Relationship between the attitudinal limit of cassava and soil temperature in Papua New Guinea

Bourke, R. Michael; Evenson, J.P.; Keating , B.A.

ISSN: 0041-3216

ISSN: 0041-3216 (Online), 0041-3216 (Print)

Volume 61 Number 4

Research Papers

Relationship between the attitudinal limit of cassava and soil temperature in Papua New Guinea

R. Michael Bourke, J.P. Evenson and B.A. Keating

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Observations on the upper attitudinal limit of cassava at various locations in Papua New Guinea (PNG) gave a mean of 1800 m. The mean of a set of soil temperature measurements at one location at this altitude was 17.9ºC. Experimental work in Queensland has indicated that a mean soil temperature of 18°C is the lowest temperature for satisfactory cassava establishment. It is suggested that the upper attitudinal limit of cassava in PNG is related to soil temperature.

Keywords: Cassava; Soils; Temperature