The determination of micro and macroelement composition of flowers and leaves of potato (Solanum tuberosum)

Abstract

The aim of the study was to carry out a comparative research of micro- and microelement composition of potato (Solanum tuberosum) flowers and leaves by X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF).
The materials for the study were samples of potato flowers and leaves collected under natural growth conditions. A modern X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used for the study, which allows for high accuracy to identify and quantify elemental composition of biological materials. The results of the study showed that both potato flowers and leaves contain significant concentrations of macronutrients such as potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and chlorine (Cl), as well as important trace elements for plants – iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn). At the same time, differences in the distribution
of elements between flowers and leaves were observed, which may be due to the different physiological functions of these plant organs. X-ray fluorescence analysis allowed to characterise in detail elemental composition of potato flowers and leaves, revealing differences in the concentrations of micro- and macroelements between these organs. The data obtained can be taken into account in the following pharmacological studies of this raw material.