Enhancing Year-Round Cassava Production and Processing in Colombia Through Varieties with Stable Root Dry Matter Content

Cassava is an economically important crop in Colombia, particularly along the Caribbean Coast, where major processing industries are located. Seasonality in cassava production poses a major challenge for both industry and farmers, as current commercial varieties exhibit a pronounced decline in dry matter content (DMC) when harvest is extended beyond 10-12 months after planting (MAP). To address this issue, several experimental genotypes and three commercial checks were evaluated in multi-location trials across the Caribbean Coast under several harvest ages and specially after 10, 14, and 18 MAP. Genotype SM2828-28 emerged as a promising candidate due to its adequate sprouting, plant height, first branching height, fresh root yield, and low susceptibility to root rot and lodging. A key advantage of this clone is the stability of its DMC across different harvest ages. Extending the harvest period with appropriate germplasm may increase farmers' income and reduce the downtime of processing facilities caused by seasonal production gaps. The evidence also suggests that DMC stability is under genetic control, indicating that it can be effectively improved through targeted breeding. However, research involving extended harvest intervals poses considerable logistical challenges.