ISHS Acta Horticulturae 380: Symposium on Tropical Root Crops in a Developping Economy
A COMPARISON OF CYANIDE ACCUMULATION, LEAF RETENTION AND LINAMARASE ACTIVITY OF CASSAVA VARIETIES DURING WATER STRESS |
| Authors: | L.A. Nwosu, F.A. Onofeghara |
| DOI: | 10.17660/ActaHortic.1994.380.28 |
| Abstract:
Studies of cyanide accumulation, leaf retention, and linamarase activity of a local cassava variety and an improved, more vigorous variety TMS 50395 were undertaken. Results indicated that water stress increased total cyanide in both varieties. The proportion of glucosidic cyanide and the free cyanide increase differently according to the variety. Proportion of bound cyanide was greater than that of free cyanide in the local variety, but not so for TMS 50395. Following relief from stress, all the cyanide components reached limiting values as a result of leaf drop rather than water absorption. The significant inhibition of linamarase enzyme activity under water stress and subsequently during rehydration indicates a water-stress induction mechanism. These findings suggest that cyanide accumulation under water stress is caused by inhibition in linamarase enzyme activity during dehydration. | |
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