Cassava produces about 10 times more carbohydrates than most cereals per unit area, and are ideal for production in marginal and drought prone areas. Cassava, which originated from tropical South America, is a perennial woody shrub with an edible root, which today is grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world where it provides energy food and serves as a veritable source of food and income for over a billion people. This handbook provides new research on the production, consumption and potential uses of cassava.

Intended as both an instructional and a reference tool, the volume covers the production and postharvest treatment of cassava. The first part describes production constraints including pests , diseases, weeds, soils agronomic factors, and socioeconomic considerations. In part two, plant morphology, plant physiology and plant breeding are related to yields and diseases resistance. Part three covers postharvest treatment and part four describes cassava research. A bibliography of recommended reading is included.

Cassava is a major tropical tuber crop found throughout the tropics (India, Oceania, Africa and Latin America). Hitherto, there has been no single text covering all aspects of cassava biology, production and utilization. This book fills that gap, representing the first comprehensive research level overview of this main staple crop. Chapters are written by leading experts in this field from all continents. The book is suitable for those working and researching in cassava, in both developed and developing countries, as well as advanced students.

Eaten by both humans and animals, and with more than 20 derivative products, cassava offers considerable opportunities for income and advantages for food security. This versatile shrub is widely used in the food, textiles and other industries. For example, cassava tubers may be sold for preparation into pastries, tapioca, food pasta or chips, while the plant’s by-products include paper, glues and alcohol. Attractively laid out, with step-by-step guides and a wealth of colourful figures, illustrations and tables, this handbook makes simple techniques available to cassava producers, improving production, storage and processing.

Cassava is a staple crop in a large number of countries due to its adaptability to a variety of climatic conditions. It has spread extensively throughout Latin America, tropical Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Cassava, which is well known for its high carbohydrate content, is the third most carbohydrate-rich food after rice and maize. This book discusses the diversity of cassava and its microbiome, cassava cultivation and postharvest practices, as well as crop yield-reducing diseases. Due to its widespread use and market importance, cassava has been subjected to biological and technological intervention to ensure food safety. This book will help readers to gain knowledge about cassava, its biological properties, and some of the strategies and procedures necessary to increase cassava crop output.

We live in a crazy world. On the one hand we read of a surplus of corn and wheat; a mountain of butter and meat, likewise, on the other we see on our TV screens the specter of starving people. Cassava is increasing in importance, particularly in drier areas, because it is a hardy drought tolerant crop that can give reasonable yields on low fertility soils. It is reproduced from stem cuttings and requires weeding until a canopy is established. The roots can be left in the soil until required. This particular book is about how to manage cassava from selection of planting material to harvest. The handbook covers technical and practical aspect of cassava production practices. The book is intended for use by farmers and Extension training officers. Authors are confident that the insights provided in this handbook will be of great value for those who are willing to join the fight against hunger.