Recent progress in cassava varietal and agronomic research in Malaysia
1992
Tan, S.L.
Cassava research in Peninsular Malaysia, specifically in MARDI, over the past 3 yr has concentrated on the selection of high-yielding clones adapted to local conditions, as well as certain agronomic studies related to pressing problems of the industry. A new clone, Perintis, was released in 1988; it is adapted to a range of agro-ecological environments and is higher yielding than the popular local cv., Black Twig. Recent results show the promise in selecting for early clones, harvestable after 6 mo. One particular clone is capable of producing in 6 mo. what Black Twig yields in 12 mo. Agronomic research on mineral soils gave attention to problems of soil erosion, shortage in agricultural labor, and cyanide poisoning. Some preliminary work shows that erosion may be minimized by zero tillage with subsoiling or by trip-cropping cassava with natural grass, groundnut or citronella. The labor problem can be overcome by mechanizing various field operations. Cyanide levels in the shoots of several cassava cv. were found to be poisonous at any stage of growth between 15-55 wk. On drained peat, the research emphasis has been on long-term fertility management, water-table management, and profit-increasing practices such as intercropping with sweet corn and min. tillage. Future research on cassava will aim at developing economically viable technologies for the large-scale exploitation of drained peat as well as for certain aspects of processing related to livestock feed and utilization.
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