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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mayaguez, Puerto Rico » Tropical Crops and Germplasm Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #131294
Title: YIELD PERFORMANCE OF INTRODUCED CASSAVA CLONES IN AN ULTISOL IN PUERTO RICO

Author
item Goenaga, Ricardo
item Rivera Amador, Edmundo
item Chardon, Ulises

Submitted to: Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/25/2002
Publication Date: 12/20/2002
Citation: Goenaga, R., Rivera-Amador, E., Chardon, U. 2002. Yield performance of introduced cassava clones in an Ultisol in Puerto Rico. Journal of Agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico. v. 86(1-2):27-33.

Interpretive Summary: Cassava is one of the most important energy sources in the diet of large segments of the population in the tropics. Much cassava is grown without irrigation in tropical areas with a pronounced dry period, and often in soils of low fertility. As a result, worldwide average yield is extremely low averaging 10,200 kg/ha. Seven new cassava clones were evaluated in Puerto Rico for adaptability to a typical tropical soil, yield and hydroge cyanide concentration. Two clones, CM 3311 and CM 3380, showed exceptionally high yields, low hydrogen cyanide concentration and good flavor. These clones are recommended for use in the tropics and as potential candidate for the processed cassava industry.

Technical Abstract: In 2000, cassava production in Puerto Rico was almost 750,000 kg with an annual farm value of $386,000. During the same year more than 6,800,000 kg of cassava tubers were imported. Studies with new introductions of cassava clones are necessary to increase production, reduce costs and meet local demand. Seven cassava introductions and one local selection were evaluated din 1997 and 1998 at Corozal for yield and HCN concentration. Clones CM 3380, CM 3311, SG 804 and SM 494 produced the highest number of marketable roots. Clones CM 3311, CM 3380 and SG 804 produced the highest root marketable weight in 1997 averaging 37,905 kg/ha. In 1998, clones CM 3311 and CM 3380 were the best yielders averaging 28,713 kg/ha of marketable roots. In both years clone SG 804 had a significantly higher concentration of HCN which averaged 121 mg/kg, the rest of the clones had values below 63 mg/kg.