Identification and characterization of three

In a pioneering work L.J.C.B Carvalho and co-workers from EMBRAPA (Brazil), reported in 2004 the first phenotypic description of a trait affecting starch biosynthesis in cassava roots1. This mutation resulted in the production of “sugary ” roots where normal starch synthesis is hampered and, higher amounts of free sugars (mostly glucose) and a glycogen-like molecule are instead accumulated Introduction Resu ts Different mutations have been identified or induced in search of high-value traits 2,3. This work reports what may be another special root trait. Three genotypes from an open pollinated family (SM 3338) derived from MCOL638 showe