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An experiment was conducted at the University of Uyo Teaching and Research Farm, Use Offot, Uyo, Southeastern Nigeria in 2013 and 2014 cropping seasons. The aim was to evaluate twelve cassava genotypes for growth characters, yield and yield components and identify the most superior genotypes for the area. A land area of 1656 m2 was laid out in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Plant height (cm), number of leaves, leaf area (cm2), number of tubers per plant, tuber length (cm), tuber girth (cm), tuber dry matter content (%) and tuber yield (t/ha) were studied. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) were observed for all the characters. Two varieties: TMS 98/2101 and NR 8082 were superior over other cassava genotypes in two characters each, namely number of leaves and fresh tuber yield and leaf area and tuber girth, respectively. Three cassava genotypes namely, TMS 94/0581, TME 419 and TMS 01/1368 were superior in primary character each, namely tuber dry weight, tuber length and number of tubers, respectively. The two varieties, 98/2101 and NR 8082 were identified as suitable candidates for dissemination to farmers in Uyo, Southeastern Nigeria. The two varieties could be incorporated into breeding programmes as female parents with TME 94/0581, TME 419 and TMS 01/1368 as male parents for production of hybrid varieties for the area.

Keywords: Growth characters, yield, yield components, evaluation, Manihot esculenta.

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Citation: Bassey EE (2016). Field evaluation of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) genotypes for growth characters, yield and yield components in Uyo, Southeastern Nigeria. J. Agric. Crop Res. 4(3): 43-48.