Cassava industry overcoming challenges: New-generation cassava varieties introduced to the fields

Field trials

After three years of implementation, the project “Research and application of molecular markers in breeding cassava varieties resistant to mosaic disease”, led by the Agricultural Genetics Institute and funded by the Thien Tam Fund (Vingroup Group), has marked an important milestone in applying genetic technology to the development of mosaic-resistant cassava varieties.

According to experts, the combination of genetic science and field experimentation not only helps create a new generation of cassava varieties but also opens up opportunities to restructure the entire cassava value chain, from seed production and cultivation to processing. Once scaled up, the project’s outcomes are expected to help stabilize raw material areas, reduce production costs, improve yield and starch quality, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of this billion-dollar industry in both domestic and international markets.

In Tan Hoi Commune (Tay Ninh Province), Mr. Dang Minh Tien, who participated in field trials of the new cassava varieties, said that these carefully researched and selected varieties have shown very promising results after nearly three years of cultivation.

“The new varieties have very stable phenotypes, upright stems with minimal branching, and strong resistance to mosaic disease. On average, each plant produces 5 - 10 kilograms of tubers, with yields remaining stable across seasons,” Mr. Tien shared.

In particular, the plants grow vigorously with dense foliage that provides good ground cover, helping to suppress weeds and reduce weeding costs by about 50%. Meanwhile, fertilizer input has also decreased significantly, only about 6-8 million VND (roughly 240-320 USD) per hectare, nearly half that of traditional varieties, while the plants still grow strongly and produce high yields.

According to Mr. Tien, the new varieties also show good drought tolerance, making them suitable for production in water-scarce areas. “While traditional varieties require irrigation 4-5 times a month, these ones only need 1-2 times. Even under dry conditions, yields can still reach up to 80%,” Mr. Tien added.

Another notable aspect is the strict implementation of the seed tag coding process, which helps prevent confusion among cassava lines and ensures accuracy in conservation and propagation. This marks an important step forward in seed source management - a long-standing weak link in cassava production.

Scientific foundation for the new-generation cassava varieties

According to the research team’s report, after three years of implementation, the project has selected more than 10 promising cassava lines with yields of 45-50 tons per hectare and starch content reaching 26-27%. Most importantly, these varieties show strong resistance to mosaic disease - a dangerous virus that has wiped out dozens of traditional cassava varieties in recent years.

The research team not only conducted field experiments but also developed genetic maps associated with key traits such as disease resistance, branching, and starch content. This serves as a foundational database for developing molecular markers - a tool that helps shorten the breeding process from 8-10 years to just 4-5 years while improving the accuracy of hybrid selection.

According to the scientists, molecular markers are specific DNA fragments used to identify and distinguish individuals based on genetic differences. They play a crucial role in genetic research, breeding, and biological diagnostics due to their precision and independence from environmental factors.

Mr. Doan Van Chien, Head of the Southern Standing Office of the National Agricultural Extension Center, remarked: “To be put into large-scale production, a cassava variety must undergo a rigorous evaluation process for yield, quality, pest and disease resistance, and adaptability to each ecological zone. Once recognized as a ministry-level technological advancement, it can then be transferred into production.”

According to Mr. Chien, the new cassava lines are now in the “final stage” - meaning they have demonstrated strong potential but still need to undergo interregional trials in various localities to determine which varieties are best suited for production.

“In the near future, farmers can rest assured as research institutions and technology transfer systems are working closely together to finalize a new generation of cassava varieties - high-yielding, disease-resistant, and environmentally friendly,” Mr. Chien affirmed.

“Cassava has been, is, and will continue to be an economic pillar for Tay Ninh and the entire country. However, for sustainable development, it requires the joint efforts of four key stakeholders: the state, scientists, businesses, and farmers. Only when these four links operate in harmony can Viet Nam’s cassava industry truly thrive and maintain its position as a ‘billion-dollar sector’ on the global agricultural map,” Mr. Doan Van Chien emphasized.