Peak Root and Starch Weights of Ten Early Bulking Cultivars of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta

Abstract

Peak yields of total fresh root weight (TFRW), total dry root weight (TDRW) and total starch weight (TSW) of ten cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivar are reported. Planting of the cassava cultivars was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The cassava roots were harvested first at 5 months after planting (MAP) and every month thereafter. The percentage starch content was determined using a UV-spectrophotometer at 690nm wavelength. Four main periods after planting could be identified for early bulking cultivars: (7 MAP - cultivars 115, DMA 030, HO 001 and UCC 096; 9 MAP - cultivars 126 and HO 015; 11 MAP - cultivars 90 and MQA98/11; 12 MAP - cultivars CR001/102 and HO 008). Time to achieve peak yield differed in some cultivars but was the same for TFRW, TDRW and TSW. Cassava cultivar HO 008 had the highest peak of TDRW and TSW in roots while cultivar MQA98/11 had the lowest. On dry weight basis, starch content was higher than 72%. Yield loss estimates due to delayed harvest of the cultivars are presented.. Journal of the Ghana Science Association Vol. 9 (2) 2007: pp. 54-60