Competition of cassava cultivars in a forest area of Roraima, Brazil

Abstract

In the period from 1983 to 1984, studies were carried out on sixteen cultivars of cassava on Red-Yellow Latosois in a forest area of Bonfim, RR, Brazil, with the aim of identifying cultivars of high genetic potential and appropriate characteristics to the requirements of the local market. The greatest root yields were achieved by cultivars BGM 018, Pretinha, and EAB 596 with yields of 18.8, 18.5 and 17.2 t/ha, respectively. The first two ones are suitable for production of white flour and the last ones for production of yellow flour. Seventy-five per cent of all cultivars tested gave higher root yields than the local average (12 t/ha).