Field Evaluation of Some Cassava Cultivars against the African Cassava Mosaic Disease in the Humid Forests of Cameroon

Abstract

There is a considerable deficit in the annual production of cassava in Cameroon of about 31 million tons, and this has been mainly due to constraints related to pest attacks and most especially diseases like the African Cassava Mosaic Disease (ACMD). This study was therefore undertaken on three sites in the locality of Bityili (South Region of Cameroon), to determine amongst improved and local cassava cultivars those that provide resistance to the development of the ACMD. The severity and incidence of this disease was evaluated and its impact on cassava yield. In each site, cassava was grown in a randomized complete block design. The local cultivars (Ekobele and Ngon kribi) showed higher severity (76-100%) and incidence of ACMD compared to the improved cultivars (TMS 92/0326 and TMS 96/1414) of 0-25% and 0-10%, respectively. Strong inverse correlations were observed between ACMD severity and yield performance, measured in terms of number of tubers/plant and weight of fresh tubers. The improved cultivars, TMS 92/0326 and TMS 96/1414, could, therefore, be recommended for large-scale planting in a bid to promote cassava production in the South Region of Cameroon.