Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Organic acids from leaves of three varieties of sugarcane (Saccharum spp) at four maturity stages

Leaves of sugarcane (Saccharum spp) from three different varieties (NA-56-79, RB 73-5275 and IAC 58-480) at four maturity stages (11, 12, 13 and 14 months) were analysed for organic acids and potassium content. Trans-aconitic acid represented about 60% of total organic acids followed by malic, glutaric, succinic, alpha-ketoglutaric, malonic and fumaric acids. There were significant differences among varieties and maturity stages for all acids studied. There were no significant correlations between potassium and organic acids content.

organic acids; trans-aconitic acid; leaves; sugarcane; Saccharum


Universidade de São Paulo, Escola Superior de Agricultura Av.Páduas Dias, 11, C.P 9 / Piracicaba - São Paulo, Brasil, tel. (019)3429-4486, (019)3429-4401 - Piracicaba - SP - Brazil
E-mail: scientia@esalq.usp.br