CBN-V Video Archives - S6-01
Triploidised Cassava – Superior Genetic Material for Biotechnological Augmentation

Abraham K. and M. T. Sreekumari

Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Trivandrum – 695017, India
abrahamk@rediffmail.com

        Studies on the performance of over 400 artificially produced triploid hybrids of cassava at the Central Tuber Crops Research Institute revealed that triploids have a convincing role in enhancing cassava productivity. Their tuber yield was substantially higher (>35 t ha-1) than that of the elite diploid varieties (22-30 t ha-1). The dry matter (>45%) and starch (>31.5%) contents in triploid cassava were higher than those of the high starch varieties grown for industrial purpose. The triploids also evidenced rapid tuber bulking and early harvest ability at seventh month, ideal for rotation/multiple cropping. The genetic superiority of triploids evidenced as increased plant vigour, higher harvest index and greater leaf retention as compared to their diploid and tetraploid counterparts could be largely due to the optimum ploidy effect and/or possibly heterosis. However the greater genetic potential of triploids for tuber and starch yield increase needs to be harnessed by adopting biotechnological tools especially for the selection of superior combiners as parental material and also for the early detection of triploid hybrids carrying genes for desired agronomic traits. The strengthening of triploidy breeding augmented by biotechnological backing would be a feasible and rewarding strategy for maximizing cassava productivity.

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