General Appearance
Manihot esculenta Crantz, commonly known as cassava or yuca, is a woody shrub of the spurge family (Euphorbiaceae), native to South America. It is widely cultivated for its starchy edible root, which has become a major staple food in many tropical regions worldwide.
The plant has a straight stem, or sometimes branched, and can grow up to 3 m tall. The leaves are large, palmate, and can be up to 30 cm in diameter. The root tubers vary in shape and size, depending on the cultivar and soil condition, and can weigh from just a few ounces to more than 10 pounds.
Uses
Cassava is a versatile crop that is not only consumed as a staple food, but also processed into a range of food products. The most common form is cassava flour, which is milled from the dried root and used for making cakes, bread, and other baked goods. Cassava starch is also widely used in food processing, such as for thickening sauces, soups, and puddings. The root can be boiled, fried, roasted, or mashed and mixed with other foods. It is even used to make a type of fermented beverage called cassava beer.
Besides food, cassava has other industrial uses. Its leaves are sometimes used as animal feed. The stems are used for making baskets and mats, or as a source of firewood. The sap of the plant can be used for making glue or as a treatment for warts and other skin ailments. Additionally, cassava is used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, such as diarrhea, headaches, and stomachaches.
Origin and Common Names
Cassava is believed to have originated in the Amazon basin of Brazil and then spread throughout South America and the Caribbean before reaching Africa and other parts of the world through European trade and colonization.
The plant has many common names, depending on the region and language. In Spanish-speaking countries, it is known as yuca or mandioca. In Portuguese, it is called mandioca or aipim. In African countries, it is commonly known as cassava, manioc, or tapioca. In the Philippines, it is known as kamoteng kahoy or balanghoy.
Light Requirements
Manihot esculenta Crantz, commonly known as cassava, requires full sun to grow healthy and thrive. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day for optimum growth and yield. Lack of sunlight can cause stunted growth and poor yields.
Temperature Requirements
Cassava plants prefer warm temperatures ranging from 77°F to 86°F (25°C to 30°C). These tropical plants require warm conditions to sprout, grow and produce tubers. The optimal temperature range for good growth and yield is 84°F to 90°F (29°C to 32°C). Temperatures lower than 60°F (15.5°C) can stunt the growth of the plant, while temperatures above 95°F (35°C) can cause leaf scorching and death of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Cassava plants can grow in different soil types, but they prefer well-draining, loose, and fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The ideal soil type is sandy loam soil, which allows the plant's roots to penetrate easily and access nutrients and water. The plants are extremely sensitive to water-logging or compacted soil conditions, which hinder root growth and development. Fertile soil with the right nutrient balance is vital for the plant's growth and tuber formation.
Cultivation Methods
Manihot esculenta Crantz, also known as cassava or yuca, is a tropical plant that requires warm temperatures and well-draining soil to grow. The best time to cultivate it is during the early spring when the soil has warmed up. The plant should be grown in full sun as it requires a lot of light for proper growth.
Start by tilling the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches and removing any weeds or debris from the area. Dig holes that are at least 2 feet apart and 6 inches deep. Plant the cassava stems in the holes with the cut ends facing down. Cover the holes with soil and water them lightly.
Watering Needs
Cassava requires regular watering to thrive, especially during the dry season. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil moisture levels. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot.
During the rainy season, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent waterlogging. Mulching around the plants can also help retain moisture in the soil and reduce the frequency of watering.
Fertilization
Cassava requires regular fertilization to produce a good harvest. Apply a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil every four to six weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can use compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and provide the necessary nutrients.
Test the soil regularly to ensure that it has the right pH level, which should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Adjust the pH as needed using lime or sulfur. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
Pruning
Cassava does not require much pruning, except for the removal of any yellow or brown leaves. This helps to prevent the spread of disease and ensures that the plant directs its energy to new growth. You can also prune the plant to control its size and shape.
Harvesting the cassava tubers is a form of pruning, as it involves removing the roots from the plant. Wait until the plant is at least 8 months old before harvesting, as this allows the tubers to develop fully. Use a shovel or digging fork to lift the roots from the soil, being careful not to damage them. Cut off the stems and leaves and store the tubers in a cool, dry place.
Propagation Methods for Manihot Esculenta Crantz
Manihot esculenta Crantz, also known as cassava or yucca, is a perennial plant native to South America. It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its starchy, tuberous roots, which are used in a variety of culinary applications. When it comes to propagation, there are several methods that can be used to propagate cassava. These include:
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are one of the most common methods of propagating cassava. This involves taking a stem cutting from a mature plant and inserting it into a rooting medium, such as sand or peat moss. The cutting should be about 6 to 8 inches long and contain at least two nodes. The nodes are where the leaves and roots will eventually sprout from. It is important to ensure that the cutting is planted with the bottom node covered with soil. The cutting should be kept in a warm, humid environment until it begins to sprout new growth.
Root Cuttings
Root cuttings are another method of propagating cassava. This involves taking a section of a mature root and planting it into a rooting medium. The cutting should be about 4 inches long and contain at least one node. The node is where new roots will sprout from. The cutting should be planted with the node facing downwards and covered with soil. It is important to ensure that the cutting is kept in a warm, humid environment until it begins to sprout new growth.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is a less common method of propagating cassava, as cassava plants are typically propagated through vegetative methods. However, cassava does produce small seeds that can be collected and planted to grow new plants. The seeds should be planted in a well-draining soil and kept in a warm, humid environment until they begin to sprout. It is important to note that seed-grown cassava plants may not retain the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Air Layering
Air layering is a propagation method that involves manipulating a small section of a stem to encourage it to grow roots. This method is typically used for woody plants, but it can also be used for cassava. To air layer a cassava plant, a small section of stem should be selected and a small ring of bark should be removed from around the stem. The exposed area should then be treated with rooting hormone and wrapped in moist sphagnum moss. The moss should be wrapped in plastic wrap to create a humid environment. Roots will eventually grow from the exposed area, and once they are well-established, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and planted in soil.
Disease Management
The plant Manihot esculenta Crantz, commonly known as cassava, can be affected by various diseases. Some of the most common diseases that might affect this plant are:
- Cassava Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by a bacterium called Xanthomonas axonopodis. The symptoms of this disease include wilting, yellowing of leaves, and blackening of the stem. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected plants, practice crop rotation, and avoid planting susceptible varieties.
- Cassava Mosaic Disease: This disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted by whiteflies. The symptoms of this disease include mottling and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, it is important to control whiteflies using insecticides and to plant resistant varieties.
- Cassava Brown Streak Disease: This disease is caused by a virus that is also transmitted by whiteflies. The symptoms of this disease include brown streaks on the stem and roots, as well as necrosis of the veins. To manage this disease, it is important to control whiteflies, remove infected plants, and plant resistant varieties.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, the plant Manihot esculenta Crantz might also be affected by pests. Some of the most common pests that might affect this plant are:
- Cassava Green Mite: This pest can cause stunted growth, defoliation, and reduction in yield. To manage this pest, it is important to control weeds, which serve as the favorite host of this mite, and to use appropriate insecticides.
- Cassava Mealybug: This pest can cause yield reduction and can transmit viruses. The symptoms of infestation include yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. To manage this pest, it is important to use appropriate insecticides, plant resistant varieties, and practice crop rotation.
- Cassava Beetles: There are several species of beetles that might affect cassava. These pests can cause defoliation and reduction in yield. To manage these pests, it is important to use appropriate insecticides, and to remove and destroy infested plants.
