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

Abstract

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.