ABSTRACT
Cassava is a tropical root crop and the primary staple for an estimated 750 million people. Cassava is a poor competitor in its early stages; although farmers are advised to use additive series intercrops, it is recommended that plant competition be reduced through departures from normal planting arrangements and through regular weeding. Intercrop competition negatively affected cassava growth rates in the absence of whiteflies. Cropping system effects on cassava growth rates and architecture afforded whiteflies potential differences in host plant quality. Cassava in protected plots grew taller and had significantly higher rates of ramification and leaf production per terminal than cassava in non-protected plots. Cassava is a perennial shrub, grown as an annual and often interplanted with shorter duration crops. Cassava often adjusts its growth rate to nutrient availability maintaining a stable nutrient content in its leaves.
