Variation in Properties of Starch in Cassava Varieties in Relation to Age of the Crop

Cassava starch extracted from six varieties at different period of growth was examined for various physiochemical properties. The granule size increased in all the six varieties upto 6th month from time of tuber initiation and thereafter remained almost constant. The amylose content and reducing values did not vary much at different stages of growth. The swelling volume and swelling power of starch showed large variations particularly after 10th month. Such changes of four varieties were not noticed in other varieties. Associative binding forces of starch molecules largely determine the stability characteristics of starch under varied environmental conditions.