Determination Of The Cyanide Content In Some Bitter Cassava Species In Parts Of Ohimini L.g.a Of Benue State

CHAPTER ONEINTRODUCTION1.1    Background to the StudyCassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) is a perennial crop native to tropical America [1, 2]. It originated from Brazil and was introduced to Africa by Portuguese traders in the 16° century [3]. Cassava is a tuberous, woody, shruby plant of the Euphorbiaceae (spurge family), characterized by palmately lobed leaves, inconspicuous flowers, and a large starchy tuberous root with a tough, papery brown bark and white to yellow flesh [4]. This plant and root is also known as yuca (in Spanish), manioc, mandioca and tapioca (when dried to…