Cassava Cultural Practices – Pests & Importance

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Hello, welcome to this blog topic on cassava cultural practices in agriculture.

Table Of Contents

  1. Meaning of cassava.
  2. Land preparation of cassava
  3. Cultural practices of cassava.
  4. Pests and diseases of cassava
  5. The uses and importance of cassava.
  6. Importance of cassava.
  7. Revision Questions

Meaning Of Cassava

Cassava just like yam, is a root and tuber crop. It is a starchy root vegetable that is a staple in many tropical countries. It is a significant source of carbohydrates and can be used in various culinary applications, such as making flour, chips, and stews. Additionally, cassava is drought-resistant and well-suited to grow in diverse climates.

Or simply put, Cassava is a root and tuber Crop. it has underground roots which can be consumed by man and livestock animals after processing. It has other advantages over yam, in that it can grow in relatively poor soil and in low rainfall area. The root is also rich in carbohydrates.

CULTURAL PRACTICES OF CASSAVA

LAND PREPARATION: Land preparation in the first step in Cassava cultural Practices. To prepare the land for planting cassava, begin by clearing the area of debris and weeds. Employ plowing or tilling to break up the soil, facilitating root penetration and nutrient absorption. Incorporate organic matter like compost to enhance soil fertility. Create well-spaced planting rows, and plant cassava stems or cuttings, ensuring proper spacing between individual plants.

Cassava cultural Practices, pests and diseases of cassava
Cassava cultural Practices

VARIETIES OF CASSAVA: We have two main varieties.

  1. Bitter Cassava (Manihot utilisima) Commonly grown for its high starch content, but it contains toxic cyanogenic glycosides that require proper processing before consumption.
  2. Sweet Cassava (manihot palmata) This type has lower levels of toxic compounds, making it suitable for consumption without extensive processing. It is often preferred for fresh consumption and culinary purposes.

Climatic Requirement In cassava cultural Practices

  1. Temperature: cassava requires a temperature of 21°C to 35°C
  2. Sunlight: It thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.
  3. Rainfall: rainfall of 150cm to 200cm, a well drained rich, friable, loamy soil. It can also grow in poor soil

COMMON CASSAVA CULTURAL PRACTICES IS AS FOLLOWS;

  1. Fertilization: While it can grow in poor soils, applying organic or mineral fertilizers can improve yield. However, excessive nitrogen should be avoided as it can lead to lower starch content.
  2. Land Preparation: In cassava cultural Practices, Adequate land preparation involves clearing, plowing, and incorporating organic matter to create a favorable planting environment.
  3. Planting: It is typically planted using stem cuttings. Proper spacing, planting depth, and planting in rows contribute to healthy growth.
  4. Weeding: Regular weeding is crucial to control weed competition, especially during the early stages of cassava growth.
  5. Watering: It requires consistent moisture, especially during dry periods and the initial stages of growth. Adequate irrigation helps promote healthy development.
  6. Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for pests such as mites and diseases like cassava mosaic disease. Implement control measures such as using resistant varieties and proper field hygiene.
  7. Harvesting: It is typically harvested 8 to 24 months after planting, depending on the variety and desired use. Harvest when the roots are mature but before excessive lignification.
  8. Crop Rotation: Consider rotating cassava with other crops to manage pests and diseases and maintain soil fertility.
  9. Post-Harvest Handling: After harvesting, handle cassava roots carefully to avoid damage. Proper storage is important to prevent post-harvest losses.
  10. Storage: It is stored in processed form in sack as garri or fufu.

PESTS OF CASSAVA: Below are the pests of cassava.

  • 1. Varigated grasshopper adults and nymphs eat up the leaves and young stems of plant (complete the foliation).
  • 2. Rodents: rodent like cane rats, Bush rat and grasscutter dig the ground and eat up the tubers.
  • Controls: trapping, shooting with gun and wire fencing around the farm.

DISEASES OF CASSAVA

1. Cassava Mosaic Disease: It is caused by virus which is transmitted by a sucking insect (White flies)

Symptoms: Symptoms include vein clearing and Mottling, distortion, and curling of leaves. Severe cases result in stunted growth and reduced tuber yield.

Control:

  • Grow resistance varieties.
  • Uproot and born infected plants.
  • Use disease free planting materials.

2. Bacteria blight: It is caused by bacteria which are transmitted by infected cuttings.

Symptoms: This include angular, water soaked area of the discoloured leaf tissue, Blighting, Wilting and reduction in yield.

Control: Plant resistant varieties, practice field sanitation, and remove infected plants to reduce disease spread. Also use clean and disease free stem cuttings.

4. Cassava Anthracnose Disease

Symptoms: Dark lesions on leaves, stems, and petioles, leading to defoliation.

Control: Plant resistant varieties, practice proper spacing for air circulation, and apply fungicides if necessary.

5. Cassava Root Rot

Symptoms: Root decay caused by fungi like Fusarium and Phytophthora.

Control: Improve soil drainage, avoid waterlogged conditions, and use disease-free planting material.

6. Cassava Bacterial Wilt

Symptoms: Wilting, yellowing, and eventual death of the plant due to bacterial infection.

Control: Plant resistant varieties, practice field sanitation, and avoid using contaminated tools.

USES OF CASSAVA

  1. Staple food consumption
  2. Flour production
  3. Starch extraction
  4. Processed food products
  5. Animal feed
  6. Biofuel production
  7. Textile industry
  8. Paper production.

Importance of Cassava

  1. Staple food source
  2. Versatility in food products
  3. Economic contribution to farmers and industries
  4. Adaptability to diverse climates
  5. Sustainable agriculture potential
  6. Resilience to pests and harsh conditions
  7. Food security support in tropical regions.

Revision Questions

  1. What is Cassava?
  2. What are the cultural practices of cassava in agriculture?
  3. State the pests and diseases of cassava and Thier control methods
  4. List 7 importance of cassava
  5. Briefly explain the Land Preparation of cassava
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