Evaluation of Cassava Clones for Yield Performance and Tolerance to Lace Bug (Vatiga illudens) in East Java, Indonesia

HistoryCassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major food and industrial crop in Indonesia, yet its productivity is threatened by insect pests.The cassava lace bug, Vatiga illudens (Hemiptera: Tingidae), was recently detected in the country.This study assessed its population density, damage intensity, and potential impact on yield across sixteen cassava clones.A randomized block design with three replications was implemented under screenhouse conditions in Malang and field conditions in Lumajang, East Java.In the screenhouse, adult densities ranged from 4.9 to 20.4 individuals per plant (mean 10.6), with damage intensities from 2.4% to 45.5%.Clone OMM 12-6-112 showed the lowest damage (2.4%), whereas UJ5 and OMM 1207-22 suffered the highest (45.5%).A significant positive correlation was found between adult density and damage intensity (R² = 0.727).No lace bug infestation was recorded in the field trial.Tuber yield varied significantly among clones, from 18.41 to 62.27t/ha.Clone OMM 1204-09 combined high yield (62.27t/ha) with relatively low damage (7.6%).These findings provide quantitative evidence of V. illudens impact under screenhouse conditions and highlight tolerant clones as promising genetic resources for cassava breeding and sustainable cultivation in infested regions.