Effects of length and incisions on the cortex of cassava (<em>Manihot esculenta</em> Crantz) cropping

Abstract

The effects of length and incisions on the cortex of cassava cropping, Manihot esculenta (Euphorbiaceae), were evaluated. Assays were performed on the campus of the “Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia” in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia. Stem cuttings of cassava 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 m long, with and without incisions in the cortex, were evaluated. There was a linear effect of length on the weight of the aerial part, number of sprouts per plant and final stand. A quadratic effect of length was observed upon the productivity of the tuberous roots, yield index and starch. The maximum value harvest index was 0.64, obtained from plant with 0.19 m cutting length. Maximum productivity of tuberous roots and starch were 31,898 kg.ha^-1 and 8,592 kg.ha^-1, respectively, reached with 0.21 m cuttings. Incisions made in cutting cortex did not affect the characteristics evaluated in the experiment