Impact of Post-Harvest Processing and Storing of Potato Tubers on Toxic Compounds Accumulation

Abstract

Abstract Despite a long-term reduction trend, the potato production in Poland compared to EU countries is still very high. Therefore, the aim of the paper was to investigate the impact of mechanical damages and light for various genotypes on glycoalkaloids accumulation. Glycoalkaloids are toxic steroid glycosides that naturally occur in the family of Solanaceae. According to many authors, their presence in plants is related to resistance to a physiological stress inflicted by mechanical damages and infections caused by some microorganisms and insects. The TGA content above 200 mg∙kg−1 in a fresh mass of potatoes is an upper limit that guarantees health safety of food. Studies were carried out on 28 potato cultivars divided into 4 groups. The studies that were carried out after harvesting and after 5 months of storage in the experimental storage room in the temperature of 8°C showed an impact of damages and exposition to light of potato tubers on the content of glycoalkaloids.