Quality of potatoes from a sustainability perspective

Abstract

In this thesis various quality characteristics of South African potatoes, Solanum tuberosum L. were explored. Ensuring high yielding, quality crops that are adapted to their place of origin are essential in ensuring a sustainable food system that contributes to positive food and nutrition security outcomes. Potato crops from 10 different production regions were analysed using objective and subjective methods. It was found that potatoes are a sustainable food crop with a low environmental impact compared to other staple foods, and they contain high quality protein, although in limited amounts. Data obtained from an Additive Main-Effects and Multiplicative Interactions Model showed external effects have an effect on internal quality attributes of potatoes. Therefore, cultivar is not a reliable predictor of internal attributes. To guide potato classification outcomes, methods were identified that will best predict the internal textural characteristics of the potatoes. This study was expanded to develop an easily repeatable and reliable, scientifically validated method to classify potatoes post-harvest.