Distribution of Glycoalkaloids in Potato Tubers of 24 Korean Cultivars

Abstract

Potato glycoalkaloids (PGA) are potentially toxic to human at high levels and current safety regulations have recommended that PGA content in tubers should not exceed 20 mg/100g•FW. The purpose of this study was to evaluate α-chaconine, α-solanine and total PGA content in tuber peel and flesh of 24 potato cultivars including 'Haryeoung', 'Goun', 'Hongyoung' and 'Jayoung'. The total PGA ranged from 3.1 to 10.1 mg/100g•FW and 41-85% of total PGA was accumulated in tuber peel in all cultivars. Potato cultivars with lower level of PGA were 'Jasim' (3.1 mg/100g•FW) and 'Goun' (3.4 mg/100g•FW), whereas 'Haryoung' exhibited the highest level of PGA, 10.1 mg/100g•FW. Especially 'Jasim' and 'Goun' with the lower level of PGA can be consumed along with the peel on tubers. Also, these results provide the composition and levels of PGA in various potato cultivars for food safety and breeding of new cultivars with low levels of PGA for potato breeders and farmers.