**3.3 Comparison of carotenoids detected in some root crops**

Using the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), carotenoids and isomers have been detected in cassava, yam, and cocoyam, including the all trans-β carotene, 9-cis β carotene, 15-cis β carotene, β-cryptoxanthin (**Table 1**). From **Table 1**, all trans β-carotene was generally higher across cassava, with some accessions having up to 21 μg/g [5]. Also, the maximum value for total carotenoids content (TCC) in cassava as quantified using spectrophotometer is within the same range (12.95–14.8 μg/g). Yam

#### **Figure 2.**

*Genetic variability of cassava cultivars with respect to carotenoid biosynthesis in storage roots. (A) Deep yellow roots, (B) white roots, (C) cream-colored root, (D) cassava plant, (E) unpeeled cassava roots Figure 2.*

