Wild species of Manibot are progenitors of cassava. They constitute valuable genetic reservoirs with genes of new characters. Screening these species showed some of them to have a notably high percentage of protein combined with a low percentage of hydrocyanic acid. Study of natural habitats revealed toxicity and adaptation to cool temperature. Hybridizations between different wild Manibot species and cassava have been carried out and hybrids were obtained, some of which showed high root productivity 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.