The tapioca plant and methods for evolving improved strains for cultivation

Summary

By the application of genetical methods detailed above, a good number of new strains of tapioca and tapioca × ceara hybrids have been produced. These strains are grown for yield trials with a view to selecting high yielding strains therefrom. The selected strains will soon be made available to the ryot for cultivation. Side by side with this line of investigation, experiments are also undertaken to ascertain (1) best mode of planting seed-canes, (2) optimum spacing for planting, (3) number of plants per pit, (4) effective manures for the crop and (5) best period for harvesting. All these experiments are conducted on statistical design furnished by the Department of Statistics in the University. Owing to the fact that this line of work pertains to the agronomical aspects of this crop, it is proposed to embody its results in a separate paper. Meanwhile the above account of the applications of genetical methods for evolving better strains of tapioca, is presented as the first paper from the Tapioca Research Farm, in order to stimulate further work on this important crop plant calculated to improve its cultivation in Travancore.

In conclusion the author wishes to record his grateful appreciation of the interest evinced by Rajyasevapravina Dr. K. L. Moudgill, Director of Research, in promoting this research work on tapioca. He also wishes specially to acknowledge the valuable contribution made by Mr. A. Abraham, Economic Botanist now on deputation for advanced training in America, and the assistance rendered by the staff of the Research Farm, in the progress of this work.