Overview of Manihot angustiloba (Torr.) Muell.-Arg.
Manihot angustiloba (Torr.) Muell.-Arg., also known as narrow-lobed cassava, is a plant species in the family Euphorbiaceae. It is a woody, perennial shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in riparian woodland and savanna habitats. The plant has a number of common names, including narrowleaf cassava, gumbe, and longleaf cassava.
Appearance of Manihot angustiloba
Manihot angustiloba is a shrub that can grow up to 5 meters tall with a trunk diameter of up to 10 centimeters. It has a single woody stem and can have either a single or multiple stems. The stems are covered with a grayish-brown bark and have numerous small branches. The leaves of the plant are typically 8–15 centimeters long and 2–4 centimeters wide with a deeply lobed shape. The flowers are small and greenish-white and are borne in clusters at the base of the leaves. The plant produces an edible tuber that is typically oblong in shape and can reach up to 60 centimeters in length.
Uses of Manihot angustiloba
Manihot angustiloba is primarily cultivated for its tubers, which are similar to those of the more commonly cultivated cassava plant (Manihot esculenta). The tubers are an important food source in many parts of the world and are rich in carbohydrates. The plant is also used as a medicinal herb in traditional medicine, where it is believed to have a range of therapeutic properties. Additionally, the plant is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental for its attractive foliage and flowers.
Growth Conditions for Manihot angustiloba (Torr.) Muell.-Arg.
Manihot angustiloba (Torr.) Muell.-Arg., also known as narrow-lobed cassava, is a plant that thrives in tropical environments. It is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family and typically grows to be about 6-10 feet tall.
Light Requirements
This plant requires plenty of sunlight to grow properly. It typically requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, but more is better. If the plant is grown indoors, it should be placed near a window that faces the south or west to ensure the plant receives adequate light.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for growing Manihot angustiloba is between 75-86°F (24-30°C). Temperatures lower than 60°F (15°C) or higher than 95°F (35°C) can cause the plant to become stressed and not perform well. This plant is highly susceptible to frost and cannot survive in temperatures below 50°F (10°C).
Soil Requirements
This plant prefers well-draining soils with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The ideal soil type for Manihot angustiloba is sandy loam, but it can tolerate other soil types as long as they drain well. For optimal growth, the soil should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The plant is drought-tolerant, but it requires regular watering during dry periods for optimal growth.
Cultivation Methods
Manihot angustiloba, commonly known as narrow-lobed cassava, is a drought-tolerant crop that grows well in warm climates with moderate to high rainfall. It is usually propagated through stem cuttings planted in rows with adequate spacing between them to allow enough room for growth. When planting, ensure that the soil is rich in organic matter and has good drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Watering Needs
Narrow-lobed cassava requires regular watering, especially during the dry season when rainfall is scarce. The crop prefers moderate to high levels of rainfall, averaging between 500 to 1500 millimetres annually. It is essential to water the plants thoroughly but avoid overwatering since it can cause root rot, which can lead to stunted growth and death of the plant.
Fertilization
Manihot angustiloba benefits from regular application of organic and inorganic fertilizers to maintain optimal growth. At planting time, apply compost or well-rotted manure to the planting holes to improve soil fertility. Weekly application of a nitrogen-rich fertilizer like urea during the early growth stage can improve root and shoot development. Additionally, application of a complete fertilizer with a ratio of 15-15-15 can help boost growth and yield.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Manihot angustiloba, especially during the initial stages of growth. Once the plant is established and fully grown, you can prune the stem tips to induce branching, which can lead to increased yield. Additionally, removing any diseased or damaged stems can prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Pruning should be done using a sharp, sterilized tool to avoid damaging the plant.
Propagation of Manihot angustiloba
Manihot angustiloba (Torr.) Muell.-Arg., commonly known as the narrow-lobed cassava, is a perennial shrub native to the south-central USA and northern Mexico. It is commonly grown for its edible roots and also has ornamental value due to its attractive foliage.
Propagation of Manihot angustiloba can be done through various methods such as:
Seed propagation
The propagation of Manihot angustiloba through seeds is possible, but the seeds have a low germination rate. Therefore, it is not commonly used for propagation. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil mixed with sand or vermiculite at a depth of about 1 cm. The germination time can vary between three to six weeks, but the process can be slow as some seeds may take up to six months to germinate. It is essential to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and maintain a temperature of around 25°C to ensure germination.
Cuttings propagation
The most common and efficient propagation method for Manihot angustiloba is through stem cuttings. Cuttings that are approximately 20-25 cm long should be taken from a healthy parent plant during the active growing season. The cuttings should be taken from the base of the stem since the basal section of the stem often produces the most roots. The leaves on the lower half of the stem should be removed, and the stem should be left to dry for a few hours before being planted in well-draining soil. The cutting should be planted vertically, with the bottom of the stem submerged about 3-5 cm in the soil. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, until the cutting has established roots and new growth appears.
Air-layering propagation
Air-layering can also be employed to propagate Manihot angustiloba. It involves making a small wound on the stem and then covering the wound with moist soil, moss, or a rooting hormone to help stimulate root formation. An incision of about 1 cm should be made on a healthy stem, and the area covered with rooting hormone. Then, the area should be surrounded by moist soil, preferably kept in a plastic bag to retain moisture. The roots should begin to appear in six to eight weeks, and once they are well established, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant.
Disease Management
Manihot angustiloba (Torr.) Muell.-Arg. can be affected by various types of diseases. Below are some of the most common diseases and ways to manage them:
Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD)
Cassava Mosaic Disease is caused by a virus that affects the leaves and stems of the plant. The virus causes yellowing and curling of the leaves which results in stunted growth and reduced yield. To manage CMD, it is important to use resistant varieties, avoid planting infected cuttings, and maintain field hygiene through weeding and proper disposal of infected plants.
Cassava Bacterial Blight (CBB)
Cassava Bacterial Blight is caused by a bacterium that affects the leaves, stems, and roots of cassava. The disease causes wilting, yellowing, and drying of leaves which eventually results in death of the plant. To manage CBB, it is important to use clean planting material, plant resistant varieties, and practice good field hygiene by avoiding overcrowding, and removing infected plants.
Pest Management
Manihot angustiloba (Torr.) Muell.-Arg. is also susceptible to pests. Below are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Cassava Green Mite
Cassava Green Mite is a common pest that feeds on the leaves of the plant. The pest causes yellowing and curling of leaves which leads to reduced growth and yield. To manage Cassava Green Mite, it is important to use biocontrol agents such as predatory mites, maintain good field hygiene, and use resistant varieties.
Aphids
Aphids are also common pests that feed on the shoots and leaves of the plant. The pest causes wilting and deformation of leaves which results in reduced yield. To manage aphids, it is important to use biocontrol agents such as ladybirds, maintain good field hygiene, and use resistant varieties.
