Cassava Growth And Development In Two Contrasting Environments Of Ibadan And Jos

Abstract

Twelve cassava (improved and local) genotypes were grown at two locations in Nigeria (Ibadan and Jos). Leaf area development and dry matter partitioning were studied from 1994 to 1996. Destructive samplings for growth analyses were done at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after planting (MAP). Genotype, environment and genotype x environment effects were significant for leaf area index (LAI), total dry matter and total dry tuberous root weight. At Ibadan, LAI was 3.6 and 2.1 at 6 and 12 MAP, respectively, while at Jos LAI values of 0.5 and 2.0 were recorded at 6 and 12 MAP, respectively, in the 1994/1995 planting season. Dry matter production and total dry tuberous root weight were significantly less at Jos than at Ibadan. This was attributed to the lower temperature regime and reduced solar radiation levels recorded at Jos plateau. Patterns of dry matter partitioning to the leaves, shoots and roots were similar in both locations. Dry matter partitioning to the roots was controlled by plant age and solar radiation while dry matter partitioning to the leaves was a function of plant age and temperature. These results indicate that dry matter partitioning of cassava to the roots and leaves are dependent upon solar radiation and temperature in higher altitudes. The data may be useful for validation of models of cassava growth being designed for higher altitudes.


Agro-Science Vol.2(1) 2001: 67-75