Effect of Varieties and Stem Source on Branching of Cassava

Abstract

Branching of cassava is one of the factors controlling inflorescence development. Different varieties have different frequency of flowering when planted in different locations. The main purpose of this study was to identify branching behavior of three cassava varieties, viz., Huaybong 80 (HB80), Huaybong 90 (HB90) and MKUC 50–2–60 and interaction effect between varieties and stem source on branching when planted in two locations, Tapioca Development Institute, Nakhon Ratchasima province and Kao Hin Son, Chachoengsao province. Cassava stems were chosen from four different locations, two farmer fields and two cassava research stations. The first experiment (expt. 1) was conducted using a Split-plot in RCBD with four replications, during the early rainy season (ER), of 2016–2017. The second experimental (expt. 2) was laid out in 3 x 2 x 2 Factorial arrangement in RCBD with four replications during the ER of 2017–2018. At both locations, branching of cassava was highly significant different (P < 0.05). HB80 variety exhibited the greatest branching percentage, 80–87% in expt. 1 and 43–69% in expt. 2, whereas HB90 did not branch at all. The results show that varieties, sources of stem, location and varieties by location interactions significantly affect the level of branching. Early branching varieties among non–branching varieties are sometimes preferred by breeders to produce botanical seeds for selection of new genotypes to meet desirable objectives.