Studies on the Sugar Accumulation and Carbohydrate Splitting Enzyme Levels in Post Harvested and Cold Stored Potatoes

Abstract

Significant differences were found in sugar content and carbohydrate splitting enzyme activities in tubers of ten indigenous potato varieties at harvesting and after keeping at cold storage. The activities of invertase, amylase, β-galactosidase and cellulase in all varieties were found to be increased by 2-12, 1.2-4, 1.9-4.5, and 1.1-3.7 folds, respectively from harvesting to cold stored potatoes. The amount of starch and sucrose were found to be decreased by 1.15-2.8 and 1.02-1.4 folds, respectively from harvesting to cold stored in all varieties. Total soluble sugar and reducing sugar contents in potatoes were increased by 1.02-1.4 and 4-11 folds, respectively from harvesting to cold stored in all varieties of potatoes. The amount of reducing sugar increased in cold stored potatoes due to the increased activities of carbohydrate splitting enzymes.

Key words: Potatoes, Indigenous, Carbohydrate splitting enzymes, Sugars.

DOI:10.3329/jbs.v16i0.3748

J. bio-sci. 16: 95-99, 2008