HOW TO MAKE WEALTH IN CASSAVA FARMING BUSINESS HOW TO MAKE WEALTH IN CASSAVA FARMING BUSINESS | Page 36

A COMPREHENSIVE & PRACTICAL GUIDE ON HOW TO START CASSAVA FARMING & PROCESSING BUSINESS By: Micheal B. O. appears burnt (candlestick). As control, plant resistant or at least tolerant varieties. Plants infected at an early stage should be pruned to allow for new regrowth or uprooted entirely and burnt. OTHER DISEASES Anthracnose, cercospora leaf spot and root rot are less worrisome diseases since most of the newly improved varieties have desired levels of multiple pest and disease resistance in them. PESTS: CASSAVA MEALYBUG (CM) Causes reductions in internode length resulting in ‘bunchy tops’. This pest has been managed in several African countries through biological control. It is no longer seen as a serious threat to production in Nigeria. CASSAVA GREEN SPIDERMITE Damage is characterised by tiny chlorotic spots on the upper surface of the leaf, reduced leaf size, premature leaf drop and candlestick of the stem. As control, simply plant resistant varieties. This will be complemented by the activities of biological agents, which have been released to keep the pest population low. TERMITES Highly voracious white ants. They bore through stakes and eat them up as soon as they are planted or later in the season thus destroying whole plants. The damage is most severe when there is moisture stress particularly in the savanna belt. Plant when the rains have stabilised and the soil is moist. Pre-sprout stakes in plastic bags for 3-5 days before planting for rapid take off. Plant vertically to reduce lodging which can predispose plants to termite damage. Keep fields free of dead woods and crop residues. Destroy anthills and treat with D-Aldrex 20 as recommended by the manufacturer. VARIEGATED GRASSHOPPER Nymphs and adult grasshoppers eat up cassava leaves and the young part of the stem. Damage is most serious during the dry season starting from the end of the rains in September. If the incidence of the pest is mild it could be overlooked but need to treat the plants with Gamalin 20. Spraying should be done early in the morning or in the evening when the pests are not very active. Advice farmers in neighboring fields to do the same in order to ensure effective control of the pest. VERTEBRATE PESTS Grass cutters and bush fowls frequently expose and eat up roots in the soil. The damage to the roots can provide an entry for the microorganisms that cause roots to rot. Use traps to catch them, poisoned grains to kill them or wire mesh fencing to prevent the grass cutters from entering your field. Keep the farm and its surroundings weed free. Plant on the flat to make root exposure difficult for them. Hotlines: 09090040011, 09031617999. 36. E-mail: [email protected]