Mineral nutrient variability of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) tubers with different colors grown in Niksar, Kazova and Artova locations of Tokat Province, Turkey

Abstract

Potato is one of the most commonly consumed non-grain staple food crops in the world therefore, the mineral nutrient content of the potato is extremely important for human nutrition. The lack of mineral nutrients causes significant health problems, thus, many of these nutrients are often taken as supplements. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of potato flesh color and location on different mineral nutrient contents under Niksar, Kazova and Artova locations in Tokat Province, Turkey, during 2013 and 2014 potato growing seasons. The experimental design in each location was randomized blocks with three replications. In this study, a total of 67 clones (including varieties and advanced breeding selections) with nine white, 10 cream, 30 light yellow, and 18 dark yellow flesh colors were used. Potatoes with cream flesh colors had the highest K (23.81 g kg^-1), P (0.31 g kg^-1), Mg (1.20 g kg^-1), Zn (27.26 mg kg^-1), Cu (8.28 mg kg^-1) and Mn (7.21 mg kg^-1) contents, and the lowest Ca (45.6 mg kg^-1) content. The mineral contents (except K and Cu) of potatoes grown in Artova were higher compared to the other two locations. The results clearly suggested that Artova is the most suitable location to produce potatoes with a high mineral composition, and Kazova is suitable to cultivate potatoes with high K and Cu contents. In addition, the knowledge of nutrient rich potato accessions is valuable for developing biofortified potato genotypes.

Keywords: Flesh color; Macronutrient; Micronutrient; Potassium; Potato.