Enhancing Cassava Productivity for Sustainable Agriculture: The Role of Pruning Optimization and Plantix Preview Technology in Tuber and Starch Yield

Abstract

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is an important food crop in the tropics that has great potential to support food security. However, appropriate pruning practices to optimize vegetative growth, tuber production and starch content still need to be studied more deeply, especially in the context of increasing productivity and agricultural sustainability. This study aims to determine the optimal pruning time for several cassava varieties to increase yields without interfering with plant growth. The research object consists of five superior varieties of cassava: UJ 5, UJ 3, UK R&D 2, Garuda and Adira. In this study, the Plantix Preview application was used as a companion tool to monitor plant growth and detect potential disease problems or nutritional deficiencies during the research process. The method used was a group random design with five pruning time treatments (3, 4, 5, 6 months after planting) and no pruning control. The observed variables include vegetative growth (plant height, stem diameter), tuber production, starch content and forage potential as animal feed. The data was analysed using ANOVA with a significance level of 5%. The results showed that pruning at the age of 3 to 5 months did not have a significant effect on vegetative growth and tuber production. The UJ 5 variety showed the best vegetative growth, while UK R&D 2 produced the highest tuber production. The highest starch content was found in UJ 5 with pruning at 5 months of age, while forage potential increased as the plant aged. The use of Plantix Preview helps monitor plant health, provide timely recommendations, thus supporting the successful implementation of pruning. The impact of this research provides practical guidance on optimal pruning times, increasing cassava yields and utilizing digital technology in agriculture, thereby contributing to the development of more efficient and sustainable agricultural systems.