| abstract |
The invention relates to microorganisms and cultures thereof, enzyme systems and enzymes capable of converting steroid glycoalkaloids (SGA) and removing same from Solanaceae species such as the potato, and relates to the use of such microorganisms, enzyme systems and enzymes in, for example, the potato processing industry. The invention also provides new methods for generating SGA metabolites and derivatives which, for example, can be used for steroid hormone synthesis. The invention also provides new crop potatoes that are resistant to diseases and plagues as a result of, or in conjunction with, a high content of SGA and the invention provides for the processing of such potatoes, whereby the SGA content is reduced to make the potato product useful for human or animal consumption. Such potatoes are eminently suitable as a source for SGA metabolites and derivatives, which can be used in steroid hormone synthesis. |