The influence of thermal radiation and seasonal variations of chlorophyll contents and gari yield in some selected cassava cultivars (manihot esculenta crantz) in Rivers State, Nigeria was examined. Three improved variety of cassava cultivars coded-NR-8082, NR-84292 and TMS-30572, grown within 2 km flare distance were studied for their chlorophyll yield and response to flare radiation and seasonal variations in Rumuekpe flowstation of Rivers State. The plots were designed according to distances: 0-150m, 150-300m, 300-450m, 450-600m and 1000-2000m. Randomised complete block design (RCBD) with three (3) treatments in five replications was used. The total chlorophyll content of the leaves was then calculated using the method of Arnon, Heat radiation was measured with a pyranometer equipped with an automatic logging system. The statistical differences were analysed by analysis of variance and least significant difference. The results showed that at 0-150m (603.84w/m2), the chlorophyll level of (NR-8082), (NR-84292) and (TMS-30572) for dry and wet seasons were 2.00mg/g and 2.20mg/g, 2.10mg/g and 2.30mg/g and 2.07mg/g and 2.26mg/g respectively. The chlorophyll values at the control distance 1000-2000m ((428.83w/m2) showed that (NR-8082) 5.06mg/g and 5.45mg/g, (NR-84292) 5.10mg/g and 5.50mg/g,(TMS- 30572) 5.05mg/g and 5.45mg/g for dry and wet seasons respectively. The chlorophyll level increased as the distance from the flare increased. The effect of flare distance on chlorophyll level in cassava leaves showed gari yield ( NR-8082) of 14.0% , (NR-84292) of 8.2% and (TMS- 30572) of 9.5% at 0-150m and the gari yield of 25.4% for NR-84292,23,5% for NR- 8082 and 24.0% for TMS-30572 at 1000-2000m. The chlorophyll level of 3 cassava cultivars grown around flare site showed significant effect during the dry season (P<0.05) and no effect noticed during the wet season. The study revealed that the high radiation intensity coupled with dry season accounted for the low yields of gari (8.2%) at 0-150m flare zone compared to high gari yield (25.4%) at the control plot. The implications of gas flare on cassava production by farmers in the region are addressed.
Real Time Impact Factor:
1.33333
Author Name: G. I. Oyet, S. C. Achinewhu, P. Audu and N. O. Ogbodo
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Keywords: Cassava (Manihot esculenta), Chlorophyll, gari yield, flare distance, seasonal effect, thermal radiation
ISSN: 2278-3229
EISSN:
EOI/DOI: Nil
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