Effects of removing cuttings from mid-season sweetpotato crops

S. L. Tan

Abstract

Ten sweetpotato clones were subjected to removal of cuttings at mid-season in a trial carried out on mineral and acid sulphate soils. Apical cuttings may be removed at 2–2.5 months after planting from standing crops without significantly affecting final root yield nor other agronomic traits such as harvest index and root dry matter content. This holds true even though the clones had different morphological traits. Of the five introduced clones evaluated in the two-location, two-season trial, three showed some potential: CN 2054-13, CN 941-32 and CN 2067-7. All equaled Bukit Naga (a local check) in dry root yield. CN 2054-13, especially, has promise as a starch variety because of its high dry matter content, and appears to be fairly resistant to scab compared to local varieties. CN 2067-7 may be considered for a table variety. CN 941-32 showed particular adaptability to acid sulphate soils.

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