The content of nitrates and nitrites in potato tubers depending on the earliness group and storage

Abstract

To ensure the protection of consumer health and the environment, it is crucial to delve into various aspects of potato cultivation, including analysis of the nitrate and nitrite content. Understanding the influence of potato genotype and specific growing conditions on nitrate and nitrite accumulation in tubers is key to ensuring food security and yield quality. Nitrate concentration in potato tubers is genetically determined, and is also subject to variability depending on environmental factors and storage conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nitrate and nitrite content of tubers of 18 edible potato varieties belonging to different earliness groups grown under an integrated crop production system, immediately after harvest and after 6-month storage. The content of nitrates and nitrites in lyophilized raw potato tubers was determined with the application of ionoselective method with the use of a multifunctional computer device CX-721, Elmetron make. The study showed that the tested potato varieties had low nitrate content, not exceeding the established standard of 200 mg kg-1 f.m., according to FAO/WHO guidelines. The average nitrate content of the tubers ranged from 28.4 to 95.6 mg kg-1 f.m., and nitrite from 0.18 to 0.98 mg kg-1 f.m. The highest values were found in the Tacja variety, and the lowest in Wega variety. After storage under controlled conditions, a decrease in nitrates and nitrites was observed by 6.4% and 20.3%, respectively. These values vary according to the earliness group of the varieties, with medium-early varieties showing the greatest decrease.