ICAR Research Data Repository for Knowledge Management

CIAT systematically evaluates all germplasm accessions in diverse sites in Colombia, to obtain a broad characterization of adaptation to different soils and climates, resistance to many pests and diseases, and quality traits. The information is used primarily to select parents which can potentially contribute characters requested by national programs. Based on these evaluations, some generalized conclusions can be drawn regarding the genetic potential of cassava landrace varieties.

Within the cultivated species Manihot esculenta a wide range of diversity exists for nearly all traits so far studied, including morphological, agronomic, resistance, and quality traits. Variation in physiological traits has not been widely studied, but there are indications of high variability for sensitivity to temperature and photoperiod, photosynthetic rate, and stomatal sensitivity to air humidity.

Yield potential of the majority of accessions is low and is manifested particularly as a low harvest index. Most landrace cultivars of Latin American origin have evolved with multiple resistance to the local pests and diseases. However, these resistance levels are generally low, since pest control in traditional cultivation systems is accomplished not only by varietal resistance, but also by isolation in space, intercropping, burning and other cultural practices.

The overall conclusion of the evaluations is that few landrace varieties combine all the traits required for more intensified (but low input) cultural systems. Therefore, genetic recombination will play the major role in the future for producing acceptable genotypes. A significant number of landrace varieties have favorable characteristics that have not yet been exploited in breeding programs.