Abstract
To evaluate the behaviour of cassava clones ( Manihot esculenta Crantz), the physiological quality of the propagation material was assessed, and an agronomic characterisation was conducted; this was essential for the generation of information on the clones’ productive potential. The trial was conducted in the experimental field of the Roots and Tubers programme (PIPS-RT) of the National Agrarian University–La Molina. Following a completely randomised block design with four replications, clones from the PIPS-RT were evaluated. Variables were assessed to determine the clones’ physiological quality in terms of the number of viable stakes, normal seedlings, abnormal seedlings and percentage of stake survival. The agronomic characteristics evaluated were plant height, stem diameter and yield. The Morocha clone had the highest percentage of viable stakes and normal seedlings, i.e. 80.95% and 73.81%, respectively. The highest yield was also produced by the Morocha clones (13 t/ha) followed by the Donoso 2 (7.20 t/ha) and Blanca Cajamarca (6.80 t/ha) varieties.
Highlights
Plant genetic resources are essential in sustainable agricultural production, and their conservation and effective use are fundamental for global food security (Reveles & Velasquez, 2017)
The study was conducted between October 2016 and October 2017 in the PIPS-RT of the Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (UNALM) located in La Molina, Lima, at 241 m above sea level
In the analysis of variance, no significant statistical differences were found in the variables for the treatments for the viable stakes and normal seedlings (Table 2)
Summary
Plant genetic resources are essential in sustainable agricultural production, and their conservation and effective use are fundamental for global food security (Reveles & Velasquez, 2017). There is a positive outlook for production in countries with food diversification programmes or in those that intend to limit the imports of staple foods, especially wheat and rice (FAO, 2017). Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivation has high economic and nutritional importance. It is considered as the fourth most important commodity following rice, wheat and corn (Mejía, Elias-Da-Silva, Mejía, & García-Dávila, 2015). In addition to direct consumption, it is used as a raw material in the preparation of concentrates for animals, paper and textiles, biofuels and starch for the food and pharmaceutical industries (Beovides et al, 2014; FAO, 2013)
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