Polytechnic researchers develop faster, non-destructive way to detect natural toxins in potatoes

For immediate release

Feb. 27, 2026 – In Canada, potatoes are the fifth-largest primary agricultural commodity and one of the most extensively cultivated vegetable crops. At the Advanced Post-harvest Technology Centre (APHTC) within Lethbridge Polytechnic’s Centre for Applied Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CARIE), researchers are working to ensure every spud that ends up on the dinner table is the healthiest one possible.

Potatoes naturally produce a defence compound called total glycoalkaloids (TGA), which help protect the plant from environmental threats. In most cases, TGAs are within safe limits, but at levels higher than around 200 mg/kg, which are set by Health Canada, they can pose health risks.

“Most potatoes are stored in cool, dark conditions, but sometimes they’re displayed in grocery stores with significant light exposure, which can lead to increased levels of TGA,” says Dr. Diksha Singla, post-doctoral fellow, APHTC. “Previously, the only way to test potatoes for TGA was to look for greening or cut them open, damaging the product and making it unmarketable.”

To better understand and detect TGA levels, Singla and her team stored more than 200 Yukon Gold potatoes under continuous light for up to 14 days, simulating improper storage conditions. TGA levels were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography, a traditional but time-consuming and destructive method.

Then, the team used short-wave infrared hyperspectral imaging to scan each potato and develop a predictive model capable of estimating TGA levels without damaging the produce. The resulting model achieved a predictive accuracy of 72 per cent for Yukon Golds.

“Seventy-two per cent accuracy isn’t perfect, but it demonstrates the potential of infrared imaging as a faster, scalable screening tool for producers,” says Singla. “This approach can help producers identify risk earlier, reduce unnecessary crop destruction and remove problem potatoes before they go to market.”

The study also produced some unexpected findings. In some cases, TGA levels peaked after just seven days of light exposure rather than 14. The team speculated that prolonged exposure may trigger shifts in potato integrity, from cellular aging to severe drying.

“Our research reinforces the importance of proper storage,” adds Singla. “While paper or plastic-bagged potatoes are somewhat protected from light, bulk storage under bright conditions can accelerate greening and potential TGA increases.”

Now that the findings have been published, the team’s next step is exploring how imaging could be implemented as a practical, long-term investment for producers and processors. Although the technology carries upfront costs, it offers the potential for one-time investments that could streamline testing and enhance food safety across the supply chain.

"As one of the involved industry partners, the Potato Growers of Alberta (PGA) value our partnership with Lethbridge Polytechnic, and we are proud to support research that enhances every step of potato production,” says Ashley Wagenaar, ag relations director, PGA. “This work reflects our shared dedication to continue producing healthy, premium potatoes right here in Alberta for Canada and beyond."

“We look forward to further advancing research in this field,” says Singla. “We hope to support Canadian potato growers with new and innovative tools that protect both consumer health and crop value.”

The full research publication can be found online.

CARIE directly engages in applied research projects that tackle real-world challenges with immediate and practical impacts. In partnership with industry, community organizations, researchers and students, CARIE's mandate is to deliver results that solve today’s problems and drive tomorrow’s innovation.

To learn more about applied research activities and projects at Lethbridge Polytechnic, visit: lethpolytech.ca/CARIE.

Media are invited to attend an availability with Dr. Diksha Singla for photo, video and interview opportunities.

When: 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 27
Where: Agricultural Research and Innovation Facility, Lethbridge Polytechnic

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RSVP: Please RSVP to Sam Sasse if you plan to attend.

For more information, contact:

Sam Sasse (he/him)
Media Relations Specialist
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W: 403-320-5267 C: 306-580-8732
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