Abstract:
Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is mainly cultivated because of its starchy storage
roots and it is considered one of the most important staple foods in the tropical countries.
High dry matter contents and starch yields are the most important traits for
commercialized cassava starch production. The experiment aimed at identifying suitable
cassava scheduled planting, harvesting and varietal performance to maximize starch
production across the three locations in Eastern and Southern zones of Tanzania during the
2017/18 - 2018/19 cropping seasons. The experiment was laid out in split-split plot under
randomized complete block design with variety being main factor, planting schedules as
sub plot and scheduled harvesting as sub-sub plot. The total root yield increased
significantly from first to third planting and harvesting times respectively. Kiroba variety
planted in November/December and then harvested at twelve months after planting (MAP)
gave higher total root yield of 27 tones per hactre (t/ha) at Southern zone and also at the
Eastern zone Kiroba variety planted in November/December and March/April yielded
higher total root (22t/ha) when harvested at 12MAP. Based on cassava dry matter content;
the study concluded that: higher dry matter content was obtained when Mkuranga 1
variety planted on November/December and harvested at 12MAP gave 40% followed by
Kiroba variety planted in November/December and harvested after 12MAP had 39% at
Southern zone. Also the study found that; cassava starch content was higher (23%) at
Southern zone when Mkuranga 1 variety planted during November/December and
harvested at 12MAP before the onset of rainfall.
