CASSAVA 
Yuca, Manioc, Tapioca 
Manihot esculenta 
Euphorbiaceae  
History 
Originated in Brazil and Paraguay 
Pollen in Mexico ~6,600 BC 
Maya cultivation 600 AD 
Grown in the Caribbean when Columbus invaded 
3rd largest source of carbohydrates in the tropics 
The bread of the tropics 
Main food source for over 500M people  
Contains cyanide 
Propagation 
Rarely by seed 
•Sticks 6 - 10” 
•Mature wood not green 
•Cure 1 day before planting 
•Two types ‘Bitter’ & ‘Sweet’  
Growing 
•Loose banks or raised beds 
•Bury 1/3 to ½ length 
•Spacing 2ft by 4ft 
•Water to establish 
•Withstands drought 
•Productive on poor soils  
•Balanced fertilizer 
•Limited varieties (USDA limits import of sticks) 
Harvest 
•Leaves 
•Roots 180 – 360 days 
•Harvest as needed but before it gets woody  
•Storage roots can be over 2ft long 
•Limit root damage 
•Use within 48 hrs 
•Control exposure to air 
•Wax or submerge in water 
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Processing cont. 
Pests 
Viruses  
White fly 
Spider mites 
Mealy bug 
Worms