Journal of Taiwan Agricultural Research

Author:Tsung-Yen Wu, Chen-Lun Huang, and Shwu-Jene Tsai*

Abstract:

    This paper is to review the glycoalkaloids in potatoes and their impact factors, as well as appropriate managements for safe consumption of potato. Glycoalkaloids are toxic metabolites naturally occurred in Solanaceas plants, such as potato, and are harmful to human. The internationally recognized safety limit of total glycoalkaloids in potato tuber is 200 mg kg^-1 FW, while it is suggested no more than 100 mg kg^-1 FW for breeding new potato varieties. Glycoalkaloids are found in almost all parts of cultivated potato plant except the pith of tubers, and their concentrations are much greater in the areas of high metabolic activity, such as sprouts, flowers, and eyes. The level of total glycoalkaloids in potato tuber is highly hereditable, and can be easily accelerated by exposure to light, stress and damage. Breeding of low-glycoalkaloid varieties is considered the best way to reduce the glycoalkaloid content of potato tuber. Glycoalkaloid levels in potato tubers can also be affected by many factors, such as maturity, cultivation, fertilization, and storage temperatures and conditions, while they are little affected by cooking due to their heat stability. Therefore, appropriate practice and management should be adopted no matter during pre- and post-harvest, in storage, on the store shelf, or in home storage and preparation. Proper handling of potatoes can prevent accumulation of glycoalkaloids in tubers, control the level under the safety limit, and consequently avoid the risk to public health.

Key words:Potato, Glycoalkaloids, Light, Stress, Good agricultural practice

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