Variations of Macro- and Microelements in Yellow-Fleshed Cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta</i> Crantz) Genotypes as a Function of Storage Root Portion, Harvesting Time, and Sampling Method

The correct estimation of the mineral content of cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta)</i> genotypes is vital from a nutritional point of view. This study evaluated the effects of the storage root section, maturity, and sampling method on the macro- and microelements in yellow-fleshed cassava r...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Emmanuel Oladeji Alamu, Busie Maziya-Dixon, Consent Sibeso, Elizabeth Parkes, Alfred Gilbert Dixon
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2020-08-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/16/5396
Description
Summary:The correct estimation of the mineral content of cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta)</i> genotypes is vital from a nutritional point of view. This study evaluated the effects of the storage root section, maturity, and sampling method on the macro- and microelements in yellow-fleshed cassava root genotypes. In total, 44 genotypes were grown in replicated field trials of 2 sets (set 25 and set 19) and were harvested at 9 and 12 months after planting. Two sampling methods, sampling with a cork borer (A = proximal, B = middle, C = distal or method 1) and sampling without a cork borer (L = Longitudinal or method 2), were used. The minerals of the samples from the two methods were determined using inductively coupled optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). K and Mn were the most abundant minerals, and Na, Mo, and Co were the least abundant. Genotype, method, and maturity had a strong influence on mineral concentrations. Harvesting time affected the concentration level of some macro- and microelements in cassava roots. Additionally, Ca, Mg, K, P, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Zn contents were significantly (<i>p</i> < 0.05) higher in the proximal and middle portions for method 1. K and P and Mn and B were positively correlated, but K and Na and Fe and Ni were negatively associated.
ISSN:2076-3417