BEOVIDES GARCIA, Yoel et al. Morphological and agronomic characterization of cuban cassava cultivars (Manihot esculenta Crantz). []. , 35, 2, pp. 43-50. ISSN 0258-5936.

In order to assess the potential of 50 cultivars from the Cuban cassava germplasm with interest for genetic improvement, an agronomic and morphological characterization was carried out. All cultivars were evaluated using 38 qualitative and quantitative variables during four years. A special attention was given to yield components and to dry matter (DM) percentage 12 months after planting. As a result, a group of three cultivars with high yield potential and desirable traits for growers was identified: ‘CPA Victoria de Girón’ (39.4 t.ha^-1), ‘Crema-1’ (34,0 t.ha^-1) and ‘Señora’ (31,7 t.ha^-1). Other cultivars with acceptable yield and high dry matter content were also observed: ‘Yema de Huevo’ (46,29 % DM), ‘Clone 14’ (43,98 %) and ‘Quintalera enana’ (41,22 %); this is an important feature in order to increase the industrial cassava use in Cuba and an useful aspect to the cassava breeding program. The results show the existence of a significant genetic variability and contributes to promote the use of indigenous biodiversity preserved in Cuba.

: cassava; agronomic characterization; dry matter; qualitative variables.

        · |     · |     · ( pdf )