CHANGE OF QUALITATIVE INDICATORS OF DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF POTATO TUBERS DURING STORAGE

Abstract

The purpose of the investigate is to study and compare the quality parameters, yield and natural mass loss of different potato varieties when the potatoes were stored for 4 months. The potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) were grown in 2022 in the village of Keturnaujiena, Šakiai district. The harvest took place on 1 October. The potato tubers selected for the study were healthy, with no visible signs of damage or disease. The object of the study were potato varieties 'Vineta', 'Melody' and 'Laura'.

In a field experiment, the mass of potato tubers was determined by weighing on electronic scales. The following potato qualitative indicators were established in the VDU ŽŪA Augalinių maisto žaliavų kokybės tyrimų laboratorija (Plant Food Material Quality Research Laboratory) in three tests: amount of dry matter, amount of starch, amount of potassium.

As a result of research, we can state that the tubers of the 'Laura' potatoes had accumulated the biggest amount of dry matter content (23.45%).). Significantly the highest amount of starch (25.1%).) accumulated 'Vineta', the smallest in potatoes of the 'Melody' variety. The amount of potassium decreased significantly in the tubers of 'Melody' and 'Laura' potatoes throughout the storage period. Potatoes of the 'Melody' variety accumulated the greatest amount of potassium (670.5 mg per 100 g^-1).

Natural losses of potatoes are greatest in the 'Melody' variety-within 4 months. the mass decreased by 5.56 percent. In the' Vineta 'and' Laura ' varieties, natural mass losses reached 1%. Potatoes of the 'Melody' variety are not recommended to choose for the storage period. The highest yield was obtained in potatoes of the' Laura ' variety (47,7 t ha^-1), 'Melody' - 44.48 t ha^-1, the smallest 'Vineta' in potatoes (42,55 t ha^-1). Taking into account the natural mass loss of the' Melody 'and' Vineta ' varieties during storage and the yield obtained for these varieties, it can be stated that when storing potatoes for 4 months the yield of the' Vineta ' variety will be higher by 0.28 percent. compared to 'Melody'.