Phenotypic diversity and selection in biofortified cassava germplasm for yield and quality root traits

Abstract

Increasing carotenoid content and improving other root quality traits has been the focus of cassava biofortification. This study aimed to (i) evaluate the genetic variability for total carotenoid content (TCC), as well as for root yield and root quality attributes; (ii) estimate potentially useful correlations for selection; and (iii) select parents for breeding and estimate the genetic gain. Data from 2011 to 2020 of 265 cassava genotypes with cream and yellow roots were analyzed for dry matter content (DMC), shoot yield, fresh root yield (FRY), dry root yield (DRY), harvest index, average number of roots per plant, starch content, root pulp color, cyanogenic compounds, and TCC. The best linear unbiased predictions showed great phenotypic variation for all traits. Six distinct groups were formed for productive characteristics of root quality, mainly TCC, DMC and FRY. Only TCC showed high broad-sense heritability ($${h}^{2}$$ h 2 = 0.72), while the other traits had low to medium magnitude (0.21 ≤ $${h}^{2}$$ h 2 ≤ 0.60). TCC was strongly correlated with pulp color (r = 0.70), but null significance for DMC. The network analysis identified a clear separation between the agronomic and quality attributes of cassava roots. The selection of the 30 genotypes for recombination in the breeding program has the potential to raise TCC by 27.05% and reduce the cyanogenic compounds content by 23.03%, in addition to increasing FRY and DRY by 22.72% and 22.95%, respectively. This is the first consolidated study on the potential of germplasm for the development biofortified cassava cultivars in Brazil.

Tandem Effect of Bio-Fortification on Dry Matter Content and Gari Yield of Some Yellow Root Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Varieties

“…The dry matter content of cassava reflects its moisture content and simultaneously food, feed or industrial product yield. The dry matter content of the four cassava varieties is within the range of 14.07% and 52.67% recorded by Peprah et al [26] and De Carvalho et al [27] for some cassava varieties including yellow root cassava varieties. Higher dry matter content of the white root check (TMSI30572) in comparison to the bio-fortified varieties aligns with the previous analogous observation of Bechoff et al [41].…”

“…Meanwhile, there exist conflicting reports in literature on influence of biofortification of cassava on its dry matter content. Beyeneet al [25]; Bechoff et al [23]; Peprah et al [26] and De Carvalho et al [27] reported inverse relationship between dry matter and carotenoid contents of some yellow root cassava varieties. Conversely, Sánchez et al [28] and Ceballos et al [29] observed positive relationship between TCC and DMC of some bio-fortified cassava genotypes.…”

The Development of Thematic Core Collections in Cassava Based on Yield, Disease Resistance, and Root Quality Traits

“…Beyond imparting a desirable yellow color on the roots, particularly valued in many regions of Brazil, these compounds function as potent antioxidants. Their conversion into provitamin A holds the potential to address hidden hunger arising from vitamin deficiencies, thereby contributing to the cassava biofortification initiative [27]. Notably, despite the concerted effort to prioritize accessions with elevated carotenoid levels and commendable culinary traits, this pursuit encountered challenges in the CC_Root_quality collection.…”

“…Total carotenoid content (Ro.TCC): the concentration of total carotenoids in roots determined following the methodology outlined by [27].…”

Exploring the Impact of Humic Biostimulants on Cassava Yield and Nutrition in Northeast Brazil

“…Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and is a root crop important for food security in many parts of the world, especially in semi-arid regions such as the Brazilian Northeast [1][2][3]. The world's production of cassava in 2022 was >330 million tons, with Nigeria showing the highest production (>60 million tons), followed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Thailand, Ghana, Cambodia, and Brazil [4].…”