Cassava cultivars selected or developed from interspecific hybrids and periclinal chimeras

Abstract

Through use of interspecific hybridization, and in some cases followed by polyploidization, cassava cultivars combining various desirable characteristics have been developed in Brazil. These range from high protein content and increased essential amino acids to tolerance to drought. Some cultivars have highly apomictic behavior. Others show tolerance to bacterial diseases and insect pests. Selection from crosses with indigenous cultivars has led to obtaining varieties with high beta carotene content and excellent palatability. Periclinal chimeras were successfully synthesized and gave very high productivity. Ten outstanding genotypes resulting from this ongoing selection and breeding program are part of the University of Brasilia living Manihot collection and are reviewed here.