Distribution of mineral constituents and dry matter in the potato tuber

Summary

Statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of several constituents in the potato tuber. Some of the main differences were as follows: potassium and phosphorus increased from stem to bud end; the pith area, as compared with the remainder of the tuber, had a lower content of manganese, zinc, copper, and dry matter, and a higher content of chlorine. There were indications of a decrease in dry matter and nitrogen from stem to bud end.

A set of Netted Gem samples from New Brunswick had higher iron, manganese, zinc, and chlorine, and lower magnesium and calcium than a similar set of samples from Alberta and Manitoba.

Resumen

Se encontraron estadisticamente importantes diferencias en la distribución de varios constituentes en el tubérculos de la papa. Algunas de las diferencias más importantes fueron: potasio y fósforo incrementaron desde el tallo hasta la extremidad del brote; el área de la médula, comparada al resto del tubérculo, contenia menos manganeso, zinc, cobre y materia seca, y más cloro. Hubo indicaciones de una disminución de materia seca y de nitrógeno desde el tallo hasta la extremidad del brote.

Un grupo de muestras de Netted Gem de New Brunswick tuvo más hierro, manganeso, zinc, y cloro y menos magnesio y calcio que un grupo similar de muestras de Alberta y Manitoba.