% higher than the control. An increase in marketable yield of up to 30% was noted when using liquid fertilizer based on dilution of poultry manure treated with nitric acid. An increase in the quality of potato tubers was established with an increase in dry matter content by 0.3%, starch by 0.4%, and vitamin C by 0.6% mg/kg. The concentration of nitrates was below the MPC. It was noted that using liquid fertilizer Tropikanka 1 did not reduce the safety indicators of the early potato variety Vega tubers during long-term storage.

Growth kinetics, spatialization and quality of potato tubers monitored in situ by MRI - long-term effects of water stress.

Understanding the potato tuber development and effects of drought at key stages of sensitivity on yield is crucial, particularly when considering the increasing incidence of drought due to climate change. So far, few studies addressed the time course of tuber growth in soil, mainly due to difficulties in accessing underground plant organs in a non-destructive manner. This study aims to understand the tuber growth and quality and the complex long-term effects of realistic water stress on potato tuber yield. MRI was used to monitor the growth kinetics and spatialization of individual tubers in situ and the evolution of internal defects throughout the development period. The intermittent drought applied to plants reduced tuber yield by reducing tuber growth and increasing the number of aborted tubers. The reduction in the size of tubers depended on the vertical position of the tubers in the soil, indicating water exchanges between tubers and the mother plant during leaf dehydration events. The final size of tubers was linked with the growth rate at specific developmental periods. For plants experiencing stress, this corresponded to the days following rewatering, suggesting tuber growth plasticity. All internal defects occurred in large tubers and within a short time span immediately following a period of rapid growth of perimedullary tissues, probably due to high nutrient requirements. To conclude, the non-destructive 3D imaging by MRI allowed us to quantify and better understand the kinetics and spatialization of tuber growth and the appearance of internal defects under different soil water conditions.

Features of the microbial biological “Flavobacterin” impact on the yield and quality of potato tubers of the Udacha variety

Relevance. Organic production is focused on maximizing the use of natural resources. Particular importance is attached to natural nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen fixation provides agricultural systems with nitrogen fixed from the atmosphere and converted into forms accessible to plants. The microbial biological “Flavobacterin”, which exhibits nitrogen-fixing activity and also suppresses a wide range of phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria, was created at the All-Russian Institute of Agricultural Microbiology.Methods. Field studies of the “Flavobacterin” effects on potatoes were carried out from 2018 to 2022 in an organic crop rotation located at the Experimental Station of the Institute for Engineering and Environmental Problems in Agricultural Production Branch of FSAC VIM.Results. The soil of the experimental plot is soddy-podzolic, light loamy gleyic on residual carbonate moraine loam, characterized by a slightly acidic reaction and a high content of organic matter. Udacha variety potatoes were cultivated. The studies were carried out with organic fertilizer — BIAGUM compost, prepared from chicken manure by industrial method. Potato tubers were treated with a “Flavobacterin” when planting, and then on the leaves. Weather conditions in summer during the years of research differed significantly from each other. In all years of the study, with the exception of the dry year 2021, the application of “Flavobacterin” significantly increased potato productivity by an average of 4.4 t/ha, without compost. In the same years, the use of compost together with “Flavobacterin” increased potato productivity by an average of 2.6 t/ha compared to options where compost was used without biological.

Soil Water Stress Effects on Potato Tuber Starch Quality Formation

Soil water stress has a significant impact on crop physiology, however, the specific response of starch quality formation in potato tubers remains unreported. Here, two potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties, one with high, and the other with low tuber starch content, were grown in pots under three different soil water stress treatments, maintaining 75, 50 and 25% of soil field capacity, respectively. Soil water stress restricted potato plant growth and development, and severe stress reduced tuber yield by 47.8% relative to the control. It also inhibited tuber starch biosynthesis, which declined by 62.4% (AGPase activity) relative to the control. Furthermore, water stress reduced tuber starch accumulation by 23.6% (total starch content) relative to the control, and finally, it shortened the tuber starch gelatinization process by 1.44% (pasting temperature) compared to the control. These results reflect the soil water stress regulation mechanism on starch formation and potato tuber quality. Moreover, the study provides a scientific basis for breeding of varieties with high starch content, for improving starch quality and high-efficiency cultivation in dryland potato production.

Effects of appropriate low-temperature treatment on the yield and quality of pigmented potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers

Temperature is one of the important environmental factors affecting plant growth, yield and quality. Moreover, appropriately low temperature is also beneficial for tuber coloration. The red potato variety Jianchuanhong, whose tuber color is susceptible to temperature, and the purple potato variety Huaxinyangyu, whose tuber color is stable, were used as experimental materials and subjected to 20 °C (control check), 15 °C and 10 °C treatments during the whole growth period. The effects of temperature treatment on the phenotype, the expression levels of structural genes related to anthocyanins and the correlations of each indicator were analyzed. The results showed that treatment at 10 °C significantly inhibited the potato plant height, and the chlorophyll content and photosynthetic parameters in the leaves were reduced, and the enzyme activities of SOD and POD were significantly increased, all indicating that the leaves were damaged. Treatment at 10 °C also affected the tuberization of Huaxinyangyu and reduced the tuberization and coloring of Jianchuanhong, while treatment at 15 °C significantly increased the stem diameter, root-to-shoot ratio, yield and content of secondary metabolites, especially anthocyanins. Similarly, the expression of structural genes were enhanced in two pigmented potatoes under low-temperature treatment conditions. In short, proper low temperature can not only increase yield but also enhance secondary metabolites production. Previous studies have not focused on the effects of appropriate low-temperature treatment during the whole growth period of potato on the changes in metabolites during tuber growth and development, these results can provide a theoretical basis and technical guidance for the selection of pigmented potatoes with better nutritional quality planting environment and the formulation of cultivation measures.

Commercial Quality of Potato Tubers of Different Varieties from Organic and Conventional Production System

Research conducted at the Plant Breeding and Acclimatization Institute—NIR in Poland in 2020–2022 assessed the commercial quality of potato tubers depending on the production system (organic, conventional), variety, and weather conditions prevailing in the years of research. The tuber size distribution and the share of tuber defects was assessed. It was found that all tested factors influenced the commercial quality of the yield but to different extents. The production system had the greatest influence on most of the examined features, followed by weather conditions and the least influential factor being the variety. The production system had the greatest impact on such features as: tuber size distribution (all fractions), pest damage, scab infection, tuber deformations, and share of green tubers. Weather conditions had the greatest impact on scab infection, pest damage, deformation, cracks and share of large tubers. The variety factor had the greatest influence on such features as: deformations, cracks, green tubers, black scarf, and share of the smallest (non-commercial) tubers. In the conventional system, a significantly better tuber yield distribution was found. The share of tuber defects varied depending on the production system. In the organic system, a greater share of defects such as scab (68.3 and 41.3) and pest damage was found (6.8 and 0.2), while in the conventional system, a greater share of deformations (9.2 and 4.9), cracks (5.4 and 2.4), and rust spots (0.61 and 0.06) occurred.

Qualitative indicator of foreign adapted potato varieties under the influence of fertilizers in the conditions of southeastern Kazakhstan

This paper presents the results of field experiments to study the effect of fertilizers on the quality of potato tubers of the Tien Shan, Gala, Alladin and Innovator varieties grown in the foothill zone of south-east Kazakhstan. The novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time in Kazakhstan she is studying the effect of fertilizers on the quality of potato tubers of four varieties grown in the foothill zone of the south-east of the country. The results obtained can be used to develop recommendations for the use of fertilizers for potatoes in this region. The results of the study are consistent with data from similar studies conducted in other regions of Kazakhstan and other countries. It has been established that the application of fertilizers helps to increase the content of dry matter, starch and total sugar in potato tubers. At the same time, the greatest starchiness of the tubers was noted when applying increased doses of mineral fertilizers or the combined use of mineral and organic fertilizers. The nitrate content in potato tubers of the Tien Shan, Gala and Aladdin varieties did not exceed the maximum permissible concentration (MPC - 250 mg/kg). In the tubers of the Innovator variety, the nitrate content was below the maximum permissible concentration, even in the control. Fertilizer application is an effective way to improve the quality of potato crops.

Zinc Application Enhances Tuber Quality and Zinc Bioavailability in Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in the Tarai Region of Uttarakhand

As evident from plant and soil investigations, 49 per cent of Indian soils are deficient in zinc. This could affect the production and quality of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) as the crop is moderately sensitive to zinc deficiency. Zinc is considered to be the most important micronutrient for potato and its reduced availability in the plant is the major constraint to obtaining good tuber quality. However, repeated practice of rice-wheat cropping system in the tarai region of Uttarakhand has led to zinc deficiency in the soil, and thereby, its availability in the tubers. Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken at the Vegetable Research Centre of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar (Uttarakhand) during the rabi season of 2021-22 with the objective to enhance the quality of potato tubers, and at the same time, increase the bioavailability of zinc in the tubers. The experiment was laid out in a randomised complete block design with twelve treatments and four replications. The results of the experiment revealed that foliar application of ZnSO4 @ 2 g L-1 at 25 and 50 days after planting recorded the highest dry matter content (20.73%), specific gravity (1.07 g cm-3) and starch content (17.10%) in the tubers. The zinc content in tubers (47.58 ppm) and zinc uptake by tubers (2.85 kg ha-1) were also found to be maximum in the same treatment combination. Hence, the same treatment combination can be recommended for getting better quality of potato tubers as well as increasing zinc bioavailability in potato under the tarai region of Uttarakhand.