Wild species of Manihot are progenitors of cassava. They constitute valuable genetic reservoirs with genes of new characters. Screning these species showeed some of them to have a notably high porcentage of protein combined with a low percentage of hydroceanic acid. Stuedy of natural habitats revealed esistance todrought and excessive sill aluminium toxicity and adaptation to cool temperature.

Hybridizations between different wild Manihot species and cassava have been carried out and hybrids were obtained. Out of these hybrids, some showed high root productiving and resistance to stem borers. Polyploid types were produced by manipulation of 2n gametes. Apomixis was discovered in the wild and transferred successfully to the cultivate.