Environmental conditions influence the content and yield of anthocyanins and total phenolics in purple- and red-flesh potatoes during tuber development

Changes in content and yield of anthocyanins (ACY) and total phenolics (PHEN) during development of purple- and red-flesh potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) were studied in cultivars grown in Texas and Colorado. In both locations, the ACY and PHEN content (mg/100 g tissue) decreased with tuber growth and maturity, while tuber weight (kg), total yield (Ton ha(-1)) and compound yields (kg ha(-1)) increased. Longer days and cooler temperatures in Colorado favored about a 2.5- and 1.4-times higher ACY and PHEN content, respectively, than in Texas-grown tubers. Harvesting potatoes at later maturity stages maximized compound yields while minimizing the glycoalkaloid content. This information can be useful to potato breeders and producers in selecting appropriate growing conditions for the enhancement of natural colorant and antioxidant yields in purple- and red-flesh potatoes for the nutracentical and food industry.