We present Magnetization and ESR measurements in the paramagnetic phase of
ceramic LaMnO3 with carefully controlled stoichiometry. At T approximate to
600 K, near the Jahn-Teller transition observed in this material, we found
an important decrease of the ESR linewidth. We explain this observation co
nsidering the crucial role of the lattice distortions which strongly affect
s the anisotropic and isotropic exchange interactions. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sc
ience B.V. All rights reserved.