Agronomic biofortificación in two native potato cultivars (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Abstract

During the 2012-2013 cropping season in the areas of Coacollo, Yana Muyu (La Paz, Bolivia) and El Paso (Cochabamba, Bolivia), plots were established in a randomized complete block design in stripe plot arrangement with four replications (experiments in series), in order to: a) determine the response of two potato native crops at Fe and Zn soil fertilization and b) determine the concentration of Fe and Zn in tubers. Two factors were considered: A) two cultivars and B) sixteen levels of Fe and Zn. The response variables were: yield (t.ha-1) and the Fe and Zn content (mg.100g-1 FW) in tubers. The Fe and Zn content were quantified with atomic absorption technique. Result showed that yield for Waych'a (25-35 t.ha-1) and Pinta Boca (8-15 t.ha-1) are affected by the environment. There was significance for Fe*locality interaction and for Zn. The optimum level for Fe in El Paso was 10 kg.ha-1 of ferrous sulphate in order to achieve 15 t.ha-1 and for Zn in the three localities was 9.71 kg.ha-1 Zn sulphate to achieve 16 t.ha-1. In Fe content in tubers was significant for cropping. Boca Pinta (0.60 mg.100 g-1) was higher in 22% compared to Waych'a (0.49 mg.100 g-1). There was no crop*location interaction. However, for Zn there were significances for location, crop and levels. Pinta Boca had higher Zn content (0.30 mg/100 g-1) than Waych'a (0.26 mg.100 g-1).