Manihot utilissima Pohl: Overview
Manihot utilissima Pohl is a tropical plant that belongs to the family Euphorbiaceae and is popularly known as cassava or yucca. It is a staple food crop in many regions of the world and is one of the most important sources of carbohydrates in the diet of over half a billion people.
Origin and Distribution
Cassava is believed to have originated from South America and was introduced to Africa during the 16th century. Today, it is widely cultivated in tropical regions such as Asia, Africa, and South America.
Common Names
Cassava is known by different names in different parts of the world. In Africa, it is commonly referred to as yucca, manioc or tapioca. In Asia, it is known as kamoteng kahoy, while in South America, it is called mandioca or aipim.
Appearance
Cassava is a woody shrub that grows up to 5 meters in height and has long, tapered roots that can measure up to 2 meters in length and 10 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are large, alternate, and palmately lobed, with a rough surface and seven lobes. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with male and female flowers on separate plants.
Uses
The roots of the cassava plant are the most widely used part of the plant. They are harvested, peeled, and cooked or processed into flour, starch, or various other food products. Cassava is consumed in many forms, including boiled, fried, steamed, and mashed. The leaves and stems of the plant are also edible and are used as a vegetable in many parts of the world.
Cassava is not only a food crop but also has various industrial uses. The starch extracted from cassava is used in manufacturing paper, textiles, and glue. Additionally, cassava is used as a biofuel, and the plant's waste products are used as animal feed and for biogas production.
The versatility and adaptability of this plant have made it a crucial crop for many communities worldwide, providing both food and economic stability.
Light Requirements
The plant Manihot utilissima Pohl prefers full sun for optimal growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade may result in weak and spindly growth. Therefore, it is necessary to place it in an area that receives plenty of sunlight throughout the day.
Temperature Requirements
The tropical plant Manihot utilissima Pohl prefers warm temperatures to thrive. The ideal temperature range for its growth is between 25°C to 35°C. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°C, but prolonged exposure to low temperatures can lead to stunted growth or even death. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the plant is protected from cold drafts and frost during winter months.
Soil Requirements
Manihot utilissima Pohl prefers a well-draining, sandy soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil pH, but it prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant is drought-resistant and can tolerate dry spells, but it grows best when the soil is kept consistently moist. Therefore, it is essential to water the plant regularly, especially during dry seasons.
Cultivation Methods
Manihot utilissima Pohl, also known as cassava or yucca, is a hardy plant that is easy to grow. It is mostly grown in warm, tropical climates and requires full sun to grow properly. Before planting, the soil should be well-drained and aerated. The plant can be propagated either through stem cuttings or from seeds.
Watering Needs
Cassava requires moderate watering. During the growing season, the plant should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Over-watering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the leaves to dry up and turn yellow.
Fertilization
As cassava requires a lot of nutrients to grow, it is recommended to apply fertilizer regularly. The plant responds well to organic fertilizers such as compost or manure. Fertilizers should be applied every three months, or as instructed on the packaging.
Pruning
Cassava plants do not require regular pruning. However, any unwanted shoots or branches can be removed to maintain the desired shape of the plant. It is also recommended to remove the leaves at the bottom of the stem to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Manihot utilissima Pohl
Manihot utilissima Pohl, commonly known as cassava or yuca, is propagated through stem cuttings or through the use of its tuberous roots. Both methods have proven successful in establishing a new crop.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are a simple and effective way to propagate cassava plants. Cuttings should be taken from healthy plants that are at least a year old and have reached a minimum height of 60 cm. The cutting should be about 25 cm long and taken from the middle or top of the stem. It is important to remove all leaves from the cutting and to allow it to dry for a day before planting. This helps prevent infection and encourages the cutting to develop roots.
Once the cutting has dried, it can be planted in the soil. The hole should be about 10-15 cm deep and the cutting planted at a slight angle to encourage growth. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Roots should begin to develop within a week, with a visible shoot emerging within two to three weeks.
Tuberous Roots
Cassava can also be propagated through the use of its tuberous roots. It is important to select healthy, disease-free roots for planting. The roots should be cut into sections, each containing at least one bud or "eye". These sections can be planted directly into the soil, with the bud facing upwards and the uppermost section just below the surface.
Cassava plants grown from tuberous roots take longer to establish than those grown from stem cuttings. The roots should be planted in soil that has been well-prepared with organic matter and kept moist. Shoots should begin to emerge from the buds after a few weeks, with mature plants being ready for harvest in six to twelve months.
Disease and Pest Management for Manihot utilissima Pohl
Manihot utilissima Pohl, commonly known as cassava or manioc, is a staple crop in many tropical regions. While cassava is generally a hardy plant, it is still susceptible to numerous pests and diseases that can damage or even kill the plant if left unchecked. Here are some of the most common pests and diseases that affect cassava and methods of managing them:
Pests
Cassava Green Mite: This pest can cause serious damage to cassava plants by feeding on the leaves, resulting in wilting and stunted growth. To control this pest, remove and destroy infected plants, use insecticidal soaps or oil, or apply chemicals such as abamectin or chlorfenapyr.
Cassava Mealybug: These are sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to cassava plants, including stunted growth and root deformation. To control this pest, remove and destroy infected plants, apply neem oil or insecticidal soaps, or use chemicals such as cypermethrin or endosulfan.
Cassava Whitefly: These pests attack cassava plants by feeding on the sap of the leaves. They can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and even total crop failure. To control this pest, remove and destroy infected plants, use insecticidal soaps or oils, or apply chemicals such as imidacloprid or thiamethoxam.
Diseases
Cassava Mosaic Disease: This is a viral disease that causes yellowing and distortion of the leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. To manage this disease, plant resistant varieties of cassava, use virus-free cuttings, and control the whitefly population (which spreads this disease).
Cassava Bacterial Blight: This disease causes wilting, blackening, and rotting of the leaves and stems, leading to weakened and stunted growth. To manage this disease, use disease-free cuttings, avoid injuring the plants, and use copper-based fungicides.
Cassava Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown lesions on the stems and leaves of cassava plants, leading to wilting and reduced growth. To manage this disease, remove infected leaves and stems, avoid injuring the plants, and use fungicides such as mancozeb or copper-based products.
By implementing these disease and pest management strategies, farmers and gardeners can help ensure healthy and productive cassava crops.
