Abstract

HERNANDEZ, Marcelo  and  ARAMBARRI, Ana. Seasonal variation of starch grains density in rhizomes of Canna glauca and C. indica (Cannaceae). Lilloa [online]. 2019, vol.56, n.2, pp.37-46. ISSN 0075-9481.  http://dx.doi.org/doi.org/10.30550/j.lil/2019.56.2/3.

Given the known nutritional use of the rhizomes of Canna glauca and C. indica, it is interesting to know if there are differences in the accumulation of starch in the rhizomes and the possible annual seasonal variation between the two species. For its study we worked with fresh material collected seasonally over the year. Through a macroscopic colorimetric observation carried out on cross-sections of the rhizomes the presence of starch in the rhizomes was determined through the use of iodinated potassium iodide solution (lugol). This technique also allowed estimating the abundance by the intensity of coloration. For the quantitative determination, the density of starch grains per milliliter of distilled water in Neubauer chamber was established, using an aqueous solution of parenchyma of the rhizome and lugol. From the qualitative and quantitative point of view, in both species the accumulation of starch reached the maximum in autumn-winter. Comparing the two species, the abundance of starch in this period of the year was higher in C. indica. It indicates this species as the most promising to test the crop for food and starch production in the Rio Plata area.

Keywords : Achira; food; plant; starch; underground stem.

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