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1. Cassava Propagation A Guide to Growing Manihot esculenta Your Name School Name

2. Introduction Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a vital staple crop in many tropical countries, including the Philippines. This presentation will cover asexual propagation, focusing on stem cuttings, which is the most common method for cassava propagation.

3. Asexual Propagation Asexual propagation is a method of reproducing plants without seeds, using vegetative parts like stems, roots, or leaves. It has several advantages including the ability to produce identical plants and faster growth.

4. Cutting Propagation Cutting propagation involves taking a piece of the plant, such as a stem, and planting it to grow a new plant. This method is beneficial for cassava as it is easy to handle and has a high success rate.

5. Stem Cutting Stem cutting is the most common method for cassava propagation. It involves taking a portion of the stem from a mature plant and planting it. This method is practical and economical, allowing farmers to reproduce plants easily.

6. Cassava in the Philippines Cassava is important in the Philippines for its culinary uses and its role in local economies. It is used in various traditional Filipino dishes like cassava cake and suman, making it a beloved crop.

7. Materials Needed 1. Cassava Stems: Healthy, mature stems. 2. Sharp Knife or Machete: For cutting stems. 3. Water: For hydration and watering. 4. Rooting Hormone (Optional): Enhances rooting. 5. Planting Tools: Spade or hoe for site preparation. 6. Mulch: Retains moisture and suppresses weeds.

8. Step 1: Selection of Stems Choose healthy, mature cassava plants that are free from diseases. Select stems that are about 2-3 cm in diameter and at least 1 meter long. The best time to take cuttings is from mature plants that are 8-12 months old.

9. Step 2: Preparation of Cuttings Using a sharp knife or machete, cut the stems into pieces that are about 20-30 cm long, ensuring that each cutting has at least 5-7 nodes. Nodes are critical as they are the points where roots and shoots will develop.

10. Step 3: Treatment of Cuttings If desired, dip the bottom ends of the cuttings in rooting hormone to encourage faster and more vigorous root development. Although cassava cuttings can root without it, the hormone can enhance the process.

11. Step 4: Preparing the Site Choose a well-drained site with fertile soil. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a spade or hoe, ensuring it is free of weeds and large debris. Cassava prefers full sunlight and slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5-7.0).

12. Step 5: Planting the Cuttings Plant the cuttings at an angle of about 45 degrees, burying 2-3 nodes underground and leaving the remaining nodes above the soil. This ensures that the cuttings are stable and can easily form roots. Space the cuttings about 1 meter apart.

13. Step 6: Watering Immediately water the cuttings after planting to help settle the soil around them and to provide the moisture needed for rooting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

14. Step 7: Mulching Apply mulch around the base of the cuttings to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches like straw or leaves are ideal.

15. Step 8: Maintenance Regularly check the cuttings for any signs of disease or pests. Water them as needed, particularly during dry periods. After a few weeks, the cuttings should start developing roots and shoots, indicating successful propagation.

16. Conclusion Cassava propagation is a simple and effective method for ensuring a consistent and healthy crop. This method is ideal for Filipino farmers who rely on cassava for their livelihood and culinary traditions, helping sustain this important crop in the Philippines.

17. Q&A Invite questions from the audience.

18. Thank You Thank the audience for their attention.