Performance of Improved Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas L.) Varieties in Makurdi, Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria
O. M. Egbe *
Department of Crop Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.
S. O. Afuape
National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Nigeria.
J. A. Idoko
Department of Crop Production, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the performance of some improved sweet potato varieties obtained from the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI), Umudike, Nigeria, for root yield and other yield components.
Study Design: Field experiment.
Place and Duration of Study: Teaching and Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi in Benue State, located in the Southern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria from June-November of 2010 and 2011.
Materials and Methods: The treatments comprised of eleven sweet potato varieties [CIP 440141, K134, NASPOT4, NASPOT2, SPK004, TIS87/0087(check), CIP440037, 1900411, NARSP/05/007C, CIP440293 (orange skin and flesh) and NARSP/05/022 (orange flesh)] set out in randomized complete block design with three replications. Ten farmers were used for the preference test of the varieties.
Results: Some vegetative growth parameters evaluated in the study (number of branches/plant, internodes length, number of leaves per plant and vine length) increased at different rates between 4 - 16 weeks after planting. Root diameter and length, number of saleable roots and weight varied with the varieties of sweet potato in Makurdi. NARSP/05/022 gave the highest number of leaves, number of roots (121817/ha) and weight (54151 kg/ha) at harvest, although it also had the highest incidence of sweet potato weevil infestation. This variety was the only one that had significantly higher saleable root weight than the check (TIS 87/0087). Saleable root weight correlated positively and significantly with number of saleable roots and root diameter.
Conclusion: Farmers will likely consider NARSP/05/022 for adoption despite the high weevil infestation. For reasons other than root yield (taste and colour), farmers may adopt CIP440293.
Keywords: Sweet potato, growth, saleable root, Makurdi.