Evaluation of agronomic performance of beta-carotene rich (yellow fleshed) cassava varieties in Nigeria

Abstract

Twenty-five yellow fleshed cassava varieties including three checks (two improved and one local) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with four replications in three locations in Nigeria. Tuber yield, dry matter content, root size, fiber content, harvest index, sprouting and vigor of the varieties evaluated were all significant at 0.05 significant levels across the locations. Taste, color of unexpanded leaves, height at branching, and internode length were not significant. In Ibadan, plant height, vigor and root size were not significant. In Mokwa, plant height was not significant. Traits such as dry matter, mealiness and taste were significant. In Onne, dry matter was not significant. Clones such as 01/1413, 01/1442, 01/1663, 98/2132, 01/1277, and 01/1235 were stable across locations, 94/0330 had the highest dry matter (38%) which was better than the best check 30572 (37%). All clones were resistant to cassava mosaic disease, cassava bacteria blight, cassava green mites and cassava anthracnose disease vector infection and to the spread of the pathogens within the plant and across locations. Clones 01/1115, 011413, 01/1663, and 01/1335 had high beta-carotene content of range 7 on a color chart. Clones 01/1368, 01/1371, 98/2132, 90/01554 and 94/0330 had dry matter values ranging from 30 to 38%; these were acceptable values. In terms of yield, the best clones were 01/1368 (26 t/ha), 98/2132 (25 t/ha) and 01/1663 (24.5 t/ha). For gari yield clone 01/1649 gave 25%; 94/0330 gave 23% and 90/01554 gave 23%. They were better than the best check, with 22% garri yield. Cultivating cassava with yellow pigmented root flesh is a valid strategy to solve the problem of improving the nutritional value of the diet in the region where cassava is a staple food.