Abstract
Second backcross population developed from crosses between wild relative Manihot walkarae and Manihot esculenta were evaluated using randomized complete block design at National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Umudike in 2011 and 2012 cropping seasons. The objective of this study was to assess the extent of genetic variability, heritability, variance components of some yield, yield related traits, pest and diseases from BC2 population. Combined analysis of variance showed significant differences among the genotypes for all the traits evaluated. The phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) in the BC2 population was higher than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all the traits mearsured indicating the effect of environment on the expression of these traits. High heritability was recorded in some of the traits evaluated. This will aid the phenotypic selection for these traits in cassava. Key words: BC2 population, cassava genotypes, heritability, genetic variability, phenotyic coefficient of variation, genotypic coefficient of variation
Highlights
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a food security crop for most of the populations in the tropical regions of the world (Akinwale et al, 2010)
The suceptibilty of Latin American germpalsm to the cassava mosaic disease has made it inevitable to explore source of CMD resistance to improve CIAT breeding populations targeted for Africa (Okogbenin et al, 2007)
High heritability of some traits indicated that these characters could be improved
Summary
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a food security crop for most of the populations in the tropical regions of the world (Akinwale et al, 2010). Cassava breeders are increasingly interested in the genes of wild relatives because they offer many opportunities for transferring useful genes (Nassar, 2003). They create a great opportunity for plant breeders with variation that can be used to develop cultivars with valuable traits such as resistance to pests and diseases, high dry matter content, high storage root yield and tolerance to postharvest physiological deterioration. The suceptibilty of Latin American germpalsm to the cassava mosaic disease has made it inevitable to explore source of CMD resistance to improve CIAT breeding populations targeted for Africa (Okogbenin et al, 2007)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
