Variation in qualitative and quantitative traits of cassava germplasm from selected national breeding programmes in subSaharan Africa

An improved understanding of phenotypic variation within cassava germplasm in southern, eastern and central Africa will help to formulate knowledge-based breeding strategies. Thus, the overall objective of this study was to examine the phenotypic variation in cassava germplasm available within six breeding programmes in Africa, namely Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo and Madagascar. In each country, single-row plots were used for assessment of 29 qualitative traits and evaluation of four quantitative traits: root dry matter content (DMC), harvest index (HI), leaf retention (LR) and root cortex thickness. Qualitative traits provided limited discrimination of cassava germplasm. However, differences in DMC, HI, LR and root cortex thickness were observed among the germplasm indicating scope for genetic improvement. Highest average DMC was registered in Uganda (39.3%) and lowest in Tanzania (30.1%), with the elite genotypes having a relatively higher DMC than local genotypes. Highest average HI was observed in Uganda (0.60) and lowest in Kenya (0.32). Cassava genotypes displayed varied root peel thickness (0.34–4.89 mm). This study highlights variation in agronomic traits that could be exploited to increase cassava productivity

Genetic diversity of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) landraces and cultivars from southern, eastern and central Africa

Studies to quantify genetic variation in cassava germplasm, available within the national breeding programmes in Africa, have been limited. Here, we report on the nature and extent of genetic variation that exists within 1401 cassava varieties from seven countries: Tanzania (270 genotypes); Uganda (268); Kenya (234); Rwanda (184); Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC; 177); Madagascar (186); Mozambique (82). The vast majority of these genotypes do not exist within a formal germplasm conservation initiative and were derived from farmers' fields and National Agricultural Research Systems breeding programmes. Genotypes were assayed using 26 simple sequence repeat markers. Moderate genetic variation was observed with evidence of a genetic bottleneck in the region. Some differentiation was observed among countries in both cultivars and landraces. Euclidean distance revealed the pivotal position of Tanzanian landraces in the region, and STRUCTURE analysis revealed subtle and fairly complex relationships among cultivars and among landraces and cultivars analysed together. This is likely to reflect original germplasm introductions, gene flow including farmer exchanges, disease pandemics, past breeding programmes and the introduction of cultivars from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture – Nigeria. Information generated from this study will be useful to justify and guide a regional cassava genetic resource conservation strategy, to identify gaps in cassava diversity in the region and to guide breeding strategies