Evaluation of Yellow Flesh Cassava Genotypes for Cyanogenic Potential, Total Carotenoid, Dry Matter and Yield in the Coastal Savannah Zone of Ghana

Malnutrition, particularly vitamin A deficiency, remains a major public health challenge in Ghana. Cassava plays a crucial role in meeting the dietary needs of many Ghanaians. However, the dominated white-flesh cassava varieties fail to address vitamin A deficiency. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance, cassava mosaic disease (CMD) resistance, and nutritional traits of ten cassava genotypes which included eight yellow-flesh mutant genotypes and two checks (a white-flesh and a yellow-flesh variety). Conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Cape Coast, the experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Field evaluation were complemented by morphological and molecular (PCR) screening for CMD resistance as well as the yield and other yield component. The results showed significant (p<0.05) differences among genotypes in all measured traits. A negative correlation was observed between CMD severity and yield, while a positive correlation was found between total carotenoid (TC) content and dry matter content (DMC). The study identified four genotypes; 12B, 5B, 1011A, and 11B, with high TC content, dry matter content (DMC), root yield, low hydrogen cyanide levels (28.52–39.68 mg HCN/kg), and resistance to CMD. These genotypes, were selected for further evaluation and potential release as varieties. The findings highlight the potential of biofortified, high-yielding cassava varieties to improve nutrition, and contribute to sustainable agriculture in Ghana and beyond.