Agronomic Performance of Varieties of Cassava in the Western Region of Ghana on Root Rot Disease

Abstract

The purpose of the study is to assess the agronomic performance of ten varieties of cassava in the Western Region on root rot disease. The randomized complete block design (RCBD) was used. The study was carried out in the Western Region of Ghana. The Regional and the District Directors of Agriculture in the Western Region were consulted to select the districts in which the root rot disease of cassava was endemic to serve as focal points for the project. With the assistance of the Crops Services Officers, one location was selected in each district; Anwonakrom in the Mporhor Wassa East district, Agona Junction in the Ahanta West district and Bonyire in the Jomoro district. It was found out that all varieties used except Tek Bankye were probably susceptible to the root rot disease even though the infection levels varied. The infections were influenced by location; the rot disease was more endemic at Anwonakrom than at Bonyire and Agona Junction. Unmarketable roots were generally produced by all the varieties.The establishment of all varieties was good except Doku Duade and Esam Bankye which performed poorly. It was recommended that farmers in the Western region should be given the released improved varieties which are high yielding and resistant to activities of pathogens which cause root rot in cassava, for example, Tek Bankye.

Keywords: Agronomic performance, Root and Tuber Improvement Programme, Root rot disease