Control of Postharvest Glycoalkaloid Formation in Potato Tubers.

Light and mechanical injury are the two most important environmental factors which stimulate postharvest glycoalkaloid synthesis in potato tubers. Partial control of light-induced glycoalkaloid formation has been achieved by treating potato tubers with some chemicals as Ethephon, Alar, Phosphon, Phosphon-S, Amchem 72-A42, Amchem 70-334, Nemagon, Telone, detergents, surfactants, control-atmosphere storage and subatmospheric pressure storage. Complete inhibition of light-induced glycoalkaloid formation can only be obtained by hot wax coating, oil coating, vacuum packaging and anoxia water submersion. Treatment with isopropyl-N-(3-chlorophenyl)-carbamate and gamma-irradiation effectively control wound-induced glycoalkaloid formation of potato tubers.