Troubleshooting
Cassava problems — and how to fix them
Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Cassava mosaic disease
Caused by begomovirus spread by whitefly; causes leaf mottling, distortion, and severe yield loss. Use virus-free planting material and control whitefly populations.
Cassava bacterial blight (CBB)
Xanthomonas axonopodis causes leaf spots, stem die-back, and root rot. Use certified disease-free cuttings; remove affected material promptly.
Mealybugs
Colonies on stems and root crowns stunt growth. Introduce parasitic wasps (Anagyrus lopezi) as biological control; use neem oil for minor infestations.
Root rot in waterlogged soils
Elevated cyanide content and Phytophthora root rot occur in wet conditions. Excellent drainage is the primary preventive measure.
Tuber cracking
Caused by irregular soil moisture or excessive nitrogen. Maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid over-fertilising.
Prevent cassava problems before they start
Most cassava issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Cassava problems — FAQ
Why is my cassava cassava mosaic disease?
Caused by begomovirus spread by whitefly; causes leaf mottling, distortion, and severe yield loss. Use virus-free planting material and control whitefly populations.
Why is my cassava cassava bacterial blight (cbb)?
Xanthomonas axonopodis causes leaf spots, stem die-back, and root rot. Use certified disease-free cuttings; remove affected material promptly.
Why is my cassava mealybugs?
Colonies on stems and root crowns stunt growth. Introduce parasitic wasps (Anagyrus lopezi) as biological control; use neem oil for minor infestations.
Why is my cassava root rot in waterlogged soils?
Elevated cyanide content and Phytophthora root rot occur in wet conditions. Excellent drainage is the primary preventive measure.
Why is my cassava tuber cracking?
Caused by irregular soil moisture or excessive nitrogen. Maintain consistent soil moisture and avoid over-fertilising.