Cassava is the only edible species belonging to the family
Euphorbiaceae which is inherently heterozygous in nature.
Though cassava grows on varied environmental and
climatic conditions, it is susceptible to invading pests and
pathogens like whitefly, mealy bug, green mite, cassava
mosaic viruses and cassava brown streak viruses. The
white fly also serves as a vector for viral diseases.