Performance evaluation of sweetpotato clones through multi-locational trials

A. Zaharah*, S.L. Tan**, A.M. Abdul Aziz*** and B. Ibrahim****

Abstract

Sweetpotato clones from AVRDC, NARC and Sabah were evaluated over six locations viz. at Seberang Perai (upland mineral soil), Bidor (sand tailing), Telong and Rhu Tapai (bris soil), Kuala Linggi (acid sulphate soil) and Pontian (peat soil). The clones used were CN 2067-15, CN 2054-13, CN 941-32, CN 2057-6, CN 2067-7, CN 2067-16, Kankei 30, SB 052 and AIS 1022-2. These were evaluated together with eight local clones as check varieties. The check varieties were six popular varieties from each location and two national check varieties. The popular varieties were Susu Lembu, Gurun Putih Lama and Bukit Naga (Kedah), Kuala Bikam and Miang (Perak) and Jepun (Kelantan and Terengganu). Gendut and UPMSS5 were recognized as national check varieties. Generally, fresh root yield for most of the varieties tested were low. Susu Lembu produced the highest average total fresh root yield (18.2 t/ha) over six locations compared to an expected yield of 30 t/ha. These were followed by Bukit Naga, CN 2067-15 and CN 2054-13 varieties with yield ranging from 14.5–15.7 t/ha. However, the yield difference between these varieties were not significant at p = 0.05. Both clones, CN 2067-15 and CN 2054-13 also produced higher root dry matter content than the check varieties such as Susu Lembu, Bukit Naga, Miang, Jepun and UPMSS5. CN 2054-13 was also recorded second highest in percentage of dry matter content (32.7%) after Kankei 30 (which was a low yielding variety). However, clone CN 2054-13 was only able to produce dry root yield of 4.65 t/ha which was not significantly different from that of Susu Lembu (4.61 t/ha). In a separate trial, CN 2054-13 had higher dry matter (or starch) content compared to Telong. CN 2067-15 together with the checks, Bukit Naga and UPMSS5, recorded the highest harvesting index, implying that they produced more tubers compared to vegetative growth (vines and leaf). Of the six locations, Bidor (sand tailings) gave the mean highest fresh and dry root yields. The highest root dry matter content was obtained at Telong (33.9%). The acid sulphate soil at Kuala Linggi recorded highest harvesting index (0.55).

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