Pests 

1. Cassava Green Mite

• To avoid this pest, make sure to plant early at the onset of rains.
• Biological control through using predatory mites and parasites.
• Carry out crop rotation.
• Integrated Pest Management is also highly advisable.

2. Cassava Mealy Bugs

• They are effectively controlled by their natural enemy, a parasitic wasp.
• Use integrated pest management.
• Routine checks through the garden are also highly advised.
• Plant resistant and tolerant varieties.

Diseases

1. Cassava Mosaic Disease

Symptoms

• Chlorosis where plants produce insufficient chlorophyll.
• Mottling of leaves
• Leaf fall.

Control

• Plant resistant or tolerant varieties e.g. the NASE and TME varieties (e.g. NASE 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, NAROCAS 1, 2 and TME 14 and 204).
• Practice crop rotation with legumes.
• Use disease-free planting material.

2. Cassava Brown Streak Disease

Symptoms

• Venial necrosis.
• Brown streaks on the stem.
• Necrotic dry rot on the roots.

Control

• Planting cuttings from disease-free areas/gardens after being certified by MAAIF.
• Planting tolerant varieties e.g. NASE 14, 19, and NAROCAS1. (Farmers should from time to time seek advice from Extension staff on the latest tolerant varieties)
• Uprooting and burying or burning diseased plants or entire field.
• Integrated disease management.
• Most CMD resistant/tolerant varieties are susceptible to CBSD but the tolerant varieties currently recommended to farmers include NASE 14, 19 and NAROCAS1.