Carbohydrate enzymes related to cold-induced sweetening and tuber storage in potato genotypes

ABSTRACT

The roles of carbohydrate enzymes in cold-induced sweetening (CIS) and long-term tuber storage are not fully understood. This study analyzed enzyme activities in ‘Lady Rosetta’ (CIS-resistant and storable), ‘Kufri FryoM’ (CIS-resistant with regular storage), and ‘MS/8 1148’ (CIS-susceptible with regular storage) potatoes stored at 4°C for 0, 20, 120, and 150 days. CIS increased until 20 days, particularly in the basal ends of ‘MS/8 1148.’ Enzymes like sucrose synthase (breakdown), starch phosphorylase, and UDP-glucose pyro phosphorylase were positively correlated with CIS in ‘MS/8 1148.’ Starch levels were lower in ‘MS/8 1148’ at 20 days but increased in other genotypes. During extended storage, bound starch synthase and starch phosphorylase increased steadily up to 150 days, while soluble starch synthase peaked at 120 days. Sucrose phosphate synthase emerged as a critical marker for CIS resistance. Bound starch synthase and starch phosphorylase were identified as essential markers for long-term storage in potatoes.

KEYWORDS:

• Pyrophosphorylase
• Solanum tuberosum
• starch
• sucrose
• synthase
• tuber end

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Indian Council of Agricultural Research - Central Potato Research Institute for providing potato genotypes. This work is supported by the MISC-6 (PC 4006) “Emergent Establishment Charges for Directorate of Research” provided by Punjab Agricultural University. Authors acknowledge FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure in Universities and Higher Educational Institutions) facilities by DST (Department of Science and Technology) during conduction of present work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).