ABSTRACT

This experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Federal University of Technology Akure, to determine influence of variety, stem age and portion on growth and stem yield of cassava. The experiment was a 3 by 2 by 3 factorial in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Stems of three different ages (12 months, 9 months and 6 months) of two portions (hard wood and semi-hard wood) from the three varieties (TMEB419, TMEB693 and I011371) were used. Data were collected on plant establishment and growth parameters. Significant differences were observed for stem age, stem portion, variety and for all interactions. For the main effects; hard portion, 12 months and TMEB419 had best performances in terms of tuber yield. The results from this study confirmed the opinion of farmers that hard portion of 12 months old stem is the most suitable part for propagation. However, for commercial and rapid stem production stem age from 6 months can be used to maximize profit.