Researchers at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria, have made a significant breakthrough in food security. They have identified improved cassava varieties that exhibit robust resistance to a devastating viral disease endangering cassava crops. This recent study offers renewed optimism for farmers who depend on cassava as a primary food source and income generator.
Viral infections, including Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) and Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), pose serious production issues for cassava, a crucial crop used by millions of smallholder farmers. These diseases can completely destroy a field, resulting in complete crop failure and increasing food insecurity among susceptible groups.
The researchers assessed five improved cassava genotypes (PRO Vitamin A (PRVA), TME 419, TMS 98/0505, TMS 98/0581, and TMS 30572) obtained from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) under natural field circumstances in Minna, Nigeria, to address this problem. Over the course of a growing season.
“All five cassava varieties showed no symptoms of virus infection during the entire planting season. Their leaves remained green and healthy; no mosaic or brown streak symptoms of CMD and CBSD were observed. These findings suggest that these improved varieties possess strong natural resistance to local virus strains.
Among the tested varieties, TME 419 stood out, not only for its disease resistance but also for its superior growth performance and yield. This variety produced taller plants, more leaves, and heavier roots compared to others, making it particularly suitable for farmers aiming for both disease protection and high productivity”.
“This discovery offers farmers an opportunity to adopt disease-resistant cassava varieties without the need for expensive chemicals or labour-intensive control measures,” said the research team leader, Abdullahi Hussaini Liman.
The researchers recommend that policymakers, farmers, and agricultural extension officers actively encourage the widespread adoption of these improved cassava genotypes. However, they stated that further research is necessary to assess the performance of these varieties across different environmental conditions and in response to other cassava-related diseases.
This collaborative effort involved experts from the Federal University of Technology, Minna; New Mexico State University; and the University of Georgia, USA.
Source: The Nation
