Comparison between physical method of hydrostatic balance and chemical methods of starch determination in cassava roots

Abstract

The starch content was determined in cassava roots (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars Mantiqueira, Riqueza and Branca de Santa Catarina harvested at 9, 12, 15 and 18 months after planting by physical method of hydrostatic balance and two chemicals methods. In both chemical methods acidic hydrolise extraction was utilized but in one of them, the identification was made by titrametry (Fehling Method), and in the other one by colorimetry (Somogy-Nelson Method). There were significant correlations between Somogy-Nelson and Fehling Methods, but in several test modalities, the correlations between hydrostatic balance x Fehling and Somogy-Nelson starch dates were not significant. It was concluded that physical method of hydrostatic balance can not replace chemical methods of starch, determinations in cassava roots.