Phenotypic Characterization of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Germplasm in Kenya

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important cash crop for many small scale farmers in Kenya. The cassava genetic resources in Kenya are often underestimated due to improper characterization of the germplasm available. The objective of this study was to characterize popular cassava landraces and improved varieties grown by small-scale farmers based on their phenotypic traits. The materials were collected from seven major cassava growing counties in Kenya. The survey collected 131 cassava genotypes. These were planted at two experimental sites. Both quantitative and qualitative phenotypic traits data was collected at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after planting. The data was subjected to Multivariate analysis and dendogram developed at p <0.05. Analyzed phenotypic traits categorized the genotypes into four cluster groups. Cluster 1, 2, 3, and 4 had 72.5%, 16.0%, 3.1% and 8.4% genotypes respectively. Out of the 25 phenotypic characters assessed, a total of 11 principal components (PCs) trait sets accounted for 71.58%cumulative genetic variation at p<0.05.A follow up study on genetic characterization should be done to show the correlation between genetic and phenotypic characterization. Results from this study will assist farmers and breeders to optimize utilization of cassava germplasm for food security.