PERFORMANCES OF PRO-VITAMIN A CASSAVA GENOTYPES TO WATER STRESS UNDER SCREEN HOUSE CONDITION IN UYO, SOUTH EASTERN NIGERIA

The study was carried out at University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State to evaluate the performances of ten pro-vitamin A cassava genotypes under water stress condition. The experiment was 10 x 3 factorial laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), replicated three times. Factor A were 10 pro-vitamin A cassava genotypes; TMS 01/1368, TMS 01/1412, TMS 01/1371, NR 07/0246, NR 07/0240, NR 07/0145, TMS 1070134, TMS 1070337, TMS 070593 and TMS 1061635 while factor B were the water field capacities (FC); 25, 50 and 75%. Growth and yield parameters were assessed. Results showed that all the cassava genotypes tested for had highest vegetative and growth parameters at 75% FC, followed by 50% FC while least at 25%. At 25%, TMS 01/1371 genotypes had the highest storage root yield kg/ha in 2012 and 2013 cropping seasons respectively, while TMS 01/1412 and NR 07/0240 had the highest potential storage root yield at 75% with the least yield at 25% FC. Therefore the study suggests that TMS 01/1371, TMS 07/0145, TMS 07059 and TMS 1061635 genotypes should be recommended to cassava growers in areas with short duration of rainfall.