Lipid peroxidation, activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase during post-harvest deterioration of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) root tubers

The alterations in the level of lipid peroxidation, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase were studied during physiological post-harvest deterioration of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) root tubers for four days. The peak level of lipid peroxidation was observed on the 1st day, which also coincided with the peak activities of total SOD, CuZnSOD and catalase. With the exception of the 1st day, the activity of Mn-SOD was consistently higher than that of CuZnSOD. The data presented here may suggest that the enhanced level of lipid peroxidation on the 1st day and the sustained decrease in the activities of SOD and catalase could contribute to the post-harvest deterioration of cassava root tubers.