Post-harvest deterioration of cassava. I. Modification in the rale of physiological deterioration

Abstract

The effect of storaging time and cultivar differences in the rate of physiological deterioration (PD), peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase activities, and amount of phenolics in the roots of three cassava cultivars (Sonora, Cuaxupé and IAC 12829), during the post-harvest storaging period were verified. Roots were harvested at 18 months old and the evaluations were made at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 7 days after storaging. Cultivars presented differences concerning rate of PD, with cv. Guaxupé showing the least rate of browning and Sonora the greatest.Roots of the cultivars Sonora and IAC 12829 showed the greatest activities of peroxidase and polyphenoloxidase related to high amounts of phenolics. There were alterations in the chemical constituents during the storaging period which were related to different cultivars. Both activity values and chemical alterations during storage were higher for peroxidase than for polyphenoloxidase enzyme