Screening cassava genotypes in two agroecological zones of Nigeria using tuberous root poundability

Abstract

Twelve cassava genotypes were evaluated in two agroecological zones (Ibadan: 25 ± 5 oC and Jos: 14 ± 5 oC) to determine the tuberous root poundability at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after planting (MAP). The results showed that there were no significant differences (P<0.05) in tuberous root poundability between the two locations and years throughout the sampling periods. Also, genotypic differences (P<0.05) were not observed among the cassava genotypes for tuberous root poundability either across or within locations. Isunikankiyan, TME I, TMS 50395 and TMS 30572 produced the lowest values for tuberous root poundability of 1.2, 1.3, 1.2 and 1.4 for 3, 6, 9 and 12 MAP, respectively. Genotypic differences (P<0.05) were observed among the tested genotypes for total dry tuberous root yield per hectare. The highest tuberous root yields per hectare were produced by TMS 30572, TMS 50395, TMS 91934 and TME 1. The results of this study suggest that TME 1, TMS 50395 and TMS 30572 were poundable and also had high tuberous dry root matter. It is recommended that these varieties be made available for farmers in farm testing and also be used for further breeding programmes for incorporation of the poundability characteristics.