Studies On Some Storage Methods For Cassava Stakes Using Intact Stakes

Abstract

The demand for cassava stakes is determined by scarcity in some locations because of crop expansion or difficulty in storing stems when harvested early. At other locations, poor quality “seed” is the factor. In an experiment carried out at the University of Agriculture, Makurdi experimental farm to evaluate some methods for storing cassava stakes, trial was carried out for 14 weeks, at the end of which unburied stakes and those wrapped in grasses were severely dehydrated recording 71.77% and 78.37% dehydration respectively at 10 weeks of storage. Stored stakes recorded some level of viability at the end of 14 weeks of storage with partially buried stakes recording the highest viability percentage of 22.67% among all the storage methods at 4 weeks after planting. Conclusion reached was that, Cassava stakes should be stored as long intact stakes partially buried (20cm of the base) vertically as this method of storage can maintain viability of stored stakes for up to 14 weeks. The importance of this work in relation to poverty alleviation in Nigeria is discussed.