Variability of carotenoids in yellow-fleshed cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) clones
Abstract
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important food security crop for many tropical and sub-tropical countries. Yellow-fleshed tubers of cassava contain β-carotene which is a precursor of vitamin A. Out of 16 local yellow- fleshed clones, only four clones possessed moderate amount of total carotenoids ( 3.6-6.4μg/g f.wt.) and β –carotene ( 2.2-2.8 μg/g f.wt. ) coupled with good cooking quality. The analysis of 150 high carotene clones indicated that 35 clones possessed 10.0-13.6 μg total carotenoids /g f.wt. and 6 clones had 10.1-11.1 μg β –carotene /g f.wt.. There was no difference in the protein content between the white-fleshed and yellow-fleshed tubers. The studies indicated that yellow- fleshed cassava is a good source of pro-vitamin A .
Citation
Vimala, B.; Bala Nambisan; Thushara, R.; Unnikrishnan, M. Variability of Carotenoids in Yellow-fleshed Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) clones. Gene Conserve (2009) 31: 676-685.
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Variability of carotenoids in yellow-fleshed cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) clones