Abstract

S6-05

Results in Yield Improvement of Cassava at CIAT

Calle F., H. Ceballos, G. Jaramillo, J.I. Lenis, J. López, N. Morante and J.C. Pérez.

Three ecosystems, sub-humid, acid-soil savannas and mid-altitude valleys, are the main target agro-ecologies of the cassava breeding project at CIAT.  In the sub-humid environment, fresh-root yields of the best clone SM 1438-2 ranged from 18.4 to 52.8 t/ha.  In the acid-soil savannas, the best genotype SM 1363-11 yielded between 18.5 and 27.8 t/ha.  A group of 15 elite clones yielded an average of 38.8 t/ha of fresh roots in the mid-altitude valleys.  At seven months of age, the average yield was 32.2 t/ha.  Fresh foliage production ranged from 6 to 8 t/ha, which is an additional income to farmers.  A machine for mechanical harvesting of the foliage is being evaluated.  These yields provide an option to the loss of maize production for many farmers in the tropics and governments and private agents could exploit the elite cassava genotypes as source of industrial raw material.