Evaluation for Distinctness and Variability in Morphological Characters of Some Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Genotypes

Some cassava genotypes were evaluated for distinctness of morphological characters and genetic variability for root yield and its components during 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons. The following data were collected; severity of Cassava Bacteria Blight (CBB), Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD), Sprouting percentage, Plant height, Root number, Root weight, Shoot weight and Root dry matter. High heritability and genetic gain were observed in cassava mosaic disease 69.3%, 62.4%., root number 71.69%, 38.9% and plant height 92.0%, 32.42% as indicated, suggesting that the traits are primarily under genetic control and that reliable selection with simple recurrent phenotypic selection would be appropriate. Genotypes IITA TMB 419, IITA TMS I 011412 and IITA TMS I 30572 showed distinctness in root yield with 36.15, 29.82 and 26.55 metric tons per hectare respectively and were found to constitute a pool of germplasm with adequate genetic variability from which selection bring about significant progress in cassava improvement programme.