Contenido de cianuro total y libre en parénquima y cáscara de raíces de diez variedades promisorias de yuca [Manihot esculenta]

Abstract

Because of the lack of cyanide content data and the great degree of variability in earlier such reports, roots of promising cassava gentoypes from the Cassava Varietal Improvement Program at CIAT were analyzed for total and free cyanide content of the parenchyma and peel. Data are given on fresh basis, but dry matter content is also reported. The 10 varieties were ranked according to the total cyanide in the parenchyma and the peel. The majority studied were classified according to their total cyanide content in the parenchyma as intermediate— (50-100 ppm HCN) and one as high-cyanide (> 100 ppm) varieties. These findings have important implications in animal feeding since some varieties may have low cyanide levels in the parenchyma but very high levels in the peel, the latter representing 10-15%of total root weight.