The meeting for the selection of the second batch of top cassava genotypes for nomination for national release started at 10.00am on Thursday, 21 September.
Dr K. Nwosu, Executive Director, National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike (NRCRI) chaired the meeting. In attendance were representatives from NRCRI, NDDC, RTEP, ADP, SPDC, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, and IITA. Giving the opening address, Dr Eme Okoro, the Project National Coordinator, said the purpose of the gathering was to nominate more cassava genotypes for registration and release.
Prof. M.O. Akoroda presented a breakdown of activities that led to the selection meeting. He said the due process for the selection consisted of choosing relevant sites, establishing plots and trials, collecting data and information, interpreting for function, and then taking a decision on the best option. He explained further that out of the 43 varieties evaluated, five were chosen to be the best last year and were registered and released. Research was further conducted on the remaining varieties to identify the next set of new varieties.
Dr Okechukwu presented a statistical report on the analysis of on-farm, demonstration, and multilocational trials conducted in 2004/2005. His report showed how indices used in the selection were derived and concluded, with the nomination of nine varieties for registration and release. The proposed varieties are TMS 96/1632, TMS 95/0289, TMS M98/0068, TMS 97/4779, TMS 96/0523, TMS 92B/00061, TMS 96/1089A, TMS 98/0002, and TMS 95/0166.
NRCRI also disclosed that it had three cassava genotype varieties which it also intended to submit for registration and release. They are NR87184, TMS92/0057, and TMS92/0326. This brings the number proposed for release to 12. NRCRI promised to submit the required data and information before the end of September, so that they could be documented and presented along with the other nine for approval.
The RTEP representative was concerned about the large number of varieties proposed to be released at the same time. Addressing this concern, Dr Nwosu implored cassava producers to be involved in the multiplication of all proposed varieties so that when they are finally approved, cassava stems will be available to farmers. He also encouraged the ADPs to patronize them for cassava stems.
In a closing remark, on behalf of Dr Dixon, Dr Okoro thanked the participants for their roles. He said that Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava and must do everything possible to sustain productivity and remain the largest producer so as to exp and its economy. This, he said, could be done through teamwork.
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