Manihot esculenta

Cassava/Tapioca (Manihot esculenta,F. Euphorbaceae).

Cassava is an important food crop for more than 110 million people in the Sub-Saharan Africa. It was introduced to the old world by the Portuguese from the Latin America in the 16th century due to its ability to grow drought conditions. It is a rich source of carbohydrates but low in protein and vitamin content. The yield of cassava is constrained by biotic and abiotic factors. Among the biotic factors viruses are the serious threat to its sustainability.Edible parts: Underground roots, tender leaves. Diseases: CMD, CBSV. Pests: Whitefly. Areas Grown: Nigeria, Uganda, Malawi, Tanzania, India, Sri Lanka.