Use of infrared analysis to identify genetic resources from isolated producers in Brazil as a tool to improve cassava competitiveness in the starch market

Our objective was to verify the potential of identifying different starches in Brazilian landraces of cassava using near and medium infrared analyses. The survey was conducted on 132 landraces collected throughout the Cerrado, Pantanal and Amazon biomes, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, including 10 commercial starches. The results are reflective of selection for different genetic variants in small isolated producers. Infrared analysis enables rapid identification of this material and is the first step in identifying starches with different properties. The results demonstrate the potential of MIR analyses forin situevaluation, an additional option for identifying important varieties and value the development of efforts made by small producers, whose landraces have special and economically important properties.

Automated summary

The study aimed to verify the potential of identifying different starches in Brazilian landraces of cassava using near and medium infrared analyses. Results showed that infrared analysis allows for rapid identification of different genetic variants chosen by small isolated producers. This demonstrates the potential of MIR analyses for in situ evaluation and appreciates the efforts made by small producers in developing important varieties.