S6-21
Effects of Altitude on Tuberization and Yield Performance of Cassava
Genotypes Grown at Three Different Elevations in Uganda
Ntawuruhunga P1., J.B.A Whyte1, P.
Rubaihayo2 and A.G.O Dixon3
1. IITA,
Eastern and Southern Africa Research Center (ESARC), Namulonge, P.O. Box
7878, Uganda gikobentawu@yahoo.co.uk
2. Crop Science
Department, Makerere University, Po. Box 7062, Uganda
3. International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), P.M.B. 5320,
Ibadan, Nigeria A.DIXON@CGIAR.ORG
A
study was conducted to evaluate the effects of altitude on growth,
tuberization and yield performance of 10 cassava genotypes in Uganda.
A randomised complete block design with three replications was
used at each location. The
statistical analysis using mixed model on repeated measurements
indicated significant differences (P
< 0.05) among the three locations for all traits.
More storage roots number, the main yield component, was obtained
at low and mid altitudes, 6 and 9 months after planting, respectively,
than at high altitude. The
maximum crop growth rate at
12 months after planting for high altitude was 41.2 g/m2/week
compared to 53.1 g/m2/week for mid altitude and 75.1
g/m2/week for low altitude. The study revealed that genotype TMS I 92/0397 bulked and had
relatively good storage root yield at high altitude than at low and mid
altitudes. This supports
the breeding of genotypes that are specifically adapted to high altitude
with good yield performance.
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