An Innovative Ratooning Technique for Rapid Propagation of Cassava in CÔTE D'IVOIRE.

Cassava is grown on approximately 80 % of the territory of Côte d'Ivoire. It constitutes the second food crop after yam with a total production estimated at 1.5 million t. It becomes both a subsistence and cash crop for farmers. The low rate of current propagation of cassava limits its extension and the on farm diffusion of new cultivars. To overcome this constraint, researchers carried out an experiment during two consecutive years in Côte d'Ivoire. It consisted in taking cuttings on growing plants at 10 cm, 35 cm and 60 cm from the soil of three cassava cultivars 7 months after planting. Control was non-ratoon plants. Plants and tuberous roots were harvested 8 month after ratooning. Results showed that at 35 and 60 cm from soil, the loss in dry matter was significant. However, at 10 cm from soil, the rates of loss in yield and dry matter of tuberous roots were low and were estimated at less than 3.5%. Moreover, at that level, the quantity of cuttings was the highest. Applying this technique, farmers will solve the lack of available on farm planting material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]