Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-lnqnp Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T03:16:50.350Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Evaluation of the performance of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) when grown from inverted stem cuttings

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 March 2009

I. C. Onwueme
Affiliation:
Plant Science Department, University of Ife, IIe-Ife, Nigeria

Summary

In order to investigate the characteristics of inverted cassava plantings, seven-node cuttings were planted upright or inverted, and such that four nodes of each cutting were within the soil in a glasshouse. They were observed for 7 weeks. The inverted cuttings sprouted less rapidly, but the percentage of the cuttings which eventually sprouted was not decreased. The inverted cuttings produced more sprouts than the upright ones, and a greater percentage of their sprouts were produced below ground than for the upright cuttings. At 5 and 7 weeks, the total leaf area per cutting was less for the inverted cuttings. The number of leaves per cutting did not differ between the treatments.

In a field experiment comparing upright and inverted stem pieces, field emergence and tubering were slower in the inverted cuttings. Yield per plant and per unit area was significantly lower for the inverted cuttings. In the upright planting, most of the tubers originated at the lowest extremity of the cutting and formed a compact bunch there. For the inverted planting, most of the tubers arose from the shallower-lying submerged nodes, but the tubers did not form a compact bunch. The inverted planting had a lower percentage of its tubers lying along the ridge. In a few of the inverted plantings, but not in the upright, the bases of some stems became tuberous. The treatments did not differ with respect to mean tuber length, radius of spread of the tuber tip, and the number of major stems per plant.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1978

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

REFERENCES

Gurnah, A. M. (1974). Effects of method of planting and the length and types of cuttings on yield and some yield components of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grown in the forest zone of Ghana. Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science 7, 103–8.Google Scholar
Karnjanakorn, K. (1968). Planting position and weed control in cassava plantations of Si Racha. Thesis, Kasetsart University Thailand.Google Scholar
Krochmal, A. (1969). Propagation of cassava. World Crops 21, 193–5.Google Scholar
Makanjuola, G. A., Onochie, B. E. & Schulte, E. E. (1973). Preliminary studies on the mechanical harvesting of cassava roots in Nigeria. Third International Symposium on Tropical Root Crops, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1973.Google Scholar
Onochie, B. E. & Makanjuola, G. A. (1973). Is the rooting pattern of cassava in a form suitable for mechanical harvesting? Third International Symposium on Tropical Boot Crops, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1973.Google Scholar
Onwueme, I. C. (1972). Influence of the weight of the planted tuber on the vegetative performance of white yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir) plants. Nigerian Agricultural Journal 9, 170–3.Google Scholar
Schulte, E. E., Makanjuola, G. A. & Onochie, B. E. (1973). Mechanization of cassava production. I. Planting. Proceedings of the Agricultural Society of Nigeria 10, 58.Google Scholar
Takyi, S. K. (1974). Effects of nitrogen, planting method and seedbed type on yield of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Ghana Journal of Agricultural Science 7, 6973.Google Scholar
Wholey, D. W. & Cock, J. H. (1973). A rapid method for the propagation of cassava. Third International Symposium on Tropical Root Crops, Ibadan, Nigeria, 1973.Google Scholar