Abstract
The roots of cassava ( Manihot esculenta) display parenchyma discoloration soon after unearthing. The progressive change in this parameter of senescence was evaluated and its relationship with simultaneous changes in lipid composition in the ageing of the roots were studied in two consecutive years. In total, seven phospholipids were measured, and of these phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylinositol and diphosphatidylglycerol showed concerted changes in content and proportion. These changes were correlated with the root discoloration. Overall decreases in total phospholipids and glyceroglycolipids contents, and increases in the ratio of total sterol containing lipids to total phospholipids and to total glyceroglycolipids, suggest alterations of membranes, similar to those occurring in other senescent plant organs. The results indicate a causal relationship between the changes in lipids and the parenchyma discoloration that occur in cassava roots after unearthing. The hypothesis that considers cassava discoloration as a manifestation of senescence, is supported.
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