Manihot teissonnieri A.Chev.
Manihot teissonnieri A.Chev. is a small shrub belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. The plant is native to Madagascar and is often grown as an ornamental plant.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as "Manioc de Teissonnieri" in French and "Madagascar tapioca" in English.
Uses
The roots of M. teissonnieri are processed to make tapioca, a starch that is commonly used as a thickening agent in foods. The leaves of the plant are also used as a vegetable in Madagascar, particularly in the south where the plant is often grown. The plant has also shown antimicrobial properties, which makes it a potential source for drug development to fight against bacteria and fungi.
General Appearance
M. teissonnieri is a small shrub that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves are green, simple, and palmate with five lobes. The plant produces small yellow flowers that are either male or female and are pollinated by insects. The fruit is a capsule containing 3 seeds that are used for propagation.
Light Requirements
Manihot teissonnieri A.Chev. is a tropical plant that requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it should be protected from the intense sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, especially in areas with high temperatures.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives in warm temperature conditions ranging from 20°C to 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C or above 35°C can damage the plant and cause stunted growth. It is essential to keep the temperature moderate and stable to ensure optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant grows best in a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter, with a pH level ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as Manihot teissonnieri A.Chev. cannot tolerate waterlogging for long periods. The addition of compost or manure to the soil can significantly improve the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation Methods for Manihot Teissonnieri A.Chev
Manihot teissonnieri A.Chev., commonly known as cassava or yucca, is a tropical plant that flourishes in areas with bright sunlight and warm temperatures. It can grow up to 15 feet in height, but its growth rate is slow and it often reaches its peak in five to six years. When cultivating this plant, it is important to choose a site where the soil is well-drained, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Plant cassava cuttings in shallow holes at a spacing of 1-3 m, preferably at the onset of the rainy season.
Watering Needs of Manihot Teissonnieri A.Chev
Water is an essential element for cassava growth. This plant requires consistent watering to maintain healthy foliage and tuber growth. In the first 6 months after planting, frequent watering at weekly intervals is recommended to assist the establishment of the roots. After this period, cassava becomes drought resistant and only needs watering during prolonged dry spells. However, during the first year, it is important to water regularly until the plants establish, and then discontinue such watering on established plants when they begin to show signs of water stress, typically a wilted appearance.
Fertilization of Manihot Teissonnieri A.Chev
Fertilizer application should be based on soil nutrient status. A soil test should be performed to determine the nutrient needs of the cassava, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, and then apply the appropriate amount of fertilizer. For optimal growth, the application of organic manure is recommended at the time of planting. Subsequently, 50-100 kg of nitrogen and 30-60kg of phosphorus could be applied a year after planting or after the first harvest. Fertilizer should be spread uniformly over the soil under the canopy of the plants.
Pruning of Manihot Teissonnieri A.Chev
Pruning is not a common practice when cultivating cassava, and it is only necessary when the cassava is used as a fence, windbreak or wildlife barrier. It may also be practiced when the plant is trained to a trellis system to support the plants, but generally, this is not part of traditional cassava cultivation in subsistence farming. For the production of good quality tubers, the lower leaves of cassava must be allowed to remain on the plant for an extended period as they provide the bulk of photosynthesis. Only when the leaves turn yellow and begin to fall off (starting from the ground upwards) are they removed.
Propagation of Manihot teissonnieri A. Chev.
Manihot teissonnieri A. Chev., commonly known as cassava, can be propagated through various methods:
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common method of cassava propagation. The stem cuttings should be taken from the top of the plant and should be at least 30 cm long. The cuttings are planted in a well-drained soil, with a spacing of 1-1.5 meters apart. The soil should be kept moist, and the cuttings will start rooting in two to three weeks.
Seeds
Manihot teissonnieri can also be propagated through seeds, which are found in the mature fruits. The seeds should be planted in well-drained soil and kept moist. The seedlings should be transplanted when they are about 15 cm tall.
Air Layering
Air layering is a method of propagating cassava that is not commonly used. The stem of the cassava plant is wounded, and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. The wound is then covered with moist soil, and roots will start to grow in a few weeks.
Tissue Culture
Tissue culture is another method of propagating Manihot teissonnieri A. Chev. This method involves taking a small piece of the plant and growing it in a nutrient-rich agar medium. The plants are then transferred to soil when they are a few inches tall. Tissue culture is a complex and expensive method and is usually used for breeding or research purposes.
Disease Management
The Manihot teissonnieri A.Chev. plant is relatively resistant to diseases, but like any other plant, it can be vulnerable to some common diseases such as:
- Cassava Mosaic Disease: A viral disease characterized by yellow streaks on the leaves, stunted growth of the plant, and a decrease in tuber yield. Planting disease-resistant cassava varieties can help prevent the spread of the disease.
- Cassava Bacterial Blight: A bacterial disease that causes wilting and blackening of leaves and stems, leading to stunted growth of the entire plant. The use of disease-free planting materials and crop rotation can help control the disease.
- Root Rots: These are fungal diseases that cause the plant's roots to decay. Avoid planting cassava in poorly drained soils and remove and destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
To manage plant diseases, it is essential to practice proper sanitation and cultural practices such as weed control, crop rotation, and planting disease-resistant varieties. High-quality planting materials should also be used, and infected plants should be removed to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
The Manihot teissonnieri A.Chev. plant can be affected by various pests, including:
- Cassava Green Spider Mite: This pest sucks the plant's sap, causing yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. The use of chemical control measures such as insecticides can help control the pest.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause severe defoliation of the plant if not controlled. The use of bioinsecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or handpicking can help control this pest.
- Cassava Mealybug: This pest feeds on the plant's sap, causing yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth. The use of cultural practices such as removing infested plants and the use of chemical control measures like insecticides can help control the pest.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is recommended for the management of pests. This involves the use of various pest control methods, including biological, cultural, and chemical control measures. It is important to use insecticides only when necessary and to follow the recommended dosage to avoid the development of resistant pests and environmental pollution.
