Variation of Mineral Concentrations Among Different Potato Varieties Grown at Two Distinct Locations in Ethiopia

Abstract

The extent of genetic variation in the protein and fi ber contents and the iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of 21 different potato varieties was studied at two distinct locations in Ethiopia. The experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design in triplicate. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of each set of experimental data revealed signifi cant (P < 0.01) genetic variation among varieties. The combined ANOVA also showed signifi cant (P < 0.01) variation due to location and genotype × location interactions. Accordingly, the tuber protein and fi ber contents ranged from 3.77 to 7.36% and 1.18 to 2.07%, respectively. Likewise, the Fe, Zn and P concentrations ranged from 17.13 to 164.83, 7.07 to 20.21 and 143.68 to 357.76 mg.kg -1 dry weight, respectively. Consequently, men, women, and children can get 29, 13.3 and 65%, respectively, of their daily recommended nutrient intake (RNI) of Fe from eating 200 g fresh weight of tubers of the high Fe concentration variety Sisay and 12, 14.3 and 17%, respectively, of their daily RNI of Zn from 200 g of tuber of the high Zn variety Menagesha. Correlation analysis indicated a signifi cant (P < 0.01) association among these characters but not with protein and fi ber with Fe. Thus, this study found considerable variation in the mineral concentrations among potato varieties in Ethiopia which can be useful information to help curb mineral malnutrition.