Nutritional Composition of Potato ( Solanum tuberosum L.) Genetic Resources

Seventy-one germplasm lines comprising of commercial Indian potato cultivars, advanced clones exotic and indigenous cultivars were evaluated for nutritional compounds. We observed significant variability in the lines for anthocyanins (1.81–17.20 mg/100 g FW), carotenoids (4.75–27.75 µg/g FW), ascorbic acid (14.50– 85.00 mg/100 g FW) and total phenolics (19.22–73.54 mg GAE/100 g FW). However, for zinc (10.62–27.58 ppm), iron (30.49–56.29 ppm), and tuber dry matter content (14–26%), only small variations were found. The anthocyanin, carotenoids, and total phenolic contents of indigenous cultivars and nutrient-rich advanced clones were generally much higher than those of the common variety. It is interesting to note that anthocyanin (r = –0.46; –0.43), total carotenoids (r = –0.47; –0.38), ascorbic acid (r = –0.27; –0.24) and tuber dry matter (r = –0.21, –0.24) all had negative correlations with marketable and total tuber yield respectively. Cluster analysis revealed that genotypes from clusters 1 and 3 can be used in bio-fortification breeding. The results of this study also reveal that two genotypes, viz. JEX/A-122 (Andigena line) and Kala Aloo (indigenous line) may be used as breeding material to develop nutrient-rich potato varieties.