The levels of total soluble carbohydrates and reducing sugars were quantified in tubers of potato genotypes (Atlantic, Pérola, Asterix and C-1786-6-94) stored under different temperatures (4, 12 and 20ºC) for 30 and 60 days and after a reconditioning period of 30 days of storage. Before each harvest, the tubers were processed and divided in sub samples and then liofilizated. The liofilizated material was analyzed for total soluble carbohydrates and reducing sugars content. Higher amounts of total soluble carbohydrates were found in the Clone C-1786-6-94 before harvest. When stored during 30 days at 4ºC all the genotypes presented an increase of the levels of total soluble carbohydrates and reducing sugars, with difference in the rates. The storage for more than 30 days at 4ºC resulted in different response among genotypes. The storage at 12ºC during 30 days increased the levels of sugars, and the storage during 60 days presented a tendency to decrease reducing sugars. In the reconditioning process under temperatures from 4 to 20ºC occurred accentuated reduction in the level of reducing sugars and total soluble carbohydrates. The transfer from 12 to 20ºC resulted in a strong lowering of the reducing sugar levels and total soluble carbohydrates. The storage at 20ºC presented a small occasional flotation in the sugar levels, with tendency to decrease during the storage period.
Solanum tuberosum L.; refrigeration; sugars
