Comparative Study on Fertilizer Application on Gari Quality from ProVitamin A (TMS 01/1368) and Improved Cassava (TMS 98/0581) Varieties for Sustainable Food Security

Abstract

The effects of fertilizer application levels (FAL) on the yield and characteristics of gari from pro-vitamin A cassava (TMS 01/1368) variety  (PVACV) and an improved cassava (TMS 98/0581) variety (ICV) were studied. Cassava roots planted with varying FAL, 0% (no fertilizer),  50% (45, 20 and 35 kg/hectare of NPK-12-12-17, muriate of potash and urea, respectively) and 100% (90, 40 and 70 kg/hectare of  NPK-12-12-17, muriate of potash and urea, respectively) were used. Gari yield and its characteristics were determined using standard  methods. Data generated were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using the least significance difference at p<0.05.  Gari yield increased as FAL increased for both cassava varieties. For gari from PVACV, ash, crude fibre and crude fat increased while carbohydrate decreased with an increase in FAL. Whereas, for gari from IVC, increase in FAL resulted in decrease in moisture, crude fat  and carbohydrate but an increase in crude protein and fibre. The functional properties except swelling index, of gari from PVACV  increased with an increase in FAL. For gari from ICV, only bulk density increased as FAL increased. Gari from ICV was low in total  carotenoids compared to that of PVACV. Pasting characteristics for gari from fertilized cassava were higher than the ones from  unfertilized cassava. The sensory properties of gari from PVACV were improved upon with an increase in FAL. Although, gari from both  cassava varieties were improved upon by fertilizer, gari from fertilized PVACV showed superiority over gari from fertilized ICV in terms of  sensory properties and total carotenoids.