Grafted cassava varieties for enhanced disease resistance and yield

Overview

Cassava is a vital carbohydrate source and industrial raw material in Ghana, yet its production is severely limited by soil-borne pests and diseases, particularly nematodes and root rot, which cause significant yield losses. This research proposes a novel grafting technique to develop cassava varieties that combine robust resistance to these threats with enhanced photosynthetic activity. By pairing resistant rootstocks with a highly photosynthetic wild relative as the scion, the resulting plants are expected to deliver higher yields and improved tuber quality, offering a practical solution to a major agricultural constraint.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Screening and identification of cassava varieties with natural resistance to nematodes and root rot for use as rootstocks
• Use of Manihot glaziovii, a wild relative of cassava known for high photosynthetic activity, as the scion source
• Application of a modified grafting technique to evaluate scion-rootstock compatibility
• Field evaluation of compatible graft combinations on nematode and root rot infested farmers' fields to assess resistance and tolerance
• Measurement of agronomic parameters including chlorophyll content and tuber yield
• Molecular analysis of grafted junction tissues and intact plant stems to understand compatibility and performance mechanisms

Technology readiness level

This research is at an early experimental stage. The work begins with the collection and screening of disease and pest resistant cassava rootstock varieties and the sourcing of M. glaziovii scion material. Grafting compatibility testing will be conducted using established modified techniques, followed by field-based resistance evaluation and molecular characterization. Further validation through multi-location field trials and agronomic performance assessment will be needed before the technology can be deployed at scale.