Cassava varieties performance and agronomic practices

A field experiment was conducted at Kairuni Research Station on the Soesdyke Linden Highway within the sandy ecology of Guyana from April 2017- December 2017, to evaluate several morphological characteristics and yield components of five cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) varieties. The treatments (varieties) were NAREI 1, NAREI 2, Smoky prolific and M Mex (all improved varieties) and Uncle Mack (control) variety. The experiment was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. All agronomic/ field management practices were carried out when necessary. The growth parameters measured were Plant height, Stem diameter and Canopy spread. Top weight, Total crop biomass and Tuber yield were taken at harvest (270 Days After Planting). There were significant differences in, Plant height, Stem diameter and Canopy spread amongst the varieties. Root yield showed an increase of 27 % with (T1 NAREI 1), 21 % (T2. NAREI 2), 11% (T3 Smokey Prolific) and 2 % (T4 Mmex) respectively, when compared with Uncle Mack Variety (control). Dry matter content of tubers increased significantly for the improved varieties ranging from 28 % (Uncle Mack) to 37 % (NAREI 1).