The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of different planting spacings on the growth, development and stems and roots yield in a subtropical environment of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Treatments consisted of four spacings: 0.8x0.8 m, 1.0x1.0 m, 1.2x1.2 m, 1.5x1.5 m, corresponding to densities of 15,625 plants ha-1 , 10,000 plants ha -1 , 6.944,45 plants ha -1 and 4.444,45 plants ha -1, respectively. The cultivar used was Fepagro - RS 13. The variables of growth and development analyzed were green leaf area, plant height, number of senesced leaves, internode lenght, final leaf (FLN), number of lateral shoots, final size of leaves, phyllochron and stem and root fresh and dry weight yield. The maximum leaf area index and phyllochron increases as plant density increases. The final leaf size and number of lateral shoots increases as plant density decreases. The FLN differed only for the second sympodial branching, with the largest number of leaves in the 1.5x1.5m plant spacing. The stems yield of cultivar Fepagro - RS 13 does not vary with the planting spacing, but tuber root yield per area is higher at higher densities, while yield per plant and per root is higher in lower densities.
Manihot esculenta Crantz; plant density; phyllochron; LAI
