Manihot P. Mill. - Description, Origin, Common Names, Uses and Appearance
Manihot P. Mill., commonly known as cassava or yuca, is a perennial woody shrub native to South America. It belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is a vital crop for many communities and is the third-largest source of carbohydrates after rice and maize.
Common Names
The plant is commonly referred to as cassava or yuca in English-speaking countries. Other common names include mandioca, aipim, macaxeira, and manioc in different regions of the world.
Uses
Cassava is a versatile plant, with almost all parts of it being useful to humans. The roots are the most commonly used part and can be consumed after being boiled, fried, or baked. The leaves are also edible and are used in various cuisines. The starch derived from cassava is used for making tapioca and flour which are used in baking and cooking. Cassava is also used in the production of ethanol, animal feed, and biofuels.
Appearance
The plant can grow up to 3 meters high and has a bushy appearance with broad leaves. The roots can grow up to 1 meter long and have a similar appearance to sweet potatoes. The plant has small flowers that are either male or female. The fruit produced by the plant is a capsule containing small seeds.
Light Requirements
Manihot P. Mill. requires full sun to grow properly. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for healthy growth. If the plant is kept in a shaded area for too long, it may suffer from weak growth and low yield.
Temperature Requirements
The plant likes warm temperatures and can thrive in temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. However, it is not tolerant of frost or cold temperatures and may die if exposed to them. In areas with lower temperatures, it is better to grow the plant indoors or in a greenhouse, where the temperature can be controlled to ensure proper growth.
Soil Requirements
Manihot P. Mill. requires well-drained soil and can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy and loamy soils. However, it thrives best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5, and it is important to maintain soil moisture levels to ensure proper growth. Excess water can cause root rot, and inadequate water can cause stunted growth.
Cultivation methods for Manihot P. Mill.
Manihot P. Mill., commonly known as cassava, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm climates. It requires well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight to grow. The ideal pH for soil is between 5.5 to 6.5. To start cultivating this plant, you will need to select healthy and disease-free stem cuttings. Plant these cuttings in rows, one meter apart, and leave two to three meters between each row.
Watering needs for Manihot P. Mill.
Cassava requires moderate watering during the growing season, especially when it's dry. It's important not to overwater the plant, as it can lead to root rot. Irrigate the field evenly to ensure each plant receives water. Ideally, you should aim to provide one inch of water per week. Reduce watering when approaching harvest time to prevent yield loss due to excessive water.
Fertilization for Manihot P. Mill.
Fertilization is essential when cultivating cassava, as the plant is a heavy feeder. Fertilizer should be applied in a broadcast manner, spreading it evenly over the field. It's recommended to use organic compost, manure, or commercial fertilizers like NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) to provide the plant with the essential nutrients it needs. It's crucial to follow the recommended application rates to prevent toxicity and environmental damage.
Pruning Cassava plants
Pruning cassava plants is not necessary as the plant doesn't branch out. However, you should remove any dead or damaged leaves to minimize the risk of pests and disease. Harvesting is the primary way to manage plant growth, and it's advisable to leave the plant to grow for at least eight months before harvesting. Cut the stems at ground level and remove the roots from the ground. The leaves, stems, and roots can be used as animal feed or be processed for human consumption.
Propagation methods for Manihot P. Mill.
Manihot P. Mill., also known as cassava or yucca, is a tropical plant native to South America. It is commonly propagated through stem cuttings or by planting its tuberous roots.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cutting propagation involves taking a stem cutting between 6 to 8 inches long, removing any leaves from the bottom third of the stem, and dipping the cut end in rooting hormone. The stem is then planted in moist soil, and kept in a warm, shaded area until roots grow from the cut end.
The cutting is then transplanted to a sunny, well-draining spot outdoors. It's important to protect the newly planted cutting from frost and to keep the soil moist.
Tuberous root propagation
Manihot P. Mill. can also be propagated from its starchy tuberous roots. These roots are dug up, cut into sections containing a bud, and planted directly in the ground.
The plants should be kept well-watered until they become established, which takes about 2 to 3 months. After this time, the plants will require less maintenance and can be treated like mature cassava plants.
Overall, Manihot P. Mill. is a relatively easy plant to propagate and grow, making it a popular choice for both home gardeners and commercial growers.
Disease Management for Manihot P. Mill.
Manihot P. Mill., commonly known as cassava, is known to be affected by various diseases. Some of the common diseases that affect the plant are:
- Cassava mosaic disease (CMD)
- Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD)
- Cassava Bacterial Blight (CBB)
To manage these diseases, it is essential to conduct proper field sanitation. The crop residues left after harvesting should be removed or plowed deep into the soil. Also, it is essential to use disease-free planting materials to prevent disease transmission from one plant to another. Use of resistant cultivars can also be an effective method of managing some of these diseases. Crop rotation practices can also reduce the build-up of disease organisms in the soil.
Fungicide application can also be effective if done properly and at the correct time. However, it is important to note that excessive use of fungicides can lead to the development of fungicide resistance in the pathogens, and also lead to significant environmental pollution levels.
Pest Management for Manihot P. Mill.
Manihot P. Mill is vulnerable to insect pests that can cause significant yield loss. Some of the common pests that affect the plant are:
- Mealybugs
- Spider mites
- Whiteflies
- Cassava Green Mite (CGM)
It is recommended to use pest-resistant cultivars, which could be essential in preventing pests infestations. Proper field sanitation is crucial in removing any overwintering pests. Removing alternate host plants and weeds that harbor pests around the planting area can also reduce pest populations. Cultural practices, such as practising crop rotation, and intercropping using non-host plants, can also limit pest infestations.
Biological control using natural predators or beneficial insects can also be a natural method of controlling pests. Chemical control options can be effective, but should only be used when necessary and carefully applied to avoid damaging non-target organisms, as well as limiting the development of pest resistance.
