Effect of Leaf Harvesting Frequency on Cassava Leaf Production and Tuber Yield of Binulak, Lakan 1 (UPL Cv-2), and Sultan 6 (NSIC 2003 Cv-25)

Authors

• Fides Marciana Z. Tambalo, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031 PhilippinesFollow
• Rosa Buena A. Capuno, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031 Philippines
• Hiyasmin Rose L. Benzon, Agricultural Systems Institute, College of Agriculture and Food Science, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031 Philippines
• Jayson F. Garcia, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031 Philippines
• Lizette Sahar N. Arcillas, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031 Philippines
• Rona Joy C. Tud, National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Laguna 4031 Philippines

Publication Date

6-1-2026

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a vital staple crop in many developing countries, valued for its adaptability and dual-purpose use of roots and leaves. This study investigated the effects of leaf harvesting frequency on the leaf and tuber yields of 3 locally grown cassava varieties: Binulak, Lakan 1, and Sultan 6. The experiment followed a split plot in a Randomized Complete Block Design with 4 treatments varying in leaf harvesting frequency and initiation. Cassava leaves were harvested at 4, 6, 8, or 10 mo after planting (MAP), and tubers were harvested at 10 MAP. Results indicated that leaf yield was highest when harvesting began at 4 MAP at 2-mo intervals. In addition, tuber yield was not significantly affected by the leaf harvesting frequency or initiation across all 3 varieties. Notably, the tuber yields obtained in this study exceeded the estimated potential yields reported by the Bureau of Plant Industry, with Sultan 6 producing the highest at 68.05 t ha−1. These findings suggest that strategic leaf harvesting, particularly between 4 and 8 MAP, can optimize leaf production without compromising tuber yield. Cost analysis also revealed that while harvesting may begin as early as 4 MAP to maximize cumulative leaf production, starting harvest at 6 MAP with harvesting at 2-mo intervals thereafter provides better economic returns. Therefore, cassava growers may benefit from this additional income source through timely leaf harvests while maintaining high root productivity.

Recommended Citation

Tambalo, Fides Marciana Z.; Capuno, Rosa Buena A.; Benzon, Hiyasmin Rose L.; Garcia, Jayson F.; Arcillas, Lizette Sahar N.; and Tud, Rona Joy C. (2026) "Effect of Leaf Harvesting Frequency on Cassava Leaf Production and Tuber Yield of Binulak, Lakan 1 (UPL Cv-2), and Sultan 6 (NSIC 2003 Cv-25)," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 109: No. 2, Article 18.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol109/iss2/18