Selection in cassava seedlings

Abstract

The interrelationships among important cassava (Manihot esculenta crantz) traits were evaluated at the seedling and clonal stages. The objective was, to find out a selection criterion which could effectively identify superior F₁ segregates that could maintain superior clonal performance. Fresh root weight of seedlings and clones was positively correlated with stem plus leaf weight and harvest index. Strong competitors were high root yielders at both stages of propagation. Selection for fresh root yield at the seedling phase was not an effective mechanism for the identification of genotypes which could maintain high fresh root yield at the clonal stage. Under the conditions this study was conducted, none of the measured traits was considered to be efficient for the selection of superior seedlings which could reproduce superior clones. Further detailed studies are needed giving priority to problems of interplant competition in genotypic mixtures and lo the differential effects of the environment on seedlings and clones, since they must be grown in different years.