Glycoalkaloid contents in potato leaves and tubers as influenced by insecticide application

Abstract

The field experiment was carried out during 2004-2006. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of insecticides (Actara 25 WG - 0.08 kg/ha, Regent 200 SC - 0.1 L/ha, Calypso 480 SC - three rates: 0.05; 0.075; 0.1 L/ha), used for controlling Colorado potato beetle, on total glycoalkaloid (TGA) content in potato leaves and tubers of three cultivars (Mors, Wiking, Żagiel). The insecticides significantly increased (Calypso 480 SC) or decreased (Actara 80 WG, Regent 200 SC) the TGA content in potato leaves, and increased TGA in tubers as compared with tubers harvested from the control. Leaves and tubers of cultivar Mors had the highest TGA contents, whereas Żagiel leaves and Wiking tubers had the lowest levels.