Effect of Stake Storage Methods on Germination, Growth and Yield of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.)

抄録

Quality of stakes is an important factor to determine the germination and plant population, consequently the tuber yield of cassava. Storage of cassava stakes before planting can affect the quality of the cutting. Therefore, the objective of this research was to investigate the effect of different storage stake methods on germination, growth, and yield of cassava. The field experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with 3 replications was conducted in Yasothorn soil series during April-October 2014 in Khon Kaen province, Thailand. The three stake storage methods comprised of storage under tree shade, under sunlight and store under sunlight with gunny sack coverage. Local cultivar of cassava was employed and stakes were stored for 45 days before planting. The results showed that moisture content of the stake, available part and germination percentage at 7 days after planting (DAP) of the stake stored under the sun with gunny sack coverage (69.08%, 73.93% and 85.71%, respectively) was significantly higher than that under shade (57.23% , 47.56% and 28.57%, respectively) and in sun (55.59%, 68.13% and 40.47%, respectively ). However, germination at 14 DAP and survival rate at 30 DAP were not significantly different among storage methods but stakes covered with gunnysack tended to be higher than other methods. Stakes stored by covered with gunnysack gave the highest plant height at 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 72, and 180 DAP. Moreover, there was no significant difference in leaf, shoot and total aboveground dry weight, tuber yield and starch contents that were found amongst the storage methods. The stakes stored under the sun and covered with gunnysack tended to give the highest values. This study shows the potential method for storing cassava stakes under field conditions before planting.