Agronomic Performance and Quality of SM2828-28, the First Industrial Cassava Variety Suitable for Extended Harvest in the Humid and Dry Caribbean of Colombia

Abstract

Cassava is a crop of major socioeconomic and cultural importance in Colombia. One of the main challenges is production seasonality, driven by climatic conditions that constrain planting and harvesting periods. Currently, cultivated varieties exhibit a substantial reduction in root dry matter content (DMC) following the onset of the rains. This study evaluated the agronomic performance of genotype SM2828-28 under semi-commercial field conditions in the departments of Cesar, Bolívar, and Magdalena in the Colombian Caribbean region. This genotype exhibited greater stability and productivity, outperforming commercial checks. The genotype also showed high and stable DMC. Root quality and starch functional properties were also assessed. Starch from SM2828-28 exhibited numerically lower setback values and a relatively consistent rheological profile across harvest ages, indicating greater gel stability during cooling—an attribute desirable for industrial applications requiring consistent textural properties. The genetic progress achieved for key industrial traits highlights the potential of SM2828-28 for extended-harvest systems aimed at reducing seasonality in raw material supply for the cassava starch industry. These results suggest that genetic factors contribute to the stability of DMC under extended-harvest conditions and support the inclusion of this trait as a target in cassava breeding programs.