Improved Cassava Varieties Research Articles

Starch-based edible films of improved cassava varieties Yavo and TMS reinforced with microcrystalline cellulose

The results of a recent study on starch-based films of improved cassava varieties show that these films have poor barrier properties and lower mechanical strength. Thus, for some applications, improving their resistance to breaking forces is a key factor in making their use possible and sustainable. In this study, to the starch of two improved varieties of cassava (Yavo and TMS), combined with peanut oil, soybean lecithin, glycerol was added microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) at 0, 7, 15 and 30 %. The addition of microcrystalline cellulose has resulted in an increase in the opacity (223.91 nm.UA to 425.33 nm.UA for Yavo and 251.42 nm.UA to 434.51 nm.UA for TMS), tensile strength (7.15 MPa–10.99 MPa for Yavo and 7.77 MPa–13.18 MPa for TMS), and Young's modulus (331.29 MPa–1351.08 for Yavo and 343.79 MPa–1476.08 MPa for TMS) of films. However, MCC induced a decrease in moisture content (15.99 %–11.43 % for Yavo and 14.24 %–10.66 % for TMS), water solubility (24.84 %–20.61 % for Yavo and 24.15 %–19.36 % for TMS), elongation at break (22.75 %–1.31 % for Yavo and 21.25 %–1.19 % for TMS) and water vapour permeability (WVP) (1.98 × 10−11 to 1.39 × 10−11 g Pa−1. s−1.m1 for Yavo and 1.93 × 10−11 to 1.29 × 10−11 g Pa−1. s−1.m1). The MCC has also produced yellowish-coloured films. MCC has been shown to be effective in improving starch-based films of improved cassava varieties Yavo and TMS. These two varieties can be used in combination with MCC to produce food packaging.

Cassava Production, Processing and Utilization in South Western Part of Ethiopia

Cassava is a root crop grown and consumed in south western part of Ethiopia. A survey was conducted to assess the production status, processing and utilization of cassava in three zones in South Western part of Ethiopia. A total of 63 farmers from five Cassava producing Districts were randomly selected for interview. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to individual respondent. The survey result showed that most of the farmers on average allocated less than 0.25ha of land for cassava production and none of the respondents were used improved cassava varieties. More than 86% of the farmers sold fresh cassava while others sold after processing. Of the interviewed farmers 98.4% of the respondents had awareness about hydrogen cyanide content of cassava and conducted different removal measures. More than half of the interviewed farmers responded that most of cassava produced in the area was used for home consumption. Less than 40% of them were used for both market and home consumption. Of the total farmers, 53% of the farmers consumed cassava by boiling and frying, while the others consume either by boiling or frying.

Evaluation of Newly Released Cassava Varieties for Yield Performance, Reactions to Cassava Diseases and Farmers’ Preference in Adjumani District of Uganda

Cassava viral diseases particularly cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) and cassava mosaic disease (CMD) have put pressure on cassava breeders to develop varieties that are resistant/tolerant to them. Several cassava varieties have been rolled out to farmers with the latest being NAROCASS series that are tolerant to these diseases. The yield performance of these new varieties have not been documented in some sub zones like Adjumani district that falls within a major West Nile agro-ecology of Uganda. Therefore this study sought to established yield performances of, reactions to major diseases, and farmers’ preference to these newly released cassava varieties in Adjumani. Results showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences among cassava varieties and experimental sites for all the parameters evaluated. Average yield performance by varieties were in the order of a local cassava—Alifasia (8.7 t/Ha) lowest, NAROCASS 2 (18.55 t/Ha), NASE 14 (33.97 t/Ha), NASE 19 (41.26 t/Ha), and NAROCASS 1 (41.71 t/Ha) highest. CMD foliar symptom was present at all sites on a local cassava—Alifasia, and on NAROCASS 1 in Ayiri parish, Ukusijoni sub-county. CBSD foliar symptoms were observed on off-types (TME 14) in the plot of NASE 14 in Miniki Parish only whereas CBSD root necrosis was observed at all sites on the local cassava—Alifasia, and on NASE 19 in Maaji parish, Ukusijoni sub-county. Cassava root rot disease was localised in Ukusijoni sub-county only. Farmers’ preferences to these newly released cassava varieties were in the order of NASE 19 (40.96%), NAROCASS 1 (24.86%), NAROCASS 2 (15.82.28%), NASE 14 (15.54%), and a Local cassava—Alifasia (2.83%). Result from this study strengthens the information gap in the breeding process towards developing a cassava variety with farmer-preferred attributes, and can also inform the utilisation of these improved cassava varieties in Adjumani district.

Adoption of improved cassava varieties in Nigeria: Insights from DNA fingerprinting versus self-reporting varietal identification approaches

Much of the empirical studies on crop varietal adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa relied on self-reported adoption in farm-household surveys, which is prone to measurement errors. In addition, farmers’ perceptions of consumption-related varietal traits in adoption studies has received limited attention compared with production-related traits. Using DNA-based and self-reported adoption measures, we analyze the adoption of improved cassava varieties (ICVs) with a focus on the extent of varietal misidentification, the sensitivity of the drivers of adoption to varietal misidentification and the role of farmers’ perceptions of biofortification trait in adoption decisions. We find that the adoption rate of ICVs is relatively high using both DNA-based and self-reported adoption measures, but there is notable misclassification in varietal adoption. We find that the mismatch in DNA-based and self-reported adoption measures leads to some variation in the factors that influence the likelihood and intensity of adoption of ICVs. This suggests that appropriate varietal identification helps in better understanding of the drivers of adoption. In addition, we find that despite the observed varietal misclassification, farmers’ perceptions of biofortification trait is significantly correlated with the probability and intensity of adoption of ICVs using both DNA-based and self-reported varietal identification. This suggests that inclusion of biofortification trait in cassava matters for both the likelihood and extent of adoption of ICVs. The latter lends credence to the emerging policy interests in breeding programs for biofortified crops to address hidden hunger in Nigeria.

Weed Interference on Growth and Leaf Nutrient Accumulation in Two Cassava Varieties

The development of cassava varieties with more efficient nutrient absorption can prevent losses caused by weed competition. The objective of this study was to evaluate dry matter accumulation and leaf nutrient content in traditional and improved cassava varieties, with and without coexistence with weeds throughout the cycle. A randomized complete block design was used in a 2 x 2 x 11 factorial scheme with four replications. The first factor consisted of two varieties (Baianinha and Clone 56-03); the second factor was composed of the conditions with and without coexistence with weeds, and the third factor was 11 harvest periods. Coexistence with weeds reduced leaf contents of N (20.8% and 24.8%), P (26.7% and 4.6%) and K (27.1% and 12.6%) for 'Baianinha' and 'Clone 56-03', respectively. For coexistence with 'Baianinha', the period up to the maximum daily nutrient accumulation rate (N, P and K) ranged from 82 to 99 days after planting (DAP), while for 'Clone 56-03', coexistence in this period ranged from 80 to 88 DAP. The plants from the variety 'Clone 56-03' presented higher total dry mass and root dry mass accumulation, as well as higher leaf contents of N, P and K than the traditional cassava variety 'Baianinha', especially when in coexistence with weeds during the whole cycle.

Economic Analysis of Cassava Production: Prospects and Challenges in Irepodun Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to analyse cassava production, prospects and challenges in Irepodun local government area, Kwara State, Nigeria. It aimed to examine the determinant variables and determine the profitability level of cassava enterprises. The study was based on primary data obtained with the aid of structured questionnaire from 100 cassava farmers drawn through multi-stage sampling techniques from the study area. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ordinary least square (OLS) regression model and gross margin analysis. The result of the OLS regression estimates showed that farm size, cost of fertilizer application, farm size, herbicides, family and hired labour were significant variable affecting cassava production in the study area. Fertilizer, farm size and hired labour are significant at 1% while herbicide and family labour are significant at 10%. The study found that the average gross margin per hectare for cassava production in the study area was ₦24,749.28 ($65.30) with a gross benefit ratio of 1.38. This shows that for every ₦1 invested in the business of cassava production, there is a corresponding profit of ₦1.38. The major challenges identified in cassava enterprise are huge transportation cost, high cost of production, lack of improved cassava cultivars, and lack of market linkages. The study concluded despite the problem encountered in the study area, cassava production is profitable and can serve as a panacea for economic improvement of households. Therefore, the study recommends that basic inputs such as improved cassava varieties, herbicides and fertilizer should be made available at affordable price. Also, infrastructural facilities such as good road network and improve marketing channels should be provided in order to sustain current cassava production rate and economic gains from the production.

DISTRIBUTION AND DYNAMICS OF NEMATODE POPULATIONS ASSOCIATED WITH CASSAVA (MANIHOTESCULENTA CRANTZ) CULTIVATION IN TWO MAIN PRODUCTION AREAS IN COTE DIVOIRE

Plant parasitic nematodes associated with cassava cultivation in Cote dIvoire have received very little public attention. This study aimsat updating information on nematodes associated with cassava. Surveys were carried out in cassava fieldsin five localities spread over two agroecological zones so as to collect cassava soil and root samples. The nematodes were extracted, identified, quantified and their distributionmapped. Sixteen nematode genera were extracted from cultivation soils, six of which includingGracilacus, Helicotylenchus, Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Radopholus and Tylenchulus were extracted from cassava roots. Gracilacus and Meloidogyne were extracted from cassava roots from all localities. Local and improved cassava varieties were infected with nematodes. Gracilacus was mainly extracted from cassava roots in Adzope, Agboville and Dabou at frequencies ranging from 48.43 to 56.58%. Meloidogyne and Pratylenchus were the main nematodes extracted from cultivation soils in Gagnoa (46.81%) and Yamoussoukro (78.15%) respectively. The numbers of Gracilacus in Adzope, Agboville and Dabou, Meloidogyne in Agboville, Dabou and Gagnoa, Pratylenchus in Dabou and Yamoussoukro and Radopholus in Adzope increased in cultivation soils with the age of cassava plants.

Rheological and textural properties of lafun, a stiff dough, from improved cassava varieties.

We studied the textural and rheological (viscoelastic) properties of fresh lafun dough, a fermented cassava product, and their changes during storage at 45°C for 5 and 24h, in order to determine after-cooking storability. Lafun flours were produced from three types of cassava varieties: seven improved white-fleshed varieties, seven improved provitamin A carotenoids (pVAC) varieties and two local white-fleshed varieties; and processed into lafun doughs. Pasting properties of the flours were assessed. Flours from local varieties had pasting profiles with highest viscosities, while pVAC flours had the lowest. The three types of cassava varieties varied significantly in most of their pasting properties. Four promising improved varieties were identified, based on high peak viscosity (55.8-61.5 P) and stiffer texture than local varieties during storage. Undesirable varieties were also found, which softened during storage instead of hardening. Optimum texture of lafun dough was obtained after 5h of storage.

Effect of Tillage Practices on Selected Engineering Properties of Cassava (<i>Manihot esculenta</i>) Tubers

The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of tillage practices on selected engineering properties of cassava tubers. Two field tests were conducted between May 2014 to April 2015 and May 2015 to April 2016. Eight tillage practices utilized for the experiment were coded as; Ploughing + Harrowing (A), Ploughing + Harrowing + Ridging (B), Manual Ridging (C), Minimum Tillage (D), Ploughing + Harrowing + Manual Digging to a depth of 30 cm + Sawdust of 10 cm depth set at the base (E), Ploughing + Harrowing + Ridging + Sawdust of 10 cm depth set at the base (F), Manual Ridging + Sawdust of 10 cm depth put at the base (G) and Manual Digging to a depth of 30 cm + Sawdust of 10 cm depth put at the base (H). TMS 0581 improved cassava variety and two fertilizer rates 622.50 kg/ha and control were used. Randomized Complete Block Design was used. The experiment was 8x2x1 factorial combinations in split-split plot design with three replications. The effect of different treatments on selected engineering properties of cassava tubers were determined. The results showed that Ploughing + Harrowing (A) tillage practice was significantly different from other tillage practices and gave the most suitable selected engineering properties of size 10.53±0.64c cm, surface area 371.15±45.53bc cm2, sphericity 39.26±1.74a cm, roundness 21.40±3.29ab , bulk mass 21.43h kg, coefficient of static friction 2.73±0.06abc, compressive strain at break of 2.16±0.03e mm/mm, compressive load at break of 11698.90±178.71f N, compressive stress at break of 2.72±0.04d MPa, energy at break of 191.62±2.93e J, modulus automatic of 1.89±0.031c MPa, followed by F, G, D, C, E, H and B tillage practices respectively. The study had provided some engineering properties for engineers to develop efficient agricultural machines for handling and processing of fresh cassava tubers.
 Keywords: Evaluation, influence, tillage practices, engineering properties, cassava tubers.

Dissemination strategies and the adoption of improved agricultural technologies: The case of improved cassava varieties in Ghana

Cassava (Manihot esculanta Crantz) is an important tropical root crop for food security and national economies in Africa. In Ghana, it is the most important staple food also used in breweries, bakery and confectionery industries. Several high-yielding and disease resistant improved cassava varieties (ICVs) have been released and are being promoted through diverse dissemination channels. Past studies investigate the role of information in the adoption of agricultural technologies without accounting for the diversity in the dissemination strategies. The paper explores the diversity of dissemination strategies in examining the adoption of improved cassava varieties using a sequential mixed-method approach which combines exploratory interviews and focus group discussions with a questionnaire-based quantitative survey and the Cragg's two-part model. The paper uses data collected from 608 farmers randomly selected from major cassava producing communities in the Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions in Ghana, West Africa. The results show statistically significant and identical impact of information through demonstrations, distribution of planting materials, farmer-to-farmer and media on the probability of ICV adoption. Other drivers of adoption are the membership of farmers based organizations (FBO), planting of two or more varieties and having large livestock size. However, ICV adoption and intensity was hampered by household size, distances to the nearest tarred road and market, and grey-skin color. These attributes need to be integral of dissemination campaigns for cassava variety adoption.

Farmers’ Willingness to Cultivate Pro-vitamin-A Cassava Variety in Kwara State, Nigeria

The study examined factors underlying farmers’ perception about pro-vitamin-A cassava varieties and their willingness to cultivate them in Kwara State, Nigeria. One hundred and twenty-two (122) cassava farmers, selected through a multistage sampling procedure, were used for the study. Data were collected through the use of interview schedule and analysed using percentages, mean and standard deviation. Chi-square, likelihood ratio and factor (principal component) analysis were used for inferential deduction. Results showed that about half (50.8%) of the respondents had high knowledge about the improved cassava variety and a vast majority (93.4%) expressed willingness to cultivate it. Sex (χ2 = 3.542) and knowledge level (χ2 = 15.732) had significant association with willingness to cultivate at p≤0.05, with female farmers found to be about 3 times more likely willing to cultivate than male. Also, farmers with more knowledge were found to be about 6 times more likely willing to cultivate pro-vitamin-A than those with little knowledge. Three crucial factors (‘ethno-based preference’, ‘culturally induced personal preference’ and ‘colour dislike’) were found to be associated with farmers’ perception about the cassava variety. Farmers in Kwara State were willing to cultivate the pro-vitamin-A cassava variety. Women and those who had more knowledge were more willing to cultivate the variety than men and those with little knowledge, respectively. Factors underlying farmers’ perception about the variety were linked to ethno-cultural background and dislike for yellow root cassava. The need for more female integration and increased nutritional education in the drive towards popularisation of pro-vitamin-A cassava variety are thus recommended.
 Key words: Pro-vitamin-A cassava, willingness to cultivate, nutritional education

Household welfare impacts of an agricultural innovation platform in Uganda

AbstractTechnical approaches to food production are important to the food security of growing populations in developing countries. However, strategic investments in research and farm‐level adoption require greater coherence in agricultural, societal, and local policies. The Agricultural Innovation System (AIS) and formation of the Cassava Innovation Platform (CIP) in Uganda were designed to stimulate interactions between researchers and farmers, leading to the development of improved cassava varieties through participatory plant breeding (PPB) and participatory variety selection (PVS). Moreover, the establishment of a community‐based commercialized seed system called Cassava Seed Entrepreneurship (CSE) has made an important contribution to the rapid multiplication and dissemination of clean planting materials in Uganda. The impact of CIP participation on rural household welfare was measured by household consumption expenditure per capita. The Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) model was applied to data from a formal household survey conducted in the eastern, northern, and mid‐western regions of Uganda. The education, farm size, livestock size, access to credit, cost of cassava planting materials, access to extension service, access to training, and social group membership are significantly associated with CIP participation. CIP participation resulted in a 47.4% increase in household consumption expenditure. This important evidence highlights the need to promote agricultural innovation platform for improving rural livelihoods. Moreover, CIP participation has impact heterogeneity within the participant group that is conditional on household characteristics such as the gender of the household head, pointing to the need to tailor specific interventions and target specific groups within farm households.

Agro-Morphological Traits And Root Yield Of An Improved Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Variety Under Nutrient-Applied Conditions In Offinso Municipality Of Ghana

Field studies were undertaken at Offinso in the Ashanti Region of Ghana during the 2015/2016 growing season to evaluate growth, root and dry matter yields of an improved cassava variety (Bankyehemaa) treated with poultry manure (PM), NPK 15-15-15 and NPK 23-10-10 fertilizers. The treatment structure was a 3 x 4 factorial, laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Three levels of fertilizer (600 kg/ha NPK 15-15-15, 600 kg/ha NPK 23-10-10 and 2 t/ha PM) were applied at 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks after planting. The parameters measured included plant height, fresh and dry shoot weights, number of stems per plant, stem girth, fresh and dry root yields and total dry matter yield. The data collected were subjected to analysis of variance using the Genstat Statistical package. Main effects of fertilizer type and time of fertilizer application on most of the parameters measured were not significant. However, the interaction effects of the two factors were significant in all the parameters measured. Vegetative growth of Bankyehemaa increased when mineral fertilizers were applied earlier than 12 weeks after planting. The highest fresh and dry shoot weights and the biggest stems were produced when NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer was applied at 6 weeks after planting. Plants treated with NPK 15-15-15 fertilizer at 10 weeks after planting were the tallest, while those treated with NPK 23-10-10 fertilizer at 8 weeks after planting produced the highest number of stems per plant. Application of poultry manure at 6 weeks after planting produced the highest fresh cassava root yield of 28.10 t/ha. The highest dry matter yield of 19.80 t/ha was obtained when poultry manure was applied at 12 weeks after planting.

Varietal influence of cassava on chemical composition and consumer acceptability of gari

AbstractEffects of cassava variety on chemical composition and consumer acceptability of gari were investigated. Three traditional cassava varieties Bonoua 2, Yace and Yavo as well as four improved cassava varieties Bocou 1, Bocou 2, Bocou 3 and TMS (2) 1425 were evaluated. All the varieties had appreciable high value of carbohydrates ranged from 86.6% (TMS (2) 1425) to 90.89% (Bonoua 2). TMS (2) 1425 had the lowest reducing sugar value (0.22%) while Bocou 3 had the highest reducing sugar value (0.38%). Studied gari exhibited low value of hydrogen cyanide with the lowest value found in Bocou 1 (1.53 mg per 100 g). Total fibre value varied to 2.88% (Yace) to 2.28% (Bocou 2). Gari of Bocou 1 and Bocou 3 were the most appreciated. These gari had fairly sweet taste, were fairly bright and contained few impurities. This study demonstrated that cassava variety influenced the chemical composition and consumer acceptability of gari.

Assessing Yield Responses of Four Improved Cassava Varieties in Akure, Nigeria

Assessing Yield Responses of Four Improved Cassava Varieties in Akure, Nigeria

Performance of Cassava (<i>Manihot esculanta</i>. Crantz) Varieties at Different Areas of South Omo, Southern Ethiopia

A field experiment involving four improved cassava (manihot esculanta, crantz) varieties and one local check was carried out at four different locations of South Omo zone (Kurea, Jinka on station, Geza and Shepi Kebelles) during the 2018 to 2019 cropping seasons under rain fed conditions to identify the best performing variety/ies to the target areas of South Omo zone. The cassava varieties included in the field experiment were four improved (Kelo, Qulle, Hawassa-04, Chancho) and a local check. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Growth, yield and yield components were studied. The result showed that plant height was significantly affected by variety while number of primary and secondary branch was not significantly influenced by variety. Total root number per plant, tuber weight and total yield per hectare also showed a significance difference among varieties. The highest total root yield per hectare (24.77 t/ha) was recorded from Hawassa-04 where as Chancho, Kelo, Qule and local check show no significance difference among each other. Therefore, it can be concluded that use of the improved cassava varieties such as Hawassa-04 is advisable and could be appropriate for cassava production in the test area even though further testing is required to put the recommendation on a strong basis.

Effects of root and tuber expansion programme on the performance of cassava farmer-beneficiaries in Edo State, Nigeria

The study assessed effects of Root and Tuber Expansion Programme (RTEP) on the performance of cassava farmer-beneficiaries in Edo State, Nigeria. The population of the study comprised all cassava farmers in Edo State that participated in RTEP. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 120 respondents for the study. Data were collected from primary source through the use of validated interview schedule. Analytical tools used were descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression. Findings show that the RTEP made best achievements in conduct of training/workshop on improved cassava production practices, followed by increase in cassava farmers’ yield and income. The cassava farmer-beneficiaries were fully involved in the programme’s activities such as multiplication of improved cassava varieties and distribution ( = 2.86), extension meetings and field visits ( = 2.81) and lectures organized by extension workers ( =2.77). Socio-economic variables such as age, sex, educational level, farming experience, membership of social organization, extension contact and annual income statistically and significantly influenced level of involvement in the RTEP activities at 5% level. Inadequate fund for start-off, delays in credit/agro-input disbursement, approval of work plans, budgets and procurements, inadequate programme group coverage and gender issue not addressed were major constraints to involvement of the farmers in RTEP. The need for timely and adequate supply of agro-inputs and credits at subsidized rate by the service providers was recommended. This would boost the capabilities of the farmers to start field operations timely, realize more profit, and achieve higher levels of involvement in the RTEP activities.

Small-scale Farming, Agricultural Productivity and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria: The Enabling Role of Agricultural Technology Adoption

Existing literature affirms the importance of agricultural technology adoption on productivity, income and livelihood outcomes. Evidences subsist on the adoption of improved cassava varieties (ICVs) in Nigeria but little is known about its impact among the farmers. We used data from a survey conducted by International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to explore this research gap. Propensity Score Matching and Heckman’s two-stage model were the analytical tools. Given an estimated poverty line of (₦21717.53); 52.0% of the farmers were poor. We found that 75.6% of the respondents are adopters of ICVs. Primary occupation of household head and total non-production asset of farmers were key determinants for adoption. Adoption of improved cassava variety has positive effect on farmers’ productivity and poverty reduction. The Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) for productivity increased by 70 percent among ICVs farmers. Income was also higher among the adopters than the non- adopters by ₦43463.77. In the same vein, the income of the adopters increased by 17%. Furthermore, adopters of ICVs have the probability of reducing poverty headcount by 20%. The empirical results suggest that improved agricultural innovation adoption can play a key role in strengthening and impacting agricultural productivity of smallholder farmers for increased income generation and food security.

Abundance of Two Generalist Insect Pests of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) as Influenced by NPK Fertilization

The influence of NPK fertilizer on the population of two generalist pests, grasshopper (Zonocerus variegatus) and termites (Isoptera spp.) on some cassava varieties (Manihot esculenta Crantz), was investigated in a field trial carried out at Teaching and Research Farm of Department of Crop science, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The treatments comprised all possible combinations of four rates of fertilizer application (0 kg/ha, 200 kg/ha, 400 kg/ha and 600 kg/ha), four improved cassava varieties (‘TMS 01-1368’, ‘TME 419’, ‘TMS 98-05-50’, ‘TMS 05 10’) and three modes of fertilizer application (Single, Split and Split-split) arranged in a factorial experiment and laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). There were three replications of each treatment. Data were collected on Z. variegatus and termite incidences. In each season, incidence of Z. variegatus on cassava showed significant (p<0.05) difference among varieties. Varieties ‘TMS 01-1368’, ‘TMS 05 10,’ and ‘TMS 98-05-05,’ were significantly (p<0.05) more susceptible to the pest compared to variety ‘TME 419’. Incidence of termites on cassava differed significantly (p<0.05) among varieties in the late season and variety TMS 05 10’ was more susceptible to this pest than other varieties. Rates of NPK fertilizer had significant (p<0.05) influence on Z. variegatus incidence only. Application of various NPK fertilizer rates increased the incidence of Z. variegatus on the varieties compared to plots without fertilizer (0 kg/ha). The abundance of Z. variegatus in cassava field was influenced by fertilization and variety while termites were influenced by variety.

Level of Adoption of Improved Cassava Technologies in Benue State

Aims: The study aimed to determine the level of adoption of improved cassava technologies in Benue State.
 Study Design: The Survey design was adopted for the study.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Benue State, between September 2018 and March 2019.
 Methodology: Cluster and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 336 respondents for the study. Primary data were collected using Semi-structured questionnaire. The objectives were achieved using descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies and means and Rank ordered analysis.
 Results: The improved cassava technologies in Benue state were identified to include; TMS 0505, TMS 0581, TMS 30572, TMS 01/1368, TMS 96/1632, TMS 92/0326, TME 419, NR 8082.The result revealed that the percentage awareness for TMS 0505 was high 65% (238) but the adoption of TMS 0505 was low 32% (78). There is moderate awareness level for TMS 0581 49% (179) and TMS 02/1368 56% (294) with moderate adoption 55% (98) and 53% (109) respectively. Also, the awareness level for TMS 92/0326 is high 72% (265) with moderate adoption 44% (116); TME 419 and NR 8082 had high awareness level 85% (311) and 88% (323) with high adoption 65% (201) and 68% (221) respectively. The result also revealed that famers complained that the improved cassava varieties cannot store for a long time in the farm 93% (342) and that there is no market to sale increased quantity of cassava roots.
 Conclusion: Thus it was concluded that there is generally high level of awareness of improved cassava varieties in Benue state but with moderate to low adoption rate.
 The study thus recommend that farmers should be consulted and their needs should always be considered in such development ventures. This will ensure high adoption and high impact as well.