460 SOUTHERN FIELD CROPS 



Cassava is propagated in the United States only by 

 planting portions of the stem, which are usually cut into 

 lengths of 4 to 6 inches, each section containing 2 or more 

 buds or eyes. It has been found best to drop two short 

 sections in each hill, though many farmers plant only one. 



In a field of cassava there are usually a number of vacant 

 hills, chiefly due to the killing of the buds during winter on the 

 section of stem planted in those particular hills, but sometimes 

 due to failure to press the cutting into close contact with the 

 moist soil. On account of the difficulty in getting a perfect stand, 

 some growers find it advantageous to sprout the cuttings in 

 specially prepared beds similar to those used for sweet-potatoes, 

 in which beds the necessary watering can be given. Sprouted 

 cuttings require especial care in planting, so as to avoid breaking 

 off the young shoots. 



Tillage should be level and shallow, as this is a very shallow- 

 rooted plant ; it should be repeated until the plants thoroughly 

 shade the soil. Usually one or two hoeings will be necessary, 

 but the amount of hoe work can be decreased by using the 

 weeder before the young plants appear. 



439. Harvesting. If the stems are to be used for 

 planting, they should be cut before the occurrence of the 

 first frost, since the buds are easily killed. The stem is 

 cut 6 inches above the ground so as to leave a stub by 

 which to pull out the cluster of roots. Pulling is done 

 either by hand alone, or by the help of a grubbing hoe, 

 or by the use of a cant-hook, such as is used in handling 

 logs. This hook is caught under the center of the plant, 

 the short end of the stick placed on the ground, and the 

 long end lifted so as to raise the cluster out of the soil. 



Cassava roots keep best when left in the ground until 

 needed for use, provided the soil is well drained and does 

 not freeze. 



