Ayanru, D.K.G. 1987 Effects of mealybug (Phenacoccus manihoti) infestation on cassava yield components and plant tissue quality.. Der Tropenlandwirt, Zeitschrift für die Landwirtschaft in den Tropen und Subtropen 88: 5-10.

Notes: Half of the stands of a clone (TMS 41044) of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) planted in field plots in June 1983 were treated at 3-2333kly intervals against mealybugs (Phenacoccus manihoti), using Folithion 200 (Fenitrothion). At 10 mo., sprayed and non-sprayed plants were evaluated for mealybug infestations, canopy height and stem diameter, and harvested for yields and assessment of quality. Non-sprayed plants were completely defoliated and reduced (23%) in canopy height, while sprayed ones were free from infestation symptoms. Dry stem and tuber yields of infested cassava were reduced significantly (P = 0,01) by 39 and 60%, respectively, as compared with those of non-infested plants. Stem tissues of infested stands were less succulent than those of non-infested, while the reverse was true for tuber tissues. Stems and tubers of non-defoliated as compared with defoliated cassava were depleted in total carbohydrates and metabolizable energy contents. On the contrary, tissues of infested plants contained enhanced protein contents. The dietary and other implications of augmented or depleted assimilates and anabolites in the tissues, and their induction mechanisms are discussed.