Effects of filter cake fertilization on weed infestation, disease incidence and tuber yield of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) in Swaziland

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a tuber crop newly introduced in Swaziland. Filter cake is a byproduct of sugarcane processing. In this research, cassava (varieties Nyasa & Line 65) was grown in the field, using filter cake as a fertilizer with the objective to determine the effects of filter cake on weed infestation, disease incidence, insect pest infestation, and storage root yield. Results showed that filter cake improved cassava tuber yields (no filter cake, 400-1,090 kg per ha, with filter cake, 975-3,510 kg per ha). Weed infestation was negatively correlated to tuber yield at 12 weeks after planting (WAP) (r = - 0.714; R2 = 0.5098; p less than 0.01) and 32 WAP (r = - 0.390; R2 = 0.1521; significant, p greater than 0.05). Nyasa variety was more infected by cassava leaf mosaic (disease score, 4.5 out of 6.0), than Line 65 (disease score, 2.4 out of 6.0).