The Effect of Different Planting Methods on Growth and Yield of Selected of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Cultivars

Abstract

Background: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a source of carbohydrate among the population after maize and rice and highly contributes to food security and livelihood to majority of small scale farmers in Sri Lanka as well as in African continent. The production of these starchy plants is declining due to the problem of low yield, high labor cost, pest and diseases damage and shortage of land. However among the yield limiting factors of cassava, the planting method of stem cuttings which depend on plant cultivar and environmental conditions. Therefore, the present study was carried out to reveal information on the effect of planting methods on the growth and yield attributes of cassava. Methods: The field experiment was conducted at the Farmer’s field in the Batticaloa and laboratory experiment was led in South Eastern University of Sri Lanka which is located in Sri Lanka. The field trail was carried out over a period of four months during from May to September in 2018. The treatments used were three planting positions (Angled, vertical and horizontal) and two cultivars (“cv. Local” and “cv Kirikawadi”) were combined in factorial arrangement and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Result: The result revealed that root yield was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the interaction effects of the planting position and varieties. Significant differences were observed among planting methods in all tested variables. Based on the study, storage roots yield of cassava could be enhanced by planting method of angled position.