Characterization of Cassava Cultivars Morphological and Agronomic Features for Compatibility with Mechanized Farming Practices in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective. This study examined the diversity of improved cassava varieties using their morphological and agronomic characteristics to determine their compatibility with field mechanization and processing.
Materials and Methods. The Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) experiment was conducted in 2025 cropping season.The treatments were recently developed twenty (20) cassava genotypes and one local check.Using three replications, nine (9) stands of each genotype were planted at 1m x 1m spacing on 3m x 3m plots. The shoot morphologies were evaluated using their traits before and during harvest while their storage roots were sampled at 9 and 12 months after planting (MAP).
Results. showed that some of the tall cultivars (2.3 – 3.5m) UMUCASS 50 ,TMS 920057 and Local check have erect stems with cylindrical plant shape, while the remaining UMUCASS 39,32 and 54, have high dichomotous or trichomatous narrow angle branches which gave umbrella plant shape were all compatible with field mechanical operations like stem harvesting, leaves stripping and packing. In addition with TMS 980505,NR 87184 and NR 8082 they also have cylindrical/conical root shape storage roots that weighs (1.5 -11.33kg/plant) that were high in dry matter(15 – 64%) and starch(12 - 37%) which also made them compatible with mechanical processing.
Conclusion. UMUCASS 50, 39,32, 54,TMS 920057, 980505, NR 87184 , NR 8082 and the Local check have shoot morphological and storage roots agronomic characteristics that are compatible with field mechanization and processing. Provided that some of a given cassava genotype traits are known, we developed a comprehensive chart that shows the level of field and processing mechanization of any given cassava genotype.