Effect of pruning and harvest time on cassava agronomic characteristics

Abstract

Effect of pruning and harvest time on cassava agronomic characteristics. The experiment was performed at the Campus of Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia - UESB, in Vitoria da Conquista, Bahia-Brazil, from November 2005 to February 2007, aiming to evaluate the effect of pruning and harvest time on cassava agronomic characteristics. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with three replications. The treatments were arranged according to a 6 x 2 factorial scheme, with six harvest times (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180 days after pruning) and two cultivation systems (with and without pruning). The results showed that pruned plants presented low aerial part weight and low productivity of tuberous roots, though a reduction of dry matter, starch and flour production was not observed, which were evaluated in kg ha(-1). Tuberous roots, starch and flour production increase linearly with the harvest times. Cooking time was influenced by pruning. Pruned plant roots showed higher cooking time when compared to the roots of non pruned plants.