COMPARISON OF GROWTH AND YIELD OF SEVEN CASSAVA CLONES (Manihot esculenta Crantz) UNDER MUKIBAT GRAFTING AND CONVENTIONAL STEM CUTTING PROPAGATION TECHNIQUES

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of clones and the interaction between clones and propagation techniques on the starch content of seven cassava clones (Manihot esculenta Crantz). The study was conducted at Rara Farm, Bandar Lampung, using a split-plot design with three replications. The main plots consisted of seven cassava clones, namely UJ-5, TDSL, TDSS, Bendo 3, Marinten, SKC, and Vamas 1, while the subplots consisted of two propagation techniques, namely Mukibat grafting and stem cuttings. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) test at the 5% significance level. The results showed that clone and the interaction between clone and propagation technique had significant effects on starch content. Vamas 1 produced the highest starch content. The interaction between clone and propagation technique indicated that propagation techniques significantly affected starch content only in clone SKC, with stem cuttings resulting in higher starch content than Mukibat grafting. These findings indicate that the response of starch content to propagation techniques depends on the clone. Therefore, clone selection and propagation techniques should be considered simultaneously to support improvements in cassava starch content.