Sulfur and copper are important for human health.
Sulfur deficiency is rare, but may occur in the elderly. However,
a large percentage of the U.S. population is deficient in
copper. The purpose of this study was to determine the range
of values for sulfur and copper available in advanced potato
germplasm and varieties and estimate how much genetic
variation exists for these two elements. Potato breeding lines
and varieties in three multisite trials were evaluated for copper
and sulfur content by wet ashing and Inductively Coupled
Argon Plasma Emission Spectrophotometer analysis. Stability
and broad-sense heritability were determined. Among genotypes,
copper content ranged from 2.0 to 4.5 ug-g⁻¹ DW. This
was a 2.25-fold difference. In these three trials, environment
was never significant, while genotype by environment interactions
were always significant. Genotype was significant in
two of the regional trials. Broad-sense heritabilities were
estimated to be 0.0, 0.93 and 0.51 for the Tri-State, Western
Regional Russet and Western Regional Red/Specialty trials,
respectively. Among genotypes, sulfur content ranged from
991 to 1488 ug-g⁻¹ DW. The highest value was 50% higher
than the lowest. In these three trials, environment was never
significant, while genotype x environment interactions were
always significant. Genotype was significant in two of the
regional trials. Broad-sense heritabilities were estimated to be
0.53, 0.68 and 0.88, for Tri-State, Western Regional Russet,
and Western Regional Red/Specialty trials, respectively. For
both sulfur and copper, selection in the Western Regional
Russet and Western Regional Red/Specialty trials is likely to
lead to an increase in content. Selection for sulfur in the Tri-State would result in a gain as well. These results suggest that
genetic improvements could be made to potato to enhance the
concentrations of these minerals.Keywords: RDA, ICAPES, Germplasm, Human nutrition, BreedingKeywords: RDA, ICAPES, Germplasm, Human nutrition, Breedin