Origin of Manihot Dulcis
Manihot Dulcis commonly known as the sweet cassava is a tropical plant from the family Euphorbiaceae. It is believed to have originated from South America and is mainly found in Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Common Names of Manihot Dulcis
Manihot Dulcis has several common names depending on the region, including sweet cassava, yucca, mandioca doce, and mandioca tostada.
Uses of Manihot Dulcis
The primary use of Manihot Dulcis is in culinary applications. The tuberous roots are boiled, roasted, or fried and are consumed as a starchy vegetable. The roots are also used as a source of flour, which is used in bread making and other baked goods. In addition, Manihot Dulcis is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as headaches, fever, and infections.
General Appearance of Manihot Dulcis
Manihot Dulcis is a perennial plant with a woody stem. It grows up to a height of 1-3 meters and has a spreading crown. The leaves are alternate and palmately lobed, with each lobe having a distinct point. The flowers are small and have both male and female reproductive organs. The fruit is a capsule containing several seeds.
Light Requirements
Manihot dulcis requires bright, indirect light to thrive. It cannot tolerate direct sunlight, especially during the hottest parts of the day. If the plant is grown indoors, it should be placed near a window that receives bright but indirect light. If grown outdoors, it should be placed in an area that receives only partial sun or filtered light.
Temperature Requirements
Manihot dulcis is a tropical plant and requires warm temperatures to grow well. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 21°C and 29°C. It cannot tolerate cold temperatures below 10°C or sudden temperature changes. It is recommended to keep the plant in a location where the temperature is consistent throughout the day and night.
Soil Requirements
Manihot dulcis prefers well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant requires soil that can retain moisture but does not hold it in excess. A mixture of peat moss, loam, and sand is ideal for this plant. It is important to ensure that the soil is loose and airy to allow for proper root growth and water flow.
Cultivation methods
Manihot dulcis, also known as the sweet cassava or sweet tapioca, is a tropical plant that can be grown outdoors or indoors in a container. It is best suited for USDA Zones 9 to 11, where temperatures remain above 60°F all year round. This plant prefers a loamy soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter.
When planting outdoors, select a sunny location and add compost or well-aged manure to the soil a few weeks before planting. In cooler climates, start the plant indoors, using a peat or coco coir-based growing medium.
Watering needs
The sweet cassava plant prefers regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. In outdoor settings, provide water every few days during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months. Indoors, water the plant once a week or as soon as the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Also, avoid overhead watering, which can leave the leaves and stems wet and lead to fungal infections. Direct the water at the soil, preferably using a drip irrigation system or a watering can with a long spout.
Fertilization
The manihot dulcis plant grows best when provided with regular applications of fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as a general guideline.
Begin fertilizing at the beginning of the growing season and continue every four weeks until late summer. Use a water-soluble fertilizer and dilute it at half strength. Alternatively, you can use a slow-release granular fertilizer, which can last up to three months.
Pruning
To encourage bushier growth and a fuller appearance, pinch the growing tips of the sweet cassava plant. This process will stimulate the growth of lateral branches, leading to a more compact and well-rounded plant.
Also, remove any dead or yellowing leaves, which can harbor pests and diseases. Use sterilized pruners to prevent the spread of infections.
Finally, prune the plant once a year, during the late winter or early spring. Remove one-third of the oldest and tallest stems to rejuvenate the plant and promote new growth.
Propagation of Manihot dulcis
Manihot dulcis, commonly known as the sweet cassava, is propagated by various methods, including stem cuttings, air layering, and root cuttings. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the grower's preference, resources, and timing.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are one of the most common methods used to propagate Manihot dulcis. The cuttings should be taken from a mature and healthy plant during the growing season. The stem should be cut to a length of about 20-30 cm, and all leaves should be removed except for the last two or three on the tip of the cutting. The cutting should then be planted in a well-draining soil mix, with the bottom third buried in the soil. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be kept in a shaded area for the first few weeks until roots have formed.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another method that can be used to propagate Manihot dulcis. This method involves making an incision in the stem of a mature plant and placing a rooting hormone on the exposed area. A ball of moist sphagnum moss is then wrapped around the area and covered with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in. Roots will eventually form in the moss ball, and the new plant can then be separated from the parent plant and planted in a pot or in the ground.
Propagation by Root Cuttings
Root cuttings can also be used to propagate Manihot dulcis. This method involves digging up a mature plant and cutting the roots into sections about 5-10 cm long. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until new growth emerges. This method is best done during the winter or early spring when the plant is dormant.
Disease Management
Manihot dulcis is generally resistant to most plant diseases. However, there are a few diseases that can affect the plant.
One common disease is Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), which causes yellowing and curling of the leaves. It is caused by a virus and can be managed by removing infected plants, planting resistant varieties, and controlling the whitefly vector through chemical treatment or biological control.
Another disease that can affect the plant is Cassava Bacterial Blight (CBB), which causes wilting, leaf spotting, and stem necrosis. It is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis and can be managed through chemical treatment, crop rotation, and planting disease-free planting materials.
Pest Management
In addition to diseases, there are also several pests that can affect Manihot dulcis.
One common pest is the cassava green mite, which feeds on the sap of the plant and causes leaf discoloration and defoliation. It can be managed through the use of predatory mites, insecticidal soaps, or neem oil.
The cassava mealybug is another pest that can infest the plant, causing leaf curling and stunted growth. It can be managed through the use of parasitic wasps, insecticidal soap, or neem oil.
The cassava whitefly is a vector for CMD and can also cause direct damage to the plant by feeding on the sap. It can be managed through the use of chemical treatment, planting resistant varieties, or biological control.
Regular monitoring and early detection of pests and diseases are important for effective management. Integrated pest management practices that combine cultural, biological, and chemical methods can be used to manage pests and diseases and ensure healthy plant growth.
