Origin
Manihot walkerae Croizat, commonly known as Walker's Cassava, is a species of flowering plant in the spurge family, Euphorbiaceae. It is native to the state of Bahia in eastern Brazil.
Common Names
Aside from Walker's Cassava, other common names for Manihot walkerae Croizat include Bahia cassava, arrowleaf cassava, and diamond cassava.
Appearance
This plant has diamond or arrow-shaped leaves that are about 10-15 cm in length. The edges of the leaves are serrated. The plant's stem is smooth and woody, growing up to 1.5 meters tall and 6 cm in diameter. The inflorescences consist of small clusters of flowers that are yellowish-green in color. The fruit of the Manihot walkerae Croizat is a capsule that measures about 1.5 cm in length and contains seeds of the same size.
Uses
Manihot walkerae Croizat is not widely cultivated and it is considered rare in its native habitat. However, this cassava species is known to be an important source of food and income for locals in Brazil. The plant's roots are rich in starch and can be boiled, roasted, or ground into flour to make various dishes like bread, cakes, and porridge. The leaves of the Manihot walkerae Croizat can also be consumed as a vegetable. Aside from its culinary uses, this plant is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments like diarrhea, fever, and bronchitis.
Growth Conditions for Manihot walkerae Croizat
Manihot walkerae Croizat, commonly known as Walker’s Cassava, is a perennial shrub that grows up to six feet tall. It is highly adapted to dry environments and is commonly found in savannas, where it can grow without irrigation.
Light
Walker’s cassava requires full sunlight to grow. It cannot tolerate shade or partial shade. The plant must be exposed to sunlight for at least six hours per day for optimal growth.
Temperature
Manihot walkerae Croizat requires warm temperatures to grow. The ideal temperature range for growth is between 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. Temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius can cause stunting in growth and even death.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil for optimal growth. It prefers soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5, which is mildly acidic. The soil must be sandy and rich in organic matter. Heavy clay soils are not suitable for growth. The plant is adapted to grow in soils with low nutrient levels, but it requires regular fertilization for optimal yields.
Cultivation Methods
Manihot walkerae Croizat, commonly known as Walker's Manioc, is a perennial plant that grows well in tropical climates. It requires well-drained, fertile soil for optimum growth. The plant prefers full sunlight to partial shade, although it can tolerate some shade.
Propagation of the plant is mostly done through stem cuttings, which should be taken from healthy plants. Prepare the cuttings by leaving them to dry for a day before planting them in soil. The cuttings should be planted at a depth of at least 5-6 inches in a hole that has been dug in the soil.
Watering Needs
Manihot walkerae Croizat requires moderate watering. The plant prefers moist but well-drained soil. Overwatering or waterlogging the soil can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant. Underwatering the plant can also have negative effects on growth and yield.
The best way to water the plant is to do it slowly and deeply, ensuring that the soil is thoroughly wet. This should be done at least once in a week, depending on the weather conditions. During the rainy season, watering may not be necessary, but it's essential to monitor the soil moisture content to avoid waterlogging of the plant.
Fertilization
Manihot walkerae Croizat requires fertilization to grow well and produce healthy roots. The ideal fertilizer for this plant is balanced NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium) fertilizer, which should be applied at least three times in a year. Application of organic manure can also be done to provide the plant with essential nutrients.
Fertilizers should be applied during the rainy season, preferably just before heavy rains, which will help to dissolve the nutrients and make them available to the plant. The recommended amount of fertilizer is 50 grams per plant per application.
Pruning
Pruning Manihot walkerae Croizat is not necessary as the plant has a natural growth pattern, and pruning may lead to reduced yields. However, it is essential to remove diseased or damaged leaves to avoid the spread of disease.
The plant can be harvested after ten months, or when the leaves begin to yellow and fall off. Harvesting involves uprooting the plant and processing the roots into flour. Proper harvest techniques should be observed to ensure maximum yield.
Propagation of Manihot walkerae Croizat
Manihot walkerae Croizat is a gesneriad endemic to the Andes of Venezuela and is a popular and beautiful house plant, often grown for its attractive and unique foliage. The plant can be propagated either through seeds or vegetative plant parts.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of M. walkerae Croizat can be collected from the mature fruit capsules of the plant. The seeds should be separated from the capsule and cleaned by removing the fleshy seed covering. The seeds need to be sown soon after collection, as they have a very short viability period. The seeds should be sown in well-draining, light soil and kept moist. The germination of the seeds will take between two and six weeks, depending on the environmental conditions.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation of M. walkerae Croizat by cuttings is the fastest method of reproducing this plant. Cuttings can be taken from the stem of the plant, preferably during the vegetative season when the plant is actively producing new leaves. The cuttings should be about 4-5 inches long and have at least two nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only a few leaves on the top. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be kept warm and moist, and with enough light but no direct sunlight. In about three to four weeks, the cuttings will develop roots, and after another three to four weeks, they can be transplanted to individual pots.
Disease and Pest Management of Manihot walkerae Croizat
Manihot walkerae Croizat, commonly known as the Walker's manioc, is a rare and endangered plant species native to Colombia. The plant has a high economic and cultural value, especially for the indigenous communities. Effective disease and pest management practices are essential to ensure the optimal growth and survival of the plant.
Common Diseases
The Walker's manioc is susceptible to several diseases that can affect its growth and yield. The common diseases that often affect the plant include:
- Cassava Bacterial Blight: This disease is caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis, a bacterium that causes yellowing of leaves, wilting, stem rot, and stunted growth. The disease can be prevented by planting disease-free cuttings and using copper-based fungicides.
- Cassava Mosaic Disease: This disease is caused by a complex of viruses that cause yellowing of leaves, curling, and stunted growth. The disease can be managed by uprooting and burning affected plants and planting virus-free cuttings.
- Cassava Anthracnose: This fungal disease causes brown spots on leaves, stems, and roots, leading to leaf drop and stunted growth. The disease can be managed by using copper-based fungicides and planting disease-resistant varieties.
Common Pests
The Walker's manioc is also vulnerable to several pests that can cause severe damage to the plant. The common pests that often affect the plant include:
- Mealybugs: These small insects suck plant sap, causing yellowing of leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. The pests can be controlled by manual removal or using natural predators like ladybugs.
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that suck plant sap and transmit viruses, causing yellowing and curling of leaves and stunted growth. The pests can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or natural predators like lacewings and parasitic wasps.
- Cassava Green Mite: The pest feeds on the lower side of leaves, causing yellowing and defoliation. The pest can be controlled by using acaricides or natural predators like ladybugs.
Management Practices
Prevention and early detection are the key management practices to ensure the health and survival of the Walker's manioc. The following practices can help manage diseases and pests:
- Sanitation: Remove and burn all infected or infested plant parts to prevent the spread of diseases and pests.
- Crop Rotation: Rotate the planting of cassava with other crops to reduce the build-up of pests and diseases in the soil.
- Use of Resistant Varieties: Plant resistant varieties of cassava that can withstand the pests and diseases prevalent in the area.
- Chemical Control: Use chemical pesticides and fungicides as a last resort and strictly follow the instructions on the label to avoid toxicity and harm to the plant, humans, and the environment.
- Natural Control: Encourage the presence of natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps to control pests.
By following these disease and pest management practices, the Walker's manioc can thrive and contribute to the economic and cultural well-being of the local communities.
