Cassava (Manioc)
Manihot esculenta
About Cassava (Manioc)
Cassava is the third largest source of food carbohydrates in the tropics and a lifeline crop for over 800 million people in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It is uniquely drought-tolerant, grows on poor soils, and can be left in the ground unharvested for up to 2 years as a living food reserve. This makes it the ultimate food security crop for subsistence farmers. Nigeria is the world's largest producer. Cassava roots are processed into flour (gari, fufu), starch, tapioca, and animal feed. The leaves are also eaten as a vegetable rich in protein and vitamins. However, cassava contains cyanogenic glucosides and must be properly processed before consumption to remove cyanide.
Growing Conditions
Full sun — does not tolerate shade
Drought-tolerant once established. Grows with 500-1,500 mm rainfall. Can survive 6-month dry seasons by shedding leaves.
Tolerates poor, acidic, sandy soils that other crops cannot grow on. pH 4.5-7.5. Avoid waterlogged soils.
Optimal 25-35°C. Does not tolerate frost. Growth slows below 18°C.
Tolerates both humid and semi-arid conditions.
Long season — 8-18 months to harvest depending on variety and conditions. Planted at start of rainy season.
Step-by-Step Growing Tips
Use healthy, disease-free stem cuttings (stakes) from certified sources
Plant stakes at 45° angle with 2/3 buried, 1 × 1 m spacing
Weed thoroughly during first 3 months — cassava is slow to establish canopy
Do NOT apply excessive nitrogen — it promotes tops at the expense of root yield
Harvest when roots reach desired size (8-18 months) — leaving too long reduces starch quality
Process roots within 48 hours of harvest to prevent post-harvest deterioration
Disease Risks to Watch
All diseases →Cassava mosaic disease (CMD) is caused by begomoviruses spread by whiteflies. Symptoms include yellow-green mosaic patterns on leaves, leaf distortion, and reduced tuber yields (20-95% loss). Use CMD-resistant varieties (e.g., NASE 14, TME 419), plant clean stem cuttings, rogue infected plants, and control whiteflies to manage the disease.
Cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) is a viral disease causing dry, brown necrotic rot inside cassava tubers, making them inedible. Above-ground symptoms include yellow blotches on older leaves and brown streaks on stems. Use resistant varieties (e.g., NASE 19, Kiroba), plant clean cuttings, rogue infected plants, and harvest within 12 months before tuber necrosis worsens.
Companion Planting
✅ Good Companions
Growing Zones
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant Cassava (Manioc)?
Long season — 8-18 months to harvest depending on variety and conditions. Planted at start of rainy season.
What soil does Cassava (Manioc) need?
Tolerates poor, acidic, sandy soils that other crops cannot grow on. pH 4.5-7.5. Avoid waterlogged soils.
How much water does Cassava (Manioc) need?
Drought-tolerant once established. Grows with 500-1,500 mm rainfall. Can survive 6-month dry seasons by shedding leaves.
What are the most common diseases affecting Cassava (Manioc)?
The most common diseases are: cassava mosaic disease, cassava brown streak. Monitor regularly and practice crop rotation.
What plants grow well with Cassava (Manioc)?
Good companions include: maize, groundnut, cowpea. Avoid planting near no specific plants.
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