Effects of micronutrient fertilization on the overall quality of raw and minimally processed potatoes

Micronutrient fertilization may affect quality characteristics of potatoes. Here, compared to control (Micro-), the influence of pre-harvest foliar micronutrients fertilization (Micro+) including B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo and Zn on both quality of raw potatoes and of minimally processed potato tubers of cv Bellini was investigated. In raw tubers physico-chemical and nutritional parameters were analysed at harvest, in minimally processed potatoes physico-chemical, nutritional and microbiological parameters were analysed after 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 d of storage at 4 °C. Preliminary results showed that micronutrients fertilization improved quality characteristics of raw potatoes, through an increase of firmness (+17%), total solids content (+16%), total soluble solids content (+12%), reducing sugars content (+12%), and ascorbic acid contents (+40%). Improved quality characteristics of Micro+ raw tubers allowed better performance of Micro+ minimally processed potatoes compared to Micro-, through higher firmness (+16%) total solids (+11%), total soluble solids (+21%), reducing sugars content (+20%), ascorbic acid content (+35%), as well as lower microbial growth, that allowed three days longer shelf life. Micronutrient fertilization could be a valuable pre-harvest treatment as it proved effective at improving physico-chemical and nutritional quality both of raw potatoes and of minimally processed potatoes and at extending their shelf-life.