Iodine Biofortification of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Grown in Field

Despite wide prevention programmes, iodine deficiency remains a substantial problem in various populations around the world. Consumption of crop plants with increased iodine content may help supply additional amounts of that element in a daily diet. The aim of the work was to evaluate the efficiency of iodine biofortification of potato tubers. Soil application of KI and foliar application of KIO3 in doses up to 2.0 kg I ha(-1) were tested in a three-year field experiment. Biomass, yield as well as dry matter, iodine, starch, and soluble sugar content in potato tubers were analyzed. No negative effect of tested methods of iodine application on potato yield or dry matter content was observed. Both soil and foliar application of iodine allowed to obtain potato tubers with increased content of that element with no decrease of starch or sugar content. The highest efficiency of iodine biofortification was noted for foliar spraying with KIO3 in a dose of 2.0 kg I ha(-1). The obtained level of iodine in 100 g of potatoes could be sufficient to cover up to 25% of Recommended Daily Allowance for that element. The findings of the study indicate that potatoes biofortified with iodine can become an additional source of I in a daily diet.