Adaptation of Cassava to Changing Climates

Abstract

Cassava is among the most important staple crops grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It has a remarkable and well recognized adaptation to marginal growing conditions due to its perennial growth habit. When there are biotic and/or abiotic stresses the plant can become dormant until favorable growing conditions return. This characteristic provides flexibility and plasticity for the plant to adapt to changes in the environment. Cassava is vegetatively propagated but sexual reproduction is relatively easy and, therefore, conventional breeding does not have particular problems. The multiplication rate of vegetative propagation, however, is low. From one plant only 7-10 cuttings can typically be obtained. Climate change will likely require replacement of varieties. Consequently, rapid multiplication schemes will be required to overcome the low multiplication rate of cassava. Overall, cassava production is expected to be favored by predicted changes in the climate (with few relatively small exceptions). Breeding and research strategies to prepare cassava for the expected changes in climate include developing herbicide-tolerant cassava through the use of wild relatives and integrated pest and diseases management approaches. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Inc..