Chemical quality and bioactive compounds of sweet potatoes under phosphate fertilization¹

Qualidade química e compostos bioativos de batata-doce sob adubação fosfatada

HIGHLIGHTS:

P dose of 60 kg ha^-1 promoted increase in carotenoid content in the sweet potato cultivar Paraná.

Cultivar Paraná showed an increase in the contents of anthocyanins and flavonoids at the maximum P dose of 240 kg ha^-1.

The pH, SS, TA and SS/TA ratio increased in the BRS Cuia cultivar at the phosphate dose of 120 kg ha^-1.

ABSTRACT

Sweet potato is among the most important food crops in the world. Due to its high genetic diversity, this species has cultivars that can respond in different ways depending on mineral fertilization. Among the nutrients, phosphorus is related to physiological and biochemical processes that can influence the final quality of the product. This study aimed to assess the influence of P doses on the quality and bioactive compounds of sweet potato cultivars - Paraná, BRS Amélia, and BRS Cuia. The pH, soluble solids (SS), titratable acidity (TA), SS/TA ratio, soluble sugars, and the bioactive compounds - flavonoids, anthocyanins, and carotenoids - were evaluated. The P doses influenced sweet potato cultivars. The dose of 120 kg ha^-1 promoted increments in the parameters pH, SS, TA, and SS/TA ratio for the cultivar BRS Cuia. The same dose promoted an increase in total soluble sugars for the cultivar BRS Amélia. P dose of 240 kg ha^-1 promoted higher levels of flavonoids and anthocyanins in the cultivar Paraná, and there was an increase in carotenoid content at the dose of 60 kg ha^-1.

Key words:
Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam; post-harvest; antioxidants; cultivars; tuberous roots