Genetic variability and Heritability of starch content among white fleshed and Provitamin A cassava in Uganda

Abstract

High starch content and dry matter of cassava are important drivers in the application of cassava to different uses. However, information on starch content variation and heritability in Ugandan cassava cultivars is limited. Accordingly, this study was conducted to determine the variability and heritability of starch content in 112 cassava clones. The effect of genotype was investigated for one season, at two locations; Namulonge and Serere. Harvesting was done at 12 months after planting. Considerable variations were observed among clones at both sites (P < 0.001). Starch content ranged from 23.94 % to 75.23% dry basis at Namulonge, whereas at Serere, it ranged from 21.34% to 76.32% dry basis. Likewise, clone by location interaction was significant (P = 0.001). Furthermore, high broad sense heritability (H2= 0.76) was obtained. Therefore, these findings suggest that there is a significant variation for starch content in Ugandan cassava germplasm and that starch content is a heritable trait, Thus, it is important to support ongoing efforts to breed for desired high starch content cassava varieties.

Keywords: Cassava genotypes, heritability, starch content, Uganda