Abstract

Cadmium (Cd) is a trace element of great interest due to its mobility in the soil-plant-water system and the potential toxicity for humans. The main anthropogenic Cd inputs into the soil are industrial and mining wastes, as well as agricultural applications of phosphorus fertilizers, organic materials, and wastewater. In the long term, Cd can accumulate in the soil and migrate to important food crops such as potato plant. There is evidence of Cd contamination of potato tubers in some agricultural systems. In this crop, tuber load with Cd arises from the root uptake, the transfer from the roots to the above-ground biomass, and the subsequent translocation from the leaves. This paper summarizes the evidence of Cd accumulation in potato tubers and other plant organs in diverse cropping systems. It also emphasizes the factors that influence the Cd accumulation in potato plants related to the potential risk for human consumption of the harvested product. Factors such as soil properties, plant characteristics, environmental conditions, and crop management are discussed, highlighting considerations for future research to generate information for cropping a safe food product.