Total nonstructural carbohydrate distribution in cassava during growth in a rainforest zone, Nigeria

Abstract

Changes in the nonstructural carbohydrates in the leaves, stem and tubers (roots) of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) during growth were examined. From the fifth month after planting, monthly samples were taken for analysis up to the ninth month when the tubers matured and were harvested. Generally, all the nonstructural carbohydrate components increased appreciably in concentration as the plant matured. Sucrose formed the bulk of the sugars, with maltose presenting the least concentration in all plant parts at the different stages of growth. The other sugars were glucose and fructose. Starch accounted for the highest proportion of the nonstructural carbohydrates and was predominant in the tubers.