The Pattern of Dry Matter Production and Partitioning in Cassava

Fourteen genotypes of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) were studied for dry matter production and partitioning during different stages of growth. Partitioning of dry matter between tuber and shoot became constant in all the genotypes with the onset of tuber bulking. High positive correlations were noticed for accumulation of dry matter in shoot (r = 0.90) and storage root(r = 0.93) in relation to total biomass produced. The harvesting efficiency was significantly higher in non-branching and sparsely branching genotypes (58.8%) than the profusely branching genotypes (47.1%). Harvest index reached a plateau after fourth month stage. Selection indices were suggested for preliminary evaluation of genetic materials for yielding ability.