THE SEEDS AND ROOTS PRODUCTION OF SWEET CASSAVA CROP IS MAINTAINED UNDER DIFFERENT PLANTING DENSITIES: AN AGROECOLOGICAL APPROACH

Abstract

Background: Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is the fifth most important crop in the world and has a fundamental role in food security in most tropical countries. However, studies are still needed to improve its management and production. Objective: the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of planting density on the pattern of allocation of aboveground and belowground biomass, and asexual seeds production of the cassava crop (Cultivar Armenia) in Cucururital, Átures municipality, Amazonas state, Venezuela. Methodology: A total of 25 10 × 10 plots (100 m2) were established under a randomized block design with five replicates and five treatments to compare different parameters of growth and production of the cassava crop under different conditions of planting density: 1.20 × 0.60 m (T1), 1.20 × 0.80 m (T2), 1.20 × 1 m (T3), 1.20 × 1.20 m (T4), and 1.20 × 1.40 m (T5). Results: The results of this research show that there are no significant differences in relation to the different growth and production parameters between the planting density treatments. Despite the variations in planting densities evaluated in this study (5952 to 13888 plants ha-1), the yield of commercial roots (400 to 500 kg plant-1) as the main parameter of agronomic importance, was relatively high compared to different tropical and national studies. Implications: These results allow us to infer that this cassava crop (Armenia) has a high adaptation, phenotypic plasticity and production potential under different growth conditions, which may be advantageous from an agro-ecological, economic and social point of view, to contribute with food security and sustainable livelihoods. Conclusion: With this applied research it was possible to demonstrate the production potential of roots and asexual seeds of the cassava crop (cultivar Armenia) despite the variation in planting density in previously degraded agricultural areas, where no statistical differences were observed between treatments.