Abstract
The adaptation of cassava plantlets to natural conditions remains the main obstacle in the process of free virus plantlets production. In this study, cassava plantlets acclimatization was assessed by pre-acclimatization, height of acclimated plantlets, substrate, and nutrient watering solution. The results revealed that pre-acclimatization gave a high survival rate (61.9%) whereas the direct tunnel acclimatization was conducted to low rate (27.31%) of plantlets. Furthermore, the height of plantlets influenced significantly (p < 0.05) their survival rate with best survival rate observed on plantlet height from 1 cm to 5 cm. There was no significant difference between the substrates used and watering solutions. However, the Sawdust substrate gave a high survival rate (46.67%) and better phylogenesis (1.8) in the variety RB 89509. Likewise, plantlets treated with NPK nutrient watering solutions (20-10-10) had a better survival rate (48.57%), better phylogenesis (2.125) with the variety RB 89509 and better growth in height (1.18 cm) with the variety BF92/0267. These findings constitute a database for the establishment of the technical itinerary for the acclimatization of cassava plantlets.
Highlights
Cassava is cultivated for its carbohydrate-rich roots, and leaves which constitute an inexpensive source of leafy vegetables rich in protein and vitamins [1] [2]
Cassava plantlets acclimatization was assessed by pre-acclimatization, height of acclimated plantlets, substrate, and nutrient watering solution
The results revealed that pre-acclimatization gave a high survival rate (61.9%) whereas the direct tunnel acclimatization was conducted to low rate (27.31%) of plantlets
Summary
Cassava is cultivated for its carbohydrate-rich roots, and leaves which constitute an inexpensive source of leafy vegetables rich in protein and vitamins [1] [2]. Different combinations of NPK fertilizers have been used successfully during acclimatization of cassava [17], and no research has documented the NPK fertilizers available for food crop. According to their height not considered in laboratory conditions, plantlets are sometimes very fragile and little adaptable to greenhouse or natural conditions with losses ranging up to 90% [16]. Research undertook on acclimatization technique improvement is a challenge because, in addition to the strong thermal contrast between the greenhouse and the tissue culture conditions, the fertilizers used (peat and vermiculites) remain little available to farmers. That is the context the present work aims to optimize the conditions for successful acclimatization by considering environmental factors and healthy planting material, local substratum and NPK fertilizer in watering in order to renew the plant material existing in a peasant environment
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