Simulation of dry matter production and distribution in cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz).

In order to contribute to the development of a growth model of cassava with wider applicabil­ ity than models used so far, the dry matter production of a number of cassava cultivars was simulated with a modified version of the SUCROS model. The overall behaviour of the model was validated with data from periodic harvests. The costs of maintenance respiration of stems and leaves were adjusted by curve fitting using data from one of the experiments. Agreement between experimental and model results was generally good. The model describes basic physiological processes and can be used to simulate growth of different cultivars in vari­ ous climates.