Effects on the Alkaloid Content of Potatoes Grown From Seeds Subjected to Low‐dose Gamma Irradiation

Abstract

Effects of low dose gamma irradiation of seeds on alkaloid content, proximate compasition and yield of the potato tubers were studied. Increase in yield with irradiation of seeds was inconclusive.Changes in proximate composition of Russet potatoes grown from tubers irradiated at I,5500 rads were found to be insignificant.Varietal differences in solanine content were more pronounced than those due to gamma irradiation. In all cases the solanine content in potatoes grown from irradiated seeds was found to be far below the toxic level for human beings.