Evaluation of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Productivity in Relation to Termite Attacks in Rural Area in Tivaouane (Senegal)

In Senegal, the cassava harvest, produced mainly in the department of Tivaouane (Thies), is 7.5 t/ha on average for a potential of 40 t/ha. The main variety produced in Tivaouane is Soya. The objective of this study is to evaluate the productivity of the soya variety farmed in Tivaouane in relation to termite damage. Specifically, it is intended to i) evaluate losses caused by termites and missing plants ii) evaluate the average number of tubers per plant, the average weight of a tuber and iii) calculate the yield of cassava production of the Soya variety farmed in Tivaouane. The methodology is based on sampling in order to evaluate parameters such as losses due to termites and missing plants, evaluation of the number of tubers per plant, the average weight of a tuber and the productivity of this variety of cassava. The average loss due to termite attack on dead feet is 1.2 t/ha and the loss due to missing feet is estimated at 3.4 t/ha. The average number of tubers per stand is 2.8 with an average weight of 1.1 kg per tuber. The theoretical yield obtained is 11 t/ha. The low average number of tubers is related to the variety, the quality of the soil and the crop conditions. However, the productivity of this variety of cassava cropped in Tivaouane is still low considering the potential of Senegal in terms of annual cassava production. An improvement in crop conditions, such as the way cuttings are planted, would be an advantage in increasing the productivity of the Soya variety.