ISHS Acta Horticulturae 375: International Workshop on Cassava Safety
RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CYANOGENIC POTENTIAL OF CASSAVA AND OTHER AGRONOMIC TRAITS |
| Author: | N. Mahungu |
| Keywords: | Cassava, cyanide, breeding, yield, agronomic traits, correlation |
| Abstract:
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) contains cyanogenic glucosides which lead to the release of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) after hydrolysis. The role played by these glucosides in cassava growth, protection, and overall performance has yet to be established. Research has been carried out to assess the relationships between the cyanogenic potential of cassava and other characteristics of the crop. Controversial results on the association of cyanogenic potential of cassava root and root yield, dry matter content in roots, and age of the plant have been reported. No clear correlation has been found between cyanogenic potential and most of the agronomic traits as these depend, not only on the population evaluated, but also on the influence of other environmental factors. Thus, it is concluded that the presence of the cyanogenic glucosides in cassava does not obviously confer an asset either for cassava morphotype or for its yield ability. | |
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