ACCUMULATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF DRY-MATT ER OF CASSAVA ON THE HIGHLANDS OF SANTA-CATARINA, BRAZIL

This experiment was conducted in Correia Pinto, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, with the purpose of evaluating the production and distribution of dry matter of two cassava cultivars in a region with a short growi ng season for summer crops. The cultivares used were Mice and Aipim-gi gante, planted on October 7, 1989. Samples of leaves, stems, hardwood stem cutting and storage roots were collected monthly from the plantin g date until the complete senescence of leaves. Mathematical functions were adjusted to the data obtained. The cultivars showed different be haviors in terms of growing and dry matter accumulation. Plants of 'Ai pim-gigante' had higher growing and accumulated more dry matter at ste ms than 'Mice'. On the other hand, Mice transported greater amount of carbohydrates to storage roots.