The objectives of this work were to evaluate potato genotypes for reducing sugar content and post-harvest conditions that favored the identification of those with low content. Eight potato clones, previously selected for light frying color, and the cultivar Atlantic were evaluated in autumn seasons of 2004 and 2005. The experiments were carried out at Embrapa Clima Temperado, Pelotas-RS, Brazil (31°52'S, 52°21'W), in a randomized complete block design with four replications. In 2004, the reducing sugar content was quantified after three conditions: curing the tubers; four weeks of refrigerated storage at 4°C; and refrigeration followed by reconditioning for two weeks. In 2005, the reducing sugars were analyzed only after refrigeration. Besides that the genotypes were evaluated for chip color, dry matter content and physiological defects. The F test revealed significant differences among genotypes for all variables, except for reducing sugar content after tuber curing. 'C-1883-22-97', 'C-1881-16-97', 'C-1786-9-96', 'C-1786-7-96' and 'C-1787-14-96' clones showed the lowest reducing sugar content. The refrigeration was the condition that allowed identification of low reducing sugar genotypes.
Solanum tuberosum; processing; chips; quality
