Abstract
SummaryThe objective of this study was to characterise the nutritional potential of leaves and identify a diversity centre with low cyanide and high nutrient content among 178 Latin American cassava genotypes. This field‐based collection represents the seven diversity centres, held at The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT Palmira, Colombia) by the Cassava Program. The cyanide, all‐trans‐β‐carotene and lutein concentrations in cassava leaves ranged from 346 to 7484 ppm dry basis (db), from 174–547 μg g−1 db and 15–181 μg g−1 db, respectively. Cassava leaves also showed significant levels of essential amino acids leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, valine and threonine, and average total protein content of 26.24 g 100 g−1 db. Among seven diversity centres, South American rainforest group showed low cyanide and high carotene content in leaves. In addition, VEN77 and PAN51 genotypes stood out for having low cyanide in leaves and roots and high carotene in leaves. This genetic diversity can be used to select high potential progenitors for breeding purposes.
Highlights
Cassava is considered the fourth most important crop in the world, playing key roles for food security and income generation
The roots from 131 genotypes with hydrogen cyanide gas [cyanogenic potential (HCN) < 200 ppm can be considered safe for consumption, according to the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations (FAO/WHO, 2019, FAO/WHO, 2005)
The log-normal distribution among the genotypes of the current study reflects a selection for lower HCN by farmers during domestication, and/or a selection bias during the establishment of the germplasm collection held at Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT)
Summary
Cassava is considered the fourth most important crop in the world, playing key roles for food security and income generation. Increased use of cassava leaves may contribute to reducing vitamin A deficiency in human populations that rely on cassava as a source of energy in their diets (Ceballos et al, 2013). Another important carotenoid presents in cassava leaves is Lutein, doi:10.1111/ijfs.14888 which has an antioxidant potential (Ma & Lin, 2010; Zou et al, 2011). Carotenoids can improve immune system function by stimulating lymphocyte production and have preventive effects against cardiovascular diseases (Rodriguez-Amaya, 2015; HajizadehSharafabad et al, 2019)
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