Potential for improvement by selection for reducing sugar content after cold storage for three potato populations

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Breeding
• Food Science

Background:

• Reducing sugars in potato tubers can negatively impact processed product quality, especially chip color, after cold storage.
• Developing potato varieties with reduced sugar accumulation post-cold storage is crucial for the processing industry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the response to selection for reduced sugar content in three distinct potato hybrid populations after cold storage.
• To identify low reducing sugar clones within these populations.
• To assess the efficacy of indirect selection for chip color based on sugar content.

Main Methods:

• Three hybrid potato populations were created from crosses with varying sugar profiles.
• Tubers were cold-stored (4°C and 3°C) for 2 months.
• Sugar content (fructose, glucose, total reducing sugars) and chip color were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Population 1, derived from a low x intermediate sugar cross, showed a greater predicted response to selection for reduced sugars.
• Low reducing sugar clones were identified in all three populations.
• Indirect selection for chip color based on fructose or glucose content was as effective as direct selection for chip color.

Conclusions:

• Potato breeding programs can effectively select for low reducing sugars post-cold storage.
• Indirect selection for chip color via sugar content (fructose, glucose) is a viable strategy.
• Selection strategies should consider population characteristics and desired outcomes.