Background: Cassava is an important tropical tuber crop with great potential, particularly for short-duration varieties. Understanding the impact of nutrient management practices on the growth and yield of cassava is crucial for improving its productivity.

Methods: Field experiments were conducted at Tapioca and Castor Research Station, Yethapur, Salem in 2022-2023 to determine the effect of various nutrient management practices on the growth attributes, biomass production, dry matter distribution and yield characteristics of short-duration cassava. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with twelve treatments and three replications.

Results: The integrated nutrient management practice of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% RDF + cassava booster spray (T10) resulted in higher crop growth, dry matter production, yield attributes, tuber yield and top yield. This was comparable with the organic practice of Wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 + 3% panchagavya foliar spray (T7) among other organic practices. The control treatment with no manures, fertilizers or foliar sprays recorded lower growth and yield.&nbsp;The positive correlation between growth and yield attributes and yield was also observed. In conclusion, the application of FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% RDF + cassava booster spray and Wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 + 3% panchagavya foliar spray were effective in improving the growth and yield of short-duration cassava. From the study, it is also evident that the short-duration cassava is suitable for organic cultivation and can be integrated into existing cropping systems.

Effect of Organic Nutrient Management Practices on Growth and Yield of Short-duration Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

Background: A series of field experiments were conducted at the Tapioca and Castor Research Station (TCRS), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Yethapur, Salem from 2022 to 2023. The purpose was to investigate the growth dynamics and economics of short-duration cassava under different nutrient management practices including both integrated and organic approaches.

Methods: Twelve treatments were carried out consisting of various combinations of organic manures, liquid organic foliar sprays, integrated nutrient management treatments and a control treatment (no manures/fertilizers/sprays). The experiments were carried out in a randomized block design (RBD) with three replications at the same location.

Results: The results revealed that the different nutrient management practices had a significant impact on the physiological response throughout the various stages of plant growth. Based on the average data from two experiments, the INM treatment (FYM @ 25 t ha-1 + 100% recommended dose of fertilizers and cassava booster spray) showed the highest physiological&nbsp;response during the final phase of growth. This treatment showed superior performance in terms of leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), tuber bulking rate (TBR) and mean TBR. The organic treatment (wood ash @ 2 t ha-1 and 3% panchagavya foliar spray) recorded comparable performance to the INM treatment in major parameters such as LAI, CGR, RGR and NAR. However, it followed the INM treatment in terms of mean TBR. Economic analysis revealed that the INM treatment yielded the highest net income and benefit-cost ratio (BCR), followed by the organic treatment. The control resulted in the least returns. In conclusion, the findings highlight the effectiveness of the INM treatment and the promising performance of the organic treatment which can contribute to sustainable and profitable cassava cultivation.

Impact of Organic Nutrient Management Practices on Growth Dynamics and Economics of Short-duration Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz.)

Background: Biodegradable plastics are made from starch extracted from renewable biomass. Approximately 50% of the biodegradable plastics used commercially are prepared from starch. The research was undertaken to develop biodegradable film from blend of LDPE and Cassava starch at different proportions and to study the Physical and Mechanical properties. 
 
Methods: Biodegradable film was prepared by Blown film extrusion method using LDPE, cassava starch adding glycerol, talc powder and urea (T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4) at different proportions. The effects of plasticizer (glycerol) and different proportions of cassava starch on the film properties were determined by the standard methods. 
 
Result: The developed biodegradable film had a tensile strength ranging from 6.68-8.42 MPa. The film thickness from 0.17 to 0.80 mm, transparency from 0.55 to 2.07%, water absorption from 0.007 to 0.067% and moisture permeability from 0.59 to 14.08%.

​Effect of Cassava Starch on LDPE as Biodegradable Film and its Physical and Mechanical Properties

<div style="text-align: justify;">Field experiment was carried out at Agronomy Experimental Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University in 2015-2016 to investigate the response of cassava to supplementary irrigation during the dry season month. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with four replications. The main plots comprised two cassava varieties (Huaybong 80 and Rayong 11). The sub l included four levels of drip irrigation [I-20, EV-40 mm (crop received 20 mm of water when daily cumulative pan evapolation value reached 40 mm during the dry season months)]; [I-20, EV-60 mm] ; [I-10, EV-40 mm] ; [I-10, EV-60 mm] and [I-10] (cassava under rainfed condition without additional irrigation)]. Results indicated that irrigation at (I-20, EV-40 mm) produced maximum the fresh (52 t ha-1) and dry (22 t ha-1) storage root yield. Huaybong 80 variety a gave significantly higher the storage root yield than that of Rayong 11 variety. The highest starch content also was obtained in the (I-20, EV-40 mm) treatment. There was no significant difference in the starch content between the two cassava varieties. Water were applied in treatment [I-20, EV-40 mm], [I-20, EV-60 mm], [I-10, EV-40 mm] and [I-10, EV-60 mm] was an average 299 mm, 194 mm, 150 mm and 97 mm, respectively during the growing season. Water use efficiency was the highest (35.3 kg ha-1 mm-1) in the [I-20, EV-60 mm] treatment.</div>

Growth, yield and water use of drip irrigated cassava planted in the late rainy season of North Eastern Thailand

<div>Background: Low soil organic carbon is a constraint to cassava tuber formation. Some legume cover crops could be an alternative to provide organic matter on the cassava field as a source of soil organic carbon. The study was aimed to evaluate the growth of some legume cover crops under cassava and their effects on soil properties. 
 
Methods: During September 2017-July 2018 legume cover crops (Calopogonium mucunoides, Centrosema pubescens, Pueraria javanica&nbsp;and the mixed) were planted under cassava variety of Mangu and UJ-5. The land coverage by the legume cover crops was measured monthly from 2 to 10 months after planting. Cassava growth was observed weekly from 8 to 32 weeks after planting. Soil properties were analyzed before planting and at harvesting of cassava. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
 
Result: Pueraria javanica was tolerant toward cassava shading. The land coverage was linearly increased along with the growth of cassava. At the end of cassava growth, the land area coverage by this legume cover crop was 98.08%. It produced more organic matter and could maintain soil moisture content than other legume cover crops. P. javanica could consider being a suitable legume cover crop under cassava to improve soil quality.</div>

Growth of Legume Cover Crops under Cassava and Its Effect on Soil Properties

<div style="text-align: justify;">Background: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a source of carbohydrate among the population after maize and rice and highly contributes to food security and livelihood to majority of small scale farmers in Sri Lanka as well as in African continent. The production of these starchy plants is declining due to the problem of low yield, high labor cost, pest and diseases damage and shortage of land. However among the yield limiting factors of cassava, the planting method of stem cuttings which depend on plant cultivar and environmental conditions. Therefore, the present study was carried out to reveal information on the effect of planting methods on the growth and yield attributes of cassava. Methods: The field experiment was conducted at the Farmer&rsquo;s field in the Batticaloa and laboratory experiment was led in South Eastern University of Sri Lanka which is located in Sri Lanka. The field trail was carried out over a period of four months during from May to September in 2018. The treatments used were three planting positions (Angled, vertical and horizontal) and two cultivars (&ldquo;cv. Local&rdquo; and &ldquo;cv Kirikawadi&rdquo;) were combined in factorial arrangement and laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Result: The result revealed that root yield was significantly (P d&rdquo; 0.05) affected by the interaction effects of the planting position and varieties. Significant differences were observed among planting methods in all tested variables. Based on the study, storage roots yield of cassava could be enhanced by planting method of angled position.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">The Effect of Different Planting Methods on Growth and Yield of Selected of Cassava (Manihot esculenta) Cultivars</div>

<div>Background: This study assessed the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in southern Nigeria. Specifically, the study sought to; ascertain the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents, identify the perceived influence of agricultural extension on cassava production in the study area and constraints in the production of cassava by farmers in the study area.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The study adopted a multi-stage sampling technique. Stage one was a purposive selection of municipalities in Southern Nigeria due to its endowment with cassava production. Stage two involved a random selection of five (5) municipalities in Southern Nigeria namely; Uyo, Calabar, Umuahia, Abakaliki and Owerri. Stage three equally involved a random selected of twenty (20) respondents from each of the municipals, giving a total of hundred (100) respondents used for the study. Data were obtained from primary sources using structured interview schedule. Objectives were analysed using descriptive statistics such as; percentage, frequency, mean, rank and standard deviation. 
 
Result: The result on the house hold size showed that 39% had between 6-10 persons, while 27% had 11-15 persons, 21% had 1-5 persons. Also 13% had 16 and above number of persons. The result also revealed that the respondents observed help in reducing soil compartment, training of farmers on pest/disease control, production practices, processing and marketing with mean scores of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43, <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.27,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.92,&nbsp;<img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 1.86 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> =1.69 respectively; as perceived influence of extension on cassava production. This implied that extension workers had no significant influence on cassava production in the study area, this may be attributed to inadequate funding of extension services in Nigeria. Majority (60%) believed that language barrier and unfavourable attitude of farmers with mean of <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.43 and <img alt="" src="data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAgAAAAKCAYAAACJxx+AAAABIklEQVQoFR3OzyuDYQDA8SeRlMMOLrIUxYWD5mSHpRy0cDCkrTkoN3MQklYO3NyUOCvKP+DIYS4O5NfNymGrzV5t74/9et73efd8mfu3T18B4Fk2U/1B+oSgq7MD0dmN6Bng/qWEwK+DL8GqgW0Dkjpg+FDUIPCKGF/vhIKDDAcC5PJvnF6eIXqHmFw6QKAN0BWuL8452t+jRZnM6wMTs6vkAKF0G5R8fjyT2lin4TpEojNkDROzHXi4SOWgZIm1+AIr8QQFy8FSTSQK0WpVgQqFfIbpyAjpw2PkvykxdRGB66DlN6nNeexqllgsiVH2aeLSwEJgWyQX53h8usNHsrOV5ubqFgXU8BEn27uEx8cwa2XqWrEcTRAaDfNjejT/Jn8Bgqj79E6h3/gAAAAASUVORK5CYII=" /> = 2.42 respectively were the constraints of agricultural extension workers in enhancing cassava production in the study area. This implied that influence of extension agents in the area may not be significant. This may be due to ineffectiveness of extension services in Nigeria. the study concluded that, rural farmers need to be involved in the mainstream of extension services in order to identify and prioritize their production activities. The study therefore, recommended that agricultural extension workers should be involved in all areas of agricultural production and not on cassava production alone, so as to improve on the gross domestic production of the nation.</div>

Perceived Influence of Agricultural Extension on Cassava Production by the Farmers in Southern Nigeria

Background: Fluctuations in food production, namely corn and cassava, from year to year tend to change, making food production forecasting quite important. Production movements greatly affect other sectors, so a method is needed to forecast future food production. The purpose of this study is to examine North Sumatra Province&rsquo;s food production predictions. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: The Central Statistics Agency and the Food Crops and Horticulture Agency provided the secondary data used in this study, which covered the years 1996-2022. Using the Eviews 13 program, the data analysis technique applies the ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) method. 
&nbsp; 
Result: The results of the study indicate that in Langkat Regency, the best model for forecasting corn production is the ARIMA (1,1,0) model, with corn production experiencing moderate growth over the next decade, while the best model for forecasting cassava production is the ARIMA (2,1,2) model, with cassava production also experiencing growth. In Tapanuli Utara District, the best model for forecasting corn production is the ARIMA (2,1,2) model, with corn production expected to increase in the future. Meanwhile, the best model for forecasting cassava production is the ARIMA (2,1,1) model, with cassava production showing a slight decrease. 
&nbsp;

Forecast Analysis of Corn and Cassava Production in North Sumatra Province, Indonesia

<div style="text-align: justify;">The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of paclobutrazol (PBZ) application time on growth, yield and starch content of cassava under rainfed conditions. A split-plots design was set up with four replications. The main-plot consists of two cassava cultivars (CMR and RY-7) and three PBZ application times (90, 135 DAP and two combined 90 and 135 DAP) in comparison with no paclobutrazol application (control) assigned as sub-plots. The study showed that all PBZ application times reduced plant height. PBZ single application at 135 DAP or two combined application at 90 and 135 DAP increased leaf number per plant and leaf area index. The maximum storage root yield was obtained when PBZ applied at 135 DAP over without PBZ application (control) by 46% in the present study. PBZ application at 90 DAP combined with 135 DAP produced the highest starch content of the storage roots. In the present experiment, two cassava cultivars did not show a significant difference on growth, yield and starch content in storage root.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Effect of Paclobutrazol Application Time on Growth, Yield and Starch Content of Two Cassava Cultivars under Rainfed Conditions of Northeastern, Thailand</div>

<div>Background: Rainfed lowland rice crops are grown only once a year in the rainy season. In general, the fields are left fallowed after harvest of rice in the dry season. Cassava a drought tolerant-crop has the potential to grow the following rice. One of the methods to sustain production is through the application of beneficial microorganisms such as plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and foliar bio-extracted fertilizer.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Cassava was planted in the dry season (December-June). Nutrient management treatments included; 1) application of chemical fertilizer as recommendation rate (CFR), 2) application of CFR combined with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), 3) application of 80% of CFR combined with PGPR and 4) application of CFR combined with bio-extracted pig manure (BPM) which laid out in randomized complete block design. 
 
Result: Interaction between CFR and PGPR gave the maximum storage root yield of 23.1 t ha-1 without significant differences with the application of CFR alone (20.3 t ha-1). Such treatment also provides higher net income than those of the other treatments in the present experiment.</div>