The Survival Rate and Starch Histochemical Assay of Various Stem Cutting Conditions of Mentega 2 Cassava Genotype at Initial Growth Stage

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the growth ability of cassava mini stem cuttings with different node number and a variety of stem cutting shapes and their correlation with starch content in the stems at initial growth stages. Methods. In this study, the viability of cassava stem cuttings was identified in two type experiments i.e. mini-stem cuttings consisting 1 and 2 nodes and shape variation of single node mini-stem cutting. Parameters observed were shoots emergence period, number of sprouting cuttings, shoots number of individual stem cuttings, shoots height and number of leaves. In addition, starch histochemical test was also carried out on stems of young shoots and initial stem cuttings using Lugol’s solution. Results. Both cassava stem cuttings consisting of 1 and 2 buds indicated the same survival rate of 100%. 1 bud stem cuttings with different shapes showed different survival rate, i.e. 60-80% for semicircular and fully circular cuttings and 30-40% for box shape cuttings. The difference in survival rate with different stem size is probably related to the availability of the amount of starch to support shoots growth. Observations at week 3 after planting generally showed that the stem cuttings with 2 buds were higher than those of stem with 1 bud. Conclusion: There were differences in the scores on the starch content test qualitatively with Lugol staining, in various parts of the plant originating from 1 bud and 2 bud cuttings which may indicate a breakdown of starch during shoot development.

Rhipsalis baccifera cuttings growth with different cutting segment numbers and planting media

“…Two-segment cuttings have more node and internode numbers, which means higher food reserves. On cassava, two-bud cutting is better than one-bud cuttings because the difference in survival rate with different branch sizes is probably related to the availability of the amount of starch to support shoot growth [22]. New segments in Rhipsalis plants grew from the distal end of the segment, so the chance of new shoots growing from the ends of the internodes and nodes was greater in the treatment of two-segment cuttings [23].…”

Planting position and application of different doses of nitrogen at different times on cassava

“…Cassava productivity is also influenced by the care provided at the time of planting. Proper care includes maintaining the size and positioning of the stake at planting (Hartati et al, 2021), as well as, the health of the plant material used, the diameter of the plant, the conservation period after collection, and variations in the responses of the crop (Alves, 2006). Most producers plant cassava horizontally on flat land with little or no slope (Gabriel Filho et al, 2003).…”

“…Early germination can quickly block the rows in the field, thus preventing the growth of weeds and the evaporation of water (Alves, 2006). Planting branches vertically can improve the agronomic performance of cassava, especially in sandy soils (Cerqueira et al, 2016;Hartati et al, 2021). Vertical planting can facilitate deeper growth of the roots.…”