TITLE:
Evaluation of Cassava Genotypes for Resistance to Cassava Mosaic Disease and Agronomic Traits
AUTHORS:
Patrick Chiza Chikoti, Paul Shanahan, Rob Melis
KEYWORDS:
Cassava, Disease, Yield and Yield Components, Genotype
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.7 No.7,
May
20,
2016
ABSTRACT: Sixteen
cassava genotypes comprising introductions, local landraces and improved
genotypes were evaluated for two seasons in Mansa, Zambia, for their reaction
to cassava mosaic disease (CMD). The study was conducted in 2009/10 and 2010/11
seasons to evaluate the reaction of cassava cultivars to CMD and agronomic
traits. Cassava mosaic disease severity and leaf retention were scored at 6
months after planting (MAP) and data on yield and yield components were recorded
at harvest (7 MAP). Significant genotype x season interaction for CMD, harvest
index, fresh root yield, biomass, plant height, root size and leaf retention
was recorded. Bangweulu, Kalaba, Chikula, Mwakamoya and Chila-7 were the most
susceptible genotypes over the two seasons. Mweru, Kampolombo, TMS190, TMS3001,
Tanganyika and Nalumino had low severity scores. Harvest index ranged from 0.36
(Mwakamoya) to 0.55 (Chila-7) for the combined seasons. Chila-7 had the highest
fresh root yield with a mean of 0.87 kg plant-1 for the combined
seasons. The resistant genotypes might be
used to improve the CMD resistance of local cultivars through hybridisation.