Abstract
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is cultivated primarily for its starchy roots which provide a staple for millions of people in the tropics. The foliage contains high levels of protein which can be harvested for human and animal feed. Twenty five cassava genotypes were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications to investigate their tolerance to periodic pruning with respect to effect on root yield and yield components. The cassava plants were periodically pruned starting from three months after planting and at three months intervals until root harvest at 12 months after planting. Storage root yields ranged between 8.3 – 26.2 t/ha and 28.9–85.5 t/ha for the pruned plants and the control respectively. The pruned plants produced average root yield of 14.7 t/ha compared with 51.5 t/ha from the control. Though periodic pruning resulted in significant reduction in all components measured, genetic variations were observed in the level of reduction. Observed root yield reduction ranged between 40–80%. Five genotypes; 96/1642, Afisiafi, Esambankye, Agbelifia and Bankyehemaa, recorded storage root yield reduction of less than 50% of their respective controls. Starch content and mean storage root weight were also significantly reduced by periodic pruning. The significant genetic variations in the reduction of these traits indicated different levels of tolerance which can be exploited in further studies to identify ideal cassava genotypes for dual purpose utilization for foliage and root production.
Highlights
Breeding of cassava (Manihot esculenta Cranz) solely for root yield and its characteristics in Ghana has led to the neglect of genotypes that are good foliage producers
Twenty five cassava genotypes were arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications to investigate their tolerance to periodic pruning with respect to effect on root yield and yield components
Even though periodic pruning at 2-3 month intervals have been reported to result in marginal reduction in storage root yield (Dahniya et al, 1981; Lockard et al, 1985) the results from this study suggested otherwise
Summary
Breeding of cassava (Manihot esculenta Cranz) solely for root yield and its characteristics in Ghana has led to the neglect of genotypes that are good foliage producers. Boampong (2001) stated that storage root yield and its characteristics as the most important goal of cassava breeding and ranks high in the choice of variety by farmers. Agronomic practices such as foliage harvesting that will interfere with storage root yield are avoided by farmers. Several researchers have reported the nutritive value of cassava foliage which makes it a major source of protein, minerals and vitamins in human diets in certain parts of Africa (Bokanga, 1994). In Ghana only the roots are of economic www.ccsenet.org/jps
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