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Morpho-physiological traits and yield quality for cassava genotypes planted under drought during canopy establishment
Passamon Ittipong1, Poramate Banterng1,2, Nimitr Vorasoot1
1Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.
Peerj
|December 10, 2025
Summary
Drought during cassava canopy establishment reduced growth rates, but re-watering improved yield. Genotypes CMR38-125-77 and Rayong 72 showed superior starch yield and dry weight, making them ideal for breeding programs in drought-prone areas.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Physiology
- Crop Science
Background:
- Cassava (Manihot esculenta) adaptability to drought is crucial for food security.
- Understanding growth dynamics under water stress informs breeding strategies.
- Canopy establishment is a critical phase for cassava development and yield potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the growth rate and starch yield of different cassava genotypes.
- To evaluate cassava adaptability under irrigation and drought during canopy establishment.
- To identify superior genotypes for drought-prone environments.
Main Methods:
- A 2x6 split-plot design with four replications was used over two growing seasons.
- Main plots: full irrigation vs. drought during canopy establishment (90-150 days after planting).
- Subplots: six cassava genotypes, assessing growth rates and yield parameters.
Main Results:
- Drought stress reduced relative water content, storage root growth rate, stem growth rate, and crop growth rate.
- Re-watering post-drought enhanced growth rates, leading to improved biomass and yield.
- Genotypes CMR38-125-77 and Rayong 72 exhibited significantly higher storage root dry weight and starch yield.
Conclusions:
- Cassava genotypes exhibit varying adaptability to drought stress during canopy establishment.
- CMR38-125-77 demonstrated exceptional performance under drought, with high crop growth and relative growth rates.
- Selected genotypes, particularly CMR38-125-77, are recommended for breeding programs targeting drought resilience and productivity.
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