Plants (Apr 2024)

Genetic Variation and Heritability for Hydrogen Cyanide in Fresh Cassava Roots: Implications for Low-Cyanide Cassava Breeding

  • Michael Kanaabi,
  • Mukasa B. Settumba,
  • Ephraim Nuwamanya,
  • Nicholas Muhumuza,
  • Paula Iragaba,
  • Alfred Ozimati,
  • Fatumah B. Namakula,
  • Ismail S. Kayondo,
  • Julius K. Baguma,
  • Ann Ritah Nanyonjo,
  • Williams Esuma,
  • Robert S. Kawuki

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13091186
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 13, no. 9
p. 1186

Abstract

Read online

Breeding for low-hydrogen-cyanide (HCN) varieties is a major objective of programs targeting boiled cassava food products. To enhance the breeding of low-HCN varieties, knowledge of genetic variation and trait heritability is essential. In this study, 64 cassava clones were established across four locations and evaluated for HCN using three HCN assessment methods: one with a 1 to 9 scale, on with a 0 ppm to 800 ppm scale, and a quantitative assay based on spectrophotometer readings (HCN_Spec). Data were also collected on the weather variables precipitation, relative humidity, and temperature. Highly significant differences were observed among clones (p p p p p < 0.001) mean daily temperatures (K) and lower relative humidity values (%) across 12 h and 18 h intervals. Within locations, HCN broad sense heritability estimates ranged from 0.22 to 0.64, while combined location heritability estimates ranged from 0.14 to 0.32. Relationships between the methods were positive and strong (r = 0.75–0.92). The 1 to 9 scale is more accurate and more reproducible than either the 0 to 800 ppm scale or spectrophotometric methods. It is expected that the information herein will accelerate efforts towards breeding for low-HCN cassava varieties.

Keywords