Effect of stake sizes on some growth indices and yield of three cassava cultivars (Manihot esculenta)

The effects of five stake weights (50, 63, 75, 88 and 100 g) of three cassava cultivars (TMS 30572, TMS 91934 and NR 8083) on the growth and yield of cassava were studied for 2 years (1992/93 and 1993/94) in Nigeria. The leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), leaf area duration (LAD), harvest yield and harvest index (HI) were dependent on the weight of stake planted and were greatest at the stake weight of 88 g (875 kg/ha) irrespective of cassava cultivar. Variations in LAI, LAD and HI of stake weights between 75 and 100 g were non-significant. The profusely branching cassava cultivars, TMS 30572 and NR 8083, achieved greater LAI, CGR, NAR and LAD relative to the sparsely branching cultivar, TMS 91934. The significant growth and yield differences among the stake weights with the optimum at a stake weight of 88 g (875 kg/ha) indicates the need to adopt this stake weight for sustainable and improved growth and yield in cassava production.