Cassava Varieties Research Articles

Contamination status, risk assessment, and control measures of heavy metals in tuber crops

Tuber crops (TCs) are an important food source for people; however, the contamination of TCs by heavy metals (HMs) has not received sufficient attention. In this study, 253 batches of TCs samples containing HMs (Pb, Cd, Cr, Hg, As) were collected to investigate the contamination status and health risks. The results showed that different TCs contained different concentrations of HMs, while cassava exhibited the highest levels of each HM. In terms of health risks, the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with TCs consumption were in the “Negligible risk”, “Cautionary risk”, respectively. On the economic and age scales, the health risk concerning TCs consumption varied. The health risks increased when cassava was included in the diet. Field experiments were conducted to explore the factors influencing the accumulation of HMs and propose measures to control HMs contamination. When measures were taken to intervene in the factors (soil HMs, soil organic matter, soil pH and cassava variety) affecting the HMs content in cassava, the health risks were significantly reduced, with a maximum reduction of 43.71% and 17.50% in non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, respectively. This study provides ideas for the pollution management of HMs in TCs.

Cassava Brown Streak Disease Prevalence in Smallholder Cassava Cropping Systems in Northern Uganda: The Case of Acholi Sub-region

Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a devastating disease of cassava in Uganda. Limited information exists on the incidence and severity of CBSD in Northern Uganda. The prevalence of CBSD in the eight (8) districts in the Acholi sub-region is also unknown. Therefore, the current study intended to: a) determine the prevalence and severity of CBSD in the Acholi sub-region, and b) identify the drivers of CBSD epidemics in smallholder cassava cropping systems in Acholi. An assessment of 120 cassava fields was conducted in the 2018b season. CBSD field incidence was highest in Nwoya District (51.3%) and lowest in Kitgum (6.4%), with severity ranging from 2.1 to 3.4 in the sub-region. CBSD prevalence was also highest in Nwoya (76.2%) and lowest in Kitgum and Pader Districts (30.8%). The use of CBSD-susceptible varieties (TME 14, TME 204, and NASE 12) was identified as the main driver of the epidemic. The result of the current study highlights the need for a wide-scale CBSD awareness creation and community-based cassava seed multiplication and distribution system in the Acholi sub-region to promote the up-take of CBSD-tolerant cassava varieties

Resistance to Cassava Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) among Eastern and Southern African Elite Cassava Genotypes.

Cassava whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, directly damages cassava leaves by feeding on phloem, causing chlorosis and abscission, leading to a yield loss of up to 50%. The pest also causes indirect damage through sooty mold formation. Most Ugandan cassava varieties resist cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and tolerate cassava brown streak disease (CBSD), but little is known about their response to whitefly infestation. The main objective of this study was to identify cassava genotypes with putative resistance to whitefly in Uganda. This was conducted on 24 improved cassava varieties in three agro-ecological zones during the second rains of 2016. Monthly data were taken for adult and nymph counts, whitefly and sooty mold damage, and CMD and CBSD severities from 2 to 9 months after planting (MAPs). The results show that the whitefly population is highly significantly (p < 0.000) amongst varieties across the three agro-ecological zones. Mkumba consistently supported the low adult numbers and nymphs. The findings demonstrate the potential of the improved cassava varieties as sources of whitefly resistance for sustainable management.

EVALUATION OF RESISTANCE LEVELS TO Fusarium solani IN CASSAVA GENOTYPES

The search for cassava varieties resistant to fungi of the genus Fusarium has proven to be a good option for producers. To achieve this, it is essential to identify sources of resistance that allow genetic parameters to be estimated, providing useful information for breeders. The genus Fusarium is recognized as one of the main responsible for causing significant damage and economic impacts on cassava plantations globally. The present study aimed to identify, in cassava genotypes, resistance levels to F. solani using the detached root inoculation methodology. The experiment was conducted in the laboratory, and evaluations were conducted every two days after inoculation. The experimental design adopted was completely randomized with three replications consisting of a cassava root disc with or without inoculation of pathogen spore suspension. We obtained genotypes grouped as moderately susceptible and extremely susceptible, using an easy-to-execute methodology in a controlled environment in this study.

Novel SNP markers and other stress-related genomic regions associated with nitrogen use efficiency in cassava.

Cassava productivity is constrained by low soil nitrogen, which is predominant in most cassava-growing regions in the tropics and subtropical agroecology. Improving the low nitrogen tolerance of cassava has become an important breeding objective. The current study aimed to develop cassava varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency by identifying genomic regions and candidate genes linked to nitrogen use efficiency in cassava. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed using the Genome Association and Prediction Integrated Tool (GAPIT). A panel of 265 diverse cassava genotypes was phenotyped for 10 physiological and agronomic traits under optimum and low-nitrogen regimes. Whole-genome genotyping of these cassava cloneswas performed using the Diversity Arrays Technology (DArTseq) sequencing platform. A total of 68,814 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, which were spread across the entire 18 chromosomes of the cassava genome, of which 52 SNPs at various densities were found to be associated with nitrogen use efficiency in cassava and other yield-related traits. The putative genes identified through GWAS, especially those with significant associated SNP markers for NUE and related traits have the potential, if deployed appropriately, to develop cassava varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency, which would translate to a reduction in the economic and environmental cost of cassava production.

Improving the yield and nutritional quality of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in the rainforest agro-ecological zone of southeast Nigeria through agronomic biofortification with micronutrients

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important staple crop, especially for resource-poor populations. Cassava-based diets are rich in calories but grossly deficient in essential mineral elements. A field study in southeastern Nigeria aimed at increasing yields and concentrations of bioavailable mineral elements in a β-carotene cassava variety, UMUCASS 38 (TMS 01/1371), through agronomic biofortification. A randomized complete block design experiment in triplicate, with foliar application of Zn (3.0 kg ha−1 Zn as ZnSO4), I (4.0 kg ha−1 I as KI), Se (0.25 kg ha−1 Se as Na2SeO3) and Zn + Se + I in combination at vegetative, tuber initiation and bulking stages of cassava. Results indicated neither phytotoxicity nor altered physical and chemical soil properties. Application of Zn or Zn + Se + I at the vegetative stage significantly increased cassava tuber yields. More Zn, Se, and I accumulated in fresh and processed cassava tuber products (gari, lafun), especially when Zn + Se + I was applied at tuber initiation stage. The combined application of Zn + Se + I consistently outperformed sole applications indicating a synergistic interaction effect between the three elements. It is concluded that in the Zn-deficient soils of southeast Nigeria, yield of cassava root tubers can be significantly increased by foliar application of Zn-containing fertilizer at the vegetative stage, but for optimal accumulation of elemental Zn, Se, and I, a combined Zn + Se + I fertilizer be applied at the tuber initiation stage.

BIOTECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENT OF CASSAVA YIELD AND PROCESSING FOR FOOD SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) was introduced into Nigeria by Portuguese merchants in 1501. Since then, it has become a major source of food and raw materials leading to an increase in demand. In Nigeria, two-thirds of the States, mainly in the southern region, produce cassava. Malnutrition among the rural populace, especially children and women has led scientists to device means of increasing the nutritional content and varieties of cassava for food sustainability in Nigeria. Many genetically modified cassava species are produced and marketed in Nigeria. Today we have varieties with vitamin A, reduced carbohydrate content, disease resistance to mention but a few.

Assessment of levels of selected macro and microelements present in biofortified provitamin-A cassava varieties

Biofortification of cassava varieties has become a common means of improving essential elements to boost food quality. This study investigated the amount of macro and microelements present in some vitamin A-fortified cassava varieties developed by cassava breeders at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Ibadan. The roots of three pro-vitamin fortified cassava varieties IBA154800, IBA164785 and IBA164791 growing at the field of the IITA cassava breeding unit were harvested and were profiled for the macro and microelement using a Tecator digester and AAS. The Mg, Zn, Cu, K, Fe and Na contents were read in triplicates. Data collected were analysed using ANOVA and correlation (SAS 9.4 version) and the differences in the varietal means were separated using the least significant differences at a 5% level of significance. The macro elements Mg, K, and Na differed significantly across the varieties and ranged from 0.114 (IBA164791) to 0.143 (IBA164785), 1.463 (IBA164791) to 2.147 (IBA164785), and 29.138 (IBA164785) to 37.433 (IBA154800), respectively. The microelements Fe, Cu and Zn also differed significantly amongst the varieties and ranged from 19.021 (IBA164791) to 29.874 (IBA164785), 1.463 (IBA164791) to 2.147 (IBA164785), and 29.138 (IBA164791) to 37.433 (IBA154800), respectively. The relationship between Zn and Fe (-0.88), and between Na and Cu (-0.85) were significantly strong and negative. The relationship between Fe and Mg (0.89), Mg and Cu (0.85), and Mg and K (0.71) were significantly strong and positive. The biofortified variety IBA164785 had a higher improvement rate in the macro and microelements investigated.

Effect of fertilizer, planting density and variety on growth and yield of stem cuttings of cassava

The shortage of cassava stem cuttings presents a significant constraint to cassava production in Kilosa district, Tanzania. To address this issue, a field experiment was conducted within the research plots of TARI Ilonga, Kilosa, to evaluate the impact of fertilizer application, planting density, and variety on cassava stem cutting yield. Employing a split-split plot design in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), the experiment featured variety, planting density, and rates of fertilizer combinations as main, sub, and sub-sub factors, respectively. The study focused on three improved varieties of cassava (Kiroba, Chereko, and Mkuranga 1), with planting densities of 10,000, 13,000, and 20,000 plants per hectare, and ten fertilizer treatment rates. Data collected encompassed soil physico-chemical characteristics of the site, total plant height, stem height, stem diameter, number of stem cuttings, and nodes per stem cutting. Analysis of the plant data involved variance analysis, with significant treatments distinguished using Tukey’s honesty significance test (p&lt;0.05). Notably, the application of 150 kg N ha-1 resulted in statistically higher total plant height and stem height, while a planting density of 20,000 plants ha-1 combined with the Kiroba variety exhibited statistically higher numbers of stem cuttings ha-1. The study concludes that for effective stem multiplication, a planting density of 20,000 plants ha-1 and the application of N fertilizers at a rate of 150 kg N ha-1 are recommended.

Impact of viral diseases and whiteflies on the yield and quality of cassava

AbstractHere we investigated the effect of the insect pest whitefly (Bemisia tabaci), cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) on cassava root yield and quality in two cropping seasons 2014–2015 and 2015–2016 on ten cassava varieties in Tanzania. ANOVA (sum of squares or SS) revealed that the time of planting (42.7%) and cassava variety (29.5%) had the largest effect on whitefly population. Not surprisingly, cassava varieties also had the highest effect (SS 39.8 to 70.4%) on both diseases and yield. An increase in whitefly population led to higher disease incidences and severity in 2015–2016 compared to 2014–2015. Some CBSD-resistant and tolerant cassava varieties like Namikonga and Kiroba, respectively, harboured high whitefly populations. The CMD, CBSD and whitefly-susceptible variety, Mreteta, showed highest yield losses of up to 60%, while the resistant variety NDL 2005/1471 had approximately 1% loss. Deployment of varieties resistant to both diseases and whitefly is thus necessary to safeguard cassava production and food security of vulnerable communities in the affected African countries.

Vietnamese cassava varieties progression across 50 years

Vietnamese cassava varieties constitute the fundamental and pivotal element in the sustainable development programme for cassava. This article aims to encapsulate the advancements made over nearly five decades in breeding and enhancing Vietnamese cassava varieties. It delineates the suitable cassava variety structures for each period and ecological region. The selection of cassava varieties exhibiting high starch yield and disease resistance, coupled with the establishment of a suitable and efficient cassava cultivation model, exemplified by 10T for Vietnamese cassava varieties KM568, KM539, KM537, KM569, and KM94, stands as a cornerstone for sustaining cassava development over the years. Presently, we advocate for farmers to cultivate promising cassava varieties such as KM568 or KM539 (an enhanced version of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) cassava variety C39, refined through multiple breeding cycles from 2004 onwards), KM537, KM569, or HN1 (originally known as TMEB419), alongside popular cassava varieties: KM440, KM419, KM94, KM7, STB1, KM414, KM98-7, KM140, KM98-5, KM98-1. We have conducted Distinctness, Uniformity, and Stability (DUS) and Value for Cultivation and Use (VCU) tests, showcasing outstanding cassava varieties in large-scale farming, thereby providing compelling evidence for the prudent conservation and sustainable development of cassava. Vietnamese cassava progression (1975 to date) has traversed six stages, with five waves of restructuring cassava varieties, aligning with target orientations, farming conditions, and market demands, culminating in 16 popular cassava varieties and four promising cassava varieties KM568, KM539, KM537, and KM569.

Production of High Protein MOCAF (Modified Cassava Flour) Using Papain and Lactic Acid Bacteria

Wheat is one of Indonesia's primary sources of carbohydrates. However, the need for wheat still depends on imports. So, developing local flour based on Indonesia's natural resources is necessary. One source of carbohydrates easily found in Indonesia is cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz). Although there are many in Indonesia, the diversification of cassava-based products is still limited. In this research, MOCAF flour was developed and produced by fermenting cassava tubers with lactic acid bacteria. The enzymatic activity during the MOCAF (Modified Cassava Flour) production process is believed to change the physicochemical properties of cassava so that MOCAF products have characteristics similar to wheat flour and are expected to meet the gap between the demand and availability of flour. Even though it can potentially substitute wheat, MOCAF flour only has about 1% protein content, influencing dough rheology. According to the problem, a process modification was done by adding the enzyme papain (PAP) as a support enzyme to improve the performance of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). In order to study the effect of the papain enzyme, variations were made on the ratio of lactic acid starter: papain enzyme (LAB: PAP) and fermentation time. The ratio of (LAB: PAP) was varied to 40:1, 40:3, 40:5, 40:7, and 40:9, while the fermentation period was varied to 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours. The fermentation was conducted by using cassava varieties of Singkur aerobically. The primary starter contained Lactobacillus, sp, developed by PT. Rumah Mocaf Indonesia and the papain enzyme used have an activity of 100,000 U/g. Data analysis showed that the addition of papain enzyme doses with a ratio to the lactic acid starter of 40:7 was able to produce MOCAF with the best characteristics: protein content, starch content, and swelling power of 3.72%, 9.99%, 16.00%, respectively. The data trend of research also showed that the number of papain enzymes only significantly affects starch content and swelling power. On the other hand, fermentation time has a significant effect on these three characteristics (protein, starch, swelling power).&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Cassava, fermentation, lactic acid bacteria, MOCAF (Modified Cassava Flour), papain enzyme

Karakteristik Fisikokimia dan Sifat Fungsional Pati Alami Ubi Kayu Hasil Ekstraksi Secara Sederhana

Starch production is one of the post-harvest handling methods for cassava, and the resulting native starch can serve as a basic ingredient in various food industries. Understanding the physicochemical and functional properties of native starch and starch modifications such as profiles, gelatinization, retrogradation of starch paste, and rheological features is necessary to determine the appropriate application of starch in different products. This study aimed to determine cassava starch's characteristics, focusing on its physicochemical and functional properties to provide value. Native starch produced from cassava variety Adira-4 tends to exhibit relatively high viscosity (9084 cP), low solubility (0.4%), fairly low swelling power (35.39%), and low clarity (49.5%). Its brightness level was 84.81%, which was lower than the quality standard set by the Standard Nasional Indonesia (SNI). It also possessed type A crystallinity with more compact properties, limiting its application due to its functional properties.

Analysis of the Effect of Climate Change Adaptation Measures Used by Cassava Farmers in Central Agricultural Zone of Cross River State, Nigeria

The study examined an analysis of the effect of climate change adaptation measures used by cassava farmers in a central agricultural zone, Cross River State, Nigeria. A systematic sampling technique was used to select 141 Cassava farmers who participated in the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a logit model. Adaptation measures and barriers to adaptation were captured using a four (4) point Likert scale, while the data on socio-economic characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency, while hypothesis one was tested using a logit regression model and hypothesis two was tested using Chi-square x2. The findings show that (74.80/0) of the respondents were between the ages of 31 years and above. The majority of the respondents were males (50.10/0), while 480/0 of them were females and were mainly dominated by the married class (50.30/0). The study reveals that the major cause of climate change in the study area is bush burning, which was ranked first; using agricultural chemicals was ranked second; and deforestation was ranked third, respectively. While the climate change effects were reducing rainfall, was ranked first pest and disease outbreaks and drought were ranked second and third, respectively, as the most adverse effects caused by climate change in the study area. The study also shows that farmers have been able to carry out some adaptation measures to combat the effect of climate change, such as the use of improved cassava varieties, the use of green manure, early planting, change of planting date, change of harvesting date and tillage. It was also revealed that the barriers associated with climate change mitigation include lack of access to weather forecast technology, inadequate finance to cope with the changing climate, and lack of cassava varieties that are adaptable to low rainfall. The result of the Chi-square x2 test on the relationship between the effect of climate change and the adaptive measures used by cassava farmers in the study area shows that x2 values of 287.3 of the effect of climate change on cassava production are greater than the tabulated value of 0.0922. The result, therefore, indicates that there is a significant relationship between the effect of climate change and the adaptive measures used by cassava farmers. The positive sign associated with the variables in the logit regression model improved varieties of cassava stem, green manure, early planting, and mulching would increase cassava yield. It was recommended that policy-makers formulate policies that will strengthen climate adaptation in the study area.

Adoption determinants of improved cassava varieties and intercropping among East and Central African smallholder farmers

AbstractA key constraint to cassava productivity in Africa is the lack of adoption of improved cassava varieties tolerant to pests and diseases. To understand the drivers of adoption behavior, we examine the simultaneous adoption of improved cassava varieties and intercropping by 1200 smallholder farmers in Malawi, Tanzania, and Uganda. Using a linear model, we find that varietal characteristics, such as yield and early maturity, are critical drivers of adoption. Access to extension and credit is associated with an increase in the attractiveness of yield‐improving characteristics. We conclude that a more targeted extension approach would increase technology adoption in these countries.

Chemical Changes of Cassava During Processing of Growol which Made from Different Cassava Variety and Cooking Method

Chemical Changes of Cassava During Processing of Growol which Made from Different Cassava Variety and Cooking Method

Selection and testing of promising cassava varieties KM568, KM539, KM537 in Phu Yen province

Researching and breeding cassava varieties with high starch yield, resistance to major pests and diseases, and suitability to the production conditions of Phu Yen province and ecological regions is important and urgent. The objectives of this study were to select and create cassava varieties with high starch yield (at least 10% higher than controls KM419 and KM94), resistance to major pests and diseases, grade 1 - 2 disease scores for cassava mosaic disease (CMD), and cassava witches broom disease (CWBD). The research method was used according to Vietnam Cassava Program and International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) standards for technological process of hybrid cassava selection and breeding. The results showed that three promising cassava varieties KM568, KM539, and KM537 were identified. KM568, a hybrid of KM440 x (KM419 x KM539), yielded 54 tons/ha of fresh tubers with a starch content of 28.4% at harvest after 10 months of planting. KM539, a C39* variety, was developed from the original C39 variety from CIAT and yielded 45.9 tons/ha of fresh tubers with a starch content of 27.9%. KM537, a hybrid of (KM419 x KM539) x KM440, yielded 51.3 tons/ha of fresh tubers with a starch content of 28.5%. These three cassava varieties were resistant to CMD level 1.5 and CWBD level 1. KM568, KM539, and KM537 had 8 - 14 tubers/root, 7 - 12 tubers/root, and 7 - 12 tubers/root, respectively. Also, they all achieved the ideal new plant type shape, white root flesh, straight and compact plants, erect stems, short internodes, and less branching. Additionally, the plant height of KM568, KM539, and KM537 was 2.3 - 2.7 m, 2.7 - 3.0 m, and 2.5 - 2.9 m respectively.

Exploiting DNA methylation in cassava under water deficit for crop improvement.

DNA methylation plays a key role in the development and plant responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. This work aimed to evaluate the DNA methylation in contrasting cassava genotypes for water deficit tolerance. The varieties BRS Formosa (bitter) and BRS Dourada (sweet) were grown under greenhouse conditions for 50 days, and afterwards, irrigation was suspended. The stressed (water deficit) and non-stressed plants (negative control) consisted the treatments with five plants per variety. The DNA samples of each variety and treatment provided 12 MethylRAD-Seq libraries (two cassava varieties, two treatments, and three replicates). The sequenced data revealed methylated sites covering 18 to 21% of the Manihot esculenta Crantz genome, depending on the variety and the treatment. The CCGG methylated sites mapped mostly in intergenic regions, exons, and introns, while the CCNGG sites mapped mostly intergenic, upstream, introns, and exons regions. In both cases, methylated sites in UTRs were less detected. The differentially methylated sites analysis indicated distinct methylation profiles since only 12% of the sites (CCGG and CCNGG) were methylated in both varieties. Enriched gene ontology terms highlighted the immediate response of the bitter variety to stress, while the sweet variety appears to suffer more potential stress-damages. The predicted protein-protein interaction networks reinforced such profiles. Additionally, the genomes of the BRS varieties uncovered SNPs/INDELs events covering genes stood out by the interactomes. Our data can be useful in deciphering the roles of DNA methylation in cassava drought-tolerance responses and adaptation to abiotic stresses.

Definition of sensory and instrumental thresholds of acceptability for selection of cassava genotypes with improved boiling properties.

Consumers of boiled cassava in Africa, Latin America and Asia use specific preference criteria to evaluate its cooking quality, in terms of texture, colour and taste. To improve adoption rates of improved cassava varieties intended for consumption after boiling, these preference criteria need to be determined, quantified and integrated as post-harvest quality traits in the target product profile of boiled cassava, so that breeding programs may screen candidate varieties based on both agronomic traits and consumer preference traits. Surveys of various end-user groups identified seven priority quality attributes of boiled cassava covering root preparation, visual aspect, taste and texture. Three populations of contrasted cassava genotypes, from good-cooking to bad-cooking, in three countries (Uganda, Benin, Colombia) were then characterized according to these quality attributes by sensory quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and by standard instrumental methods. Consumers' preferences of the texture attributes mealiness and hardness were also determined. By analysis of correlations, the consumers' preferences scores were translated into thresholds of acceptability in terms of QDA scores, then in terms of instrumental measurements (water absorption during boiling and texture analysis). The thresholds of acceptability were used to identify among the Colombian and Benin populations promising genotypes for boiled cassava quality. This work demonstrates the steps of determining priority quality attributes for boiled cassava and establishing their corresponding quantitative thresholds of acceptability. The information can then be included in boiled cassava target product profiles used by cassava breeders, for better selection and adoption rates of new varieties. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Performance Evaluation of Four Novel Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Accessions to Different Fertilizer Types in Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria

The investigation was carried out on the effects of fertilizer and cassava variety on agronomic characteristics, yield, and disease incidence of four improved cassava accessions. The experiment was carried out at the Teaching and Research farm of Crop Science and Horticulture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Anambra State. It was a 4 × 3 factorial experiment with treatments laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Fertilizer types were NPK 15:15:15 at a rate of 400 kg/ha, poultry manure (PM) at a rate of 50 tons/ha and no application as control. The cassava accessions were TMS539, TMS092, TMS371 and TMS412, obtained from the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in Ibadan, Nigeria. Stems were cut to about 15cm and planted at a spacing of 0.5m apart. The parameters measured were the number of root tubers, total number of rot tubers, weight of tuber (kg), stem girth (cm), node per stand, branching interval, internode spacing (cm), number of branching, plant height (cm), age at branching, disease incidence. Normal agronomic practices were carried out. Results showed that all varieties responded to the application of inorganic and organic fertilizers. Cassava plants that did not receive any fertilizer application (no application) gave the highest number of root tubers (29.7) from TMS412, and the least was from TMS092. The result also showed that there was no significant difference in the effects of fertilizer type on diseases. Results also showed that there was a significant interactive effect of cassava varieties and fertilizer type on branching interval (7.009), Internode spacing (0.6195), number of branching (0.2822), and plant height (17.02) at six months after planting. From the investigation, it could be recommended that for farmers to obtain greater yields with little or no fertilizer application, these cassava accessions should be used, which are characterized by high yield and resistance to disease and pests, as shown from this research.