The new technology for cassava production
1979
Castro Merino, A.
Cassava is a low-priority crop in agricultural development policies in most L.A. countries, limiting active research and extension activities. A description is given of CIAT-generated low- cost technology that can increase yields. This package consists of the visual selection of planting material; chemical treatment (fungicides + insecticides + micronutrients) of the selected cuttings; proper preparation of the cuttings (cut rectangularly at 20 cm, with 5-7 nodes) and planting vertically at a depth of 10 cm; and the use of high-yielding, adapted var. Cassava should be planted on ridges when soils are heavy textured with greater than 1200 mm rainfall/yr. On Oxisols and Vertisols, cassava should be fertilized with 1/2 t dolomitic lime and 1 t/ha 10-20-20NPK + 20S + 10Zn. In other soils, sufficient fertilizer to replace the nutrients extracted in the final product should be applied. Timely control of weeds is important. Pest-tolerant var. should be used; rotation or fallowing can also be practiced to break pest cycles. If disease-resistant material is not available, planting should be timed to avoid disease attack. Mechanical harvesting aids and storage of fresh roots are also discussed. (AS)
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