Effects of Tuber Age and Variety on Physical Properties of Cassava ( Manihot Esculenta (Crantz)) Roots

摘要: Poor postharvest storability of cassava roots has led farmers into leaving the tuber in-ground for a long time even after maturity thereby leading to lignifications. Besides, this practice been reported result in changes physiological structure roots, hence need investigate influence on engineering properties root. Two improved varieties, TME 419 and TMS 30572 local variety, Oko-iyawo were investigated study. Selected physical which include diameter peel thickness at head, middle tail (D H , D M T P ), mass, length, Peel Proportion by Weight (PPW) density tubers aged 12, 15 18 Months After Planting (MAP) measured  using standard methods. The data analyzed two way ANOVA SPSS 15. mean T, mass length ranged respectively from 36.67 (8.76) – 43.32 (11.53) mm, 35.26 (15.77) 45.58 (7.68) 26.06 (12.94) 33.87 (10.30) 1.30 (0.25) 4.60 (1.13) 1.23 (0.23) 4.52 (1.08) 1.19 (0.16) 4.06 (1.05) 229.78 (146.98) 489.11 (274.28) g, 232.98 (85.43) 344.18 (90.37) mm. They significantly influenced age except while oval shape was established dimensions indicating suitability mechanical peeling. Mean PPW 17.36 (2.73) 24.09 (7.32) % showed that younger have more flesh human consumption older thick peels useful animal feed. Analysis variance had very strong all density. Varietal not statistically significant. study importance variety as factors be considered design development processing handling equipment effective efficient performance machines. Keywords : Cassava, postharvest, age,