Mineral nutrient composition in peels and flesh of tubers of potato genotypes

Nineteen potato genotypes were evaluated for nutrient concentrations in peel and flesh tissues of tubers. The genotypes differed significantly in macro- and micronutrients concentrations. Maximum variation (about 31–52%) was observed in Ca and Mn, whereas, minimum variation (8–16%) was found in Mg and P concentration. The ranges of different nutrients, on dry weight basis, were 131 to 246 mg/100g for P, 1663 to 2063 mg/100g for K, 22 to 60mg/100g for Ca, 113 to 168 mg/100g for Mg, 10 to 18 ppm for Zn, 21 to 53 ppm for Fe, 2.0 to 4.3 ppm for Cu and 5.0 to 31 ppm for Mn in the flesh of tubers. Nutrient concentrations in potato tissues were higher in peel than in flesh. The peels contained about 20 times Fe, 4 times Ca, 3 times Cu and Mn, 2 times Mg and 1.5 times Zn, P and K more than in the flesh of tubers. Phulwa tubers were more nutritious than those of other genotypes.