Citation
Tan, Swee Lian
(1980)
Growth Parameters Related to Productivity in Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz).
Masters thesis, Universiti Pertanian Malaysia.
Abstract
Dry matter production and distribution to major plant organs were
studied by periodic harvests over 12 months in six varieties of cassava
with varying b ranching patterns. Simultaneous studies traced the pattern
of branching, leaf size and leaf area development, rates o f leaf production
and of nod e weight increase, and leaf life.
Total dry matter production depends on leaf area index (LAI) and
leaf photosynthetic rate. Measurements by an infra-red gas analyzer on
single attached leaves indicated varietal differences in apparent
photosynthetic rates. The LAI of three varieties, with high, intermediate
and low rates, was altered by leaf and apex clipping. A
relationship was found between crop growth rate ( CGR) and LAI, and a
possible association between CGR and photosynthetic efficiency.
LAI is influenced by canopy characteristics, viz. leaf size, rate
of leaf production and leaf life. Leaf production has two components:
production rate per apex, and rate of apex production which relates to
branching.
Root bulking has a lower optimal LAI than CGR, implying competition
with dry matter utilization by stems, leaves and stakes. The capacity
for b ranching determines LAI but also establishes the potential for top
growth and its competitive sink strength . Node weight increased throughout
the crop duration, and b ranching both augmented the stem mas s and
accelerated leaf production rate through rapid apex increase. Results
from leaf and apex clipping suggest that new leaves constituted a very substantial sink.
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