Introduction:

The quality of potato tubers is influenced by a group of physical and chemical attributes which define their end-use.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of the genotype-environment interaction on the physicochemical characteristics of potato tubers and chips.

Methodology:

Four genotypes (Fianna, Nau, 5-10, and 99-39) were grown in two locations (Metepec and Raíces) and two consecutive years (2012 ad 2013). Internal browning, specific gravity (SG), starch, sugars and phenols were evaluated in tubers, then their effect on chip yield, color and texture was assessed.

Results:

Tubers with higher SG, dry matter, and starch, as well as lower reducing sugars and phenolic content, were produced in Raíces. These characteristics led to a high yield of potato chips with acceptable color and texture. In contrast, zebra chip (ZC) symptoms were observed in tubers grown at lower altitude, at higher temperatures, and at lower precipitation, negatively affecting potato chip quality.

Study limitations:

We hypothesized that the higher altitude and lower temperatures would avoid the prevalence of symptoms of the ZC; however, monitoring of insect vectors and infection by PCR is needed.

Originality:

This is the first study about genotype-environment interaction on end-use tuber quality carried out under experimental conditions where ZC incidence is present.

Conclusions:

Clone 5-10, grown at higher altitudes, can produce tuber with good attributes for processing into chips, French fries, and fresh consumption.

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