On-Farm Multi-Environment Evaluation of Selected Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Cultivars in South Africa

Abstract

Cassava is an important starchy root crop grown globally in tropical and subtropical regions. The ability of cassava to withstand difficult growing conditions and long-term storability underground makes it a resilient crop, contributing to food and nutrient security. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance and adaptability of exotic cassava cultivars across different environments in South Africa and to recommend genotypes for cultivation. A total of 11 cassava cultivars were evaluated at six on-farm sites, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were highly significant (p < 0.001) variations between genotypes, environments, and their interaction for all yield and yield-related traits studied. This indicates the need to test the genotypes in multiple environments before effective selection and commercialization can be undertaken. MSAF2 and UKF4 showed the overall best performances for most of the traits, whilst UKF9 (49.5%) and P1/19 (48.5%) had the highest dry matter yield. UKF4 (102.7 t ha−1) had the highest yield and greatest root yield stability across environments. MSAF2 did not perform consistently across environments because it was highly susceptible to cassava mosaic disease (CMD). MSAF2 could be used as a donor parent to generate novel clones with large numbers of marketable roots, and high fresh root yields, if the other parent can provide effective resistance to CMD. Based on genotype and environmental mean, Mabuyeni (KwaZulu-Natal), Mandlakazi (Limpopo), and Shatale (Mpumalanga) were found to be better environments for cassava cultivation and testing. This study is a pioneer in cassava research using multiple environments in South Africa. It provides baseline information on the performance of currently available cassava clones, their adaptation to multiple sites, the identification of suitable test sites, and information on current genetic resources for a future breeding program.

Variation among cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genotypes for storage root yield, yield components and response to cassava mosaic disease at the advanced breeding stage

“…Root dry matter content is affected by planting dates, crop ages at harvest, and periods of drought before harvesting (Bakayoko et al, 2009; Enesi et al, 2022). The nonsignificant correlation observed between DMC and FRY of the cassava genotypes in this study is in tandem with a report byAmelework et al (2022). Meanwhile, positive association recorded between DRY and DMC suggests that an increase in dry matter content of this cassava population may lead to an increase in their dry root yield.…”

Determining the drivers and deterrents of Climate-smart crop adoption: The case of cassava in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

“…Rural Dev.,4(70), 391-400. http://dx.doi.org/10.17306/J. JARD.2023.01718 www.jard.edu.pl market (DAFF, 2010;Amelework et al, 2022). Mbombela municipality is located in the north-eastern part of the Mpumalanga province and is home to the provincial capital, Nelspruit (Mbombela).…”

“…The study is also timely because, Tongaat Hulett Starch, PhilAfrica Foods, and Unilever are looking to improve their sourcing of starch and sorbitol on the African continent. Leveraging from cassava successes in the production of cassava-brewed beer SABMiller and Diageo are also looking to expand their geographic production (Amelework et al, 2022). Hence, this study feeds into these efforts to try and ensure that the socio-economic factors are not overlooked as possible areas that need to be given attention when developing programs that are geared toward increasing cassava adoption.…”

Gradual Emergence of East African cassava mosaic Cameroon virus in Cassava Farms in Côte d’Ivoire

“…Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is an important starchy root crop grown globally in tropical and subtropical regions [1]. It is now considered a potential solution to the impending food crisis in Africa because it offers the greatest resilience to climate change [2].…”