Abstract

The need of characterization of local ecotypes has emerged because of abandonment of traditional varieties and a loss of genetic resources, associated with increasing demography and environmental. Thus, a study was conducted at the Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (IRAD) of Njombé multipurpose station with the objective of characterizing ten local accessions of cassava both morphologically and qualitatively. The work was carried out on two plots following the device Block Full Randomized with 3 repetitions. The yield parameters of leaves, stems, tuberous roots and dry matter of cassava were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan test mean separation at 5% using R 3.3.1 software. The evaluation of the cyanogenic potential was made following the method of Picrate Test. During the process of processing into cassava chips, tuberous roots were peeled, washed, cut with a knife, dried in the sun for three days, then packaged in plastic bags and stored as chips. As a result of this analysis, there was a highly significant difference (P Ë‚ 5%) in accessions for yield parameters in leaves, stems, tuberous roots and dry matter content. Accession 68 had an excellent yield of leaves (4.08 t/ha), stems (16.91 t/ha), and tuberous roots (8.95 t/ha). The accession 66 had excellent matter content (40%). From the morphological characterization, it appears that the accessions are all different, even if similarities were observed. The evaluation of the cyanogenic potential revealed that the accessions were low in cyanide content. In view of the conversion into cassava chips, accession 46 with the high percentage (39.20%) of obtaining the chips would be the one to be popularized for the best yield in chips.

Key words: Characterization, morphology, quality, processing, cassava accession, chips.