Effect of Different Covering Treatments on Chemical Composition of Early Potato Tubers

Abstract

Potatoes hold a significant position as one of the most important crops. Their value lies not only in their nutritional composition but also in their function as raw materials for various processing purposes. Furthermore, the cultivation of early potatoes carries considerable agrotechnical importance due to their ability to serve as the initial crop in intensive crop rotation, optimizing the utilization of agricultural soil. The primary objective of its production is to reach a consistent and high yield of premium quality. Additionally, the aim is to enter the market as early as possible and maximize profitability. To achieve these goals, producers utilize specific covering treatments such as mulching and plant covering to ensure earlier and safer production, thus maximizing profits. Our research aimed to determine the impact of different covering treatments (biodegradable mulch, agrotextile, low tunnel) on the chemical composition of early potato tubers. A 3-year field experiment was managed in Begeč (Serbia) with two early potato cultivars, Cleopatra and Riviera. The tested covering treatments significantly influenced the quality of early potatoes, by increasing the content of dry matter, starch, vitamin C, cellulose, and ash in the tubers and by reducting sugar and nitrate content.