Field Performance of Cassava (<I>Manihot esculenta Crantz</I>) Established from Tissue Culture-derived Plantlets and Conventional Stem Cuttings

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare the growth, yield and agronomic root tuber characteristics of two cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) cultivars ("Thaill" and "193/0170') establishedfrom tissue culture plantlets (TCPs) and conventional stem cuttings (CSCs). Results indicated that cassava established from the TCPs significantly (p ≤ 0.05) grew faster and produced more basal branches than that establishedfrom the CSCs. Cultivar Thaill established from the TCPs and CSCs produced 8 and 3 basal branches of 100 and 78cm long while cv. 19310170 established from the TCPs and CSCs produced 4 and one basal branch(es) of 54 and 33cm long, respectively. Moreover, cassava established from the TCPs significantly (p ≤ 0.05) produced higher yield of longer marketable root tubers than that established from the CSCs. Cultivar Thail I established from the TCPs and CSCs produced 26 and 21t/ha of marketable root tubers of 34.2 and 25cm long while cv. 19310170 established from the TCPs and CSCs produced 13 and 9tlha marketable root.tuber yield of 38.2 and 30cm long, respectively. Although the use of the TCPs is recommended for increasing the produCtivity of longer cassava root tubers, cost-benefit studies are required.

Keywords: Tissue culture-derived plantlets, Field plant growth, Yield, Root tuber characteristics, Cassava

Tanzania J .Agric.Sc. (2006) Vol. 7 No.2, 111 - 116