Variations in productivity and dry matter of cassava roots as a function of the harvest season

Abstract

Cassava processing industries, located in Southern Coast of Santa Catarina State, Brazil, operate for only four months a year. The objective of this work was to identify varieties that make possible to extend the harvest period and, consequently, to increase the industrial processing period. Six varieties were evaluated during 17 consecutive months regarding to crop yield and root dry matter content. It was observed an average increase of 29.0% in root production and a decrease in dry matter content of 6.28% between the first vegetative cycle (July) and the second (April). These variations were influenced by the occurrence of root rot, drought and high temperatures. The results indicated that it is possible to increase the period of operation of the industries with the use of cultivars with higher dry matter content, such as SCS253-Sangão and SCS254- Sambaqui.