South american grain chenopods and Amaranths: a comparative morphology of starch

Abstract

South Americiln cultivated species of Chenopodium and Amaranthw have been studied. Qualitative optical methods, scanning electron microscopy and quantitative analytical microscopy have been used. Statistical tests haw been applicd to the results. The comparative study of peudocerealr perispcrrni starch grain morphology provides important characters for their identification. As a result. starch would hs :in clemcnt of high value in the determination of material recovered from archacoli)gical sites in different preservation conditions or wed in food elaboration.