The effect of biostimulants and herbicides on glycoalkaloid accumulation in potato

Abstract

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of biostimulants and herbicides on the level of glycoalkaloids in leaves and tubers of three table potato cultivars. The following factors were examined: I – potato cultivars: Bartek, Gawin, Honorata; II – five weed control methods (application of biostimulants and herbicides: 1. mechanical weed control – control treatment and four herbicide or herbicide + biostimulant treatments (Harrier 295 ZC, Harrier 295 ZC + Kelpak SL, Sencor 70 WG, Sencor 70 WG + Asahi SL). The potato tuber content of glycoalkaloids was significantly affected by genotype. The highest total glycoalkaloid (TGA) content was determined in cv. Bartek tubers and the lowest in cv. Honorata tubers, on average 92.31 and 91.14 mg/kg fresh matter, respectively. Herbicides applied alone or in combination with biostimulants contributed to an increase in glycoalkaloids determined in both potato leaves and tubers, compared with the control. However, a significantly higher TGA content was found following the application of Harrier 295 ZC only.