Development, growth and yield of cassava in different sowing season in a subtropical region

Cassava is an important crop grown in different parts of Brazil, but needs to be more studied in subtropical regions. The objective of this study was to characterize some developmental and growth parameters, and yield components of stem and tuber roots of a cassava variety in several sowing season in a subtropical location. A field experiment was conducted during the 2006/2007 growing season in Santa Maria, RS, Brazil, with the variety FEPAGRO RS 13. Treatments were in four sowing season (26 September 2006, 18 October 2006, 08 November 2006, and 28 November 2006) with a plant density of 16,000 plants ha(-1), in a completely randomized design with six sampling plants inside the plots. Development (date of developmental stages) growth variables (stem length and diameter, leaf area, and plant height), and yield components were measured. Earlier plantings increased the developmental rate until the onset of starch accumulation and until the appearance of sympodial branches. Stems growth decreased as planting was delayed. Stems within first and second order branches had different growth. Tuber roots yield was not affected by the sowing season.