Optimization of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) grafting technique to enhance its adoption in cassava cultivation

Abstract

Grafting techniques have been successfully adopted to improve resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, increase yields, fruit quality and study systemic signaling in plants. This technique has not been fully explored in cassava and there is currently no standardized grafting method for this species published especially in Africa. This is the first report on cassava grafting protocol in Africa with valuable advantages including utilizing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly wooden healing chamber. In this study, we describe an optimized cleft grafting protocol for cas sava utilizing a wooden healing chamber and outline the step-by-step procedure with optimum conditions to generate a high grafting success rate. Using a top wedge grafting technique with high reproducibility and success rates, we developed a straightforward and robust grafting protocol for cassava (M. esculenta) cultivars. Grafting success was recorded and this protocol produced a high grafting success of 90 % and its reproducibility makes it suitable for mass production thereby addressing the need for efficient cassava propagation. This grafting protocol requires less special ized equipment and expertise making it more accessible to farmers and researchers with limited resources to promote the use of grafting for cassava growth, yield improvement and advanced studies such as systemic long-distance signaling in plants. • Optimization of cleft grafting method obtains a high success grafting rate of cassava. • A wooden healing chamber provides a controlled environment for graft healing. • Promoting cassava grafting; a priority to produce new cultivars and explore breeding research prospects.