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The Ideal Cassava Plant for Maximum Yield¹

A series of trials were carried out using cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). Crop growth rate increased with leaf area (LAI) up to LAI 4; root growth rate increased up to LAI 3 to 3.5, then declined. Leaf area index is determined by leaf size, leaf formation rate, and individual leaf life. Leaf size reached a maximum 4 months after planting and then decreased; the maximumw as a varietal character. Leaf life was reduced by shading but in full daylight was determined by a variety. Leaf formation rate per shoot apex showed little genetic variation and declined with time; large differences in leaf formation rate per plant were determined by differences in branching pattern. Top growth had preference over root growth, and root sink was not limiting when root number per plant was nine or more.

A computer program was written to implement a dynamic growth model which suggests that high-yielding plants will branch late in life and possess large leaves and long leaf life. Potential yields of more than 25 metric tons/ha per year of dry roots are obtainable at 400 to 450 g cal cm^–2 day radiation.

Key Words: Leaf area • Leaf life • Simulation mode • Manihot Esculenta Crantz • Crop growth rate

² Plant physiologist, biometrician, and research assistants, respectively, CIAT, Apartado A6reo 67-13, Call, Colombia, South America.

Received for publication September 7, 1977.

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