Changes in the carbohydrate constituents of cassava root‐tuber (Manihot utilissima pohl) during growth

Sucrose formed the bulk of the sugars in cassava root‐tubers, accounting for more than 69% of the total sugars. Other sugars included fructose, glucose and maltose. Maltose was consistently present as the lowest amount. The highest concentration of sugars (5.7%) was attained nine months after planting. Starch accounted for the highest proportion of the carbohydrates. A peak value of 81% was observed eight months after planting. The decrease to 78% at nine months was accompanied by an increase in sugar concentration from 3.5% to 5.7%. The sum of cellulose and hemicellulose constituted the non‐available carbohydrate fraction to non‐ruminants. This was less than 7% of total carbohydrates. Paper chromatography of the neutralised hydrolysate of the extracted hemicellulose revealed the presence of glucose and xylose only. The amylose content of cassava starch varied between 16.2% and 17.4% during growth. This variation was significant at 1% F level. The separated amylose had an iodine affinity of 17.0% while amylopectin had 0.1%.