EFFECT OF SALINE IRRIGATION AND WATER-DEFICIT ON TUBER QUALITY

The effect of salinity and water deficit on the quality of tubers for processing was investigated. Total tuber yield was not affected by the treatments, while the percentage of non-marketable tubers was signifi cantly reduced by high salinity (EC(i) = 6dS m(-1)) and by water reduc tion. Accumulation of dry matter in the tubers was increased by all th e treatments, that of proline by salinity only and the content of redu cing sugars was increased only by water deficit. The colour of the fre nch fries was similar in tubers from the various treatments.