Evaluation of Sweet Potato Genotypes for Adaptability to Hydroponic Systems

Abstract

Sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] is among eight crops selected by NASA for its Controlled Ecological Life Support Systems (CELSS) program. This research evaluated sweet potato genotypes for adaptability to hydroponic systems. Fourteen sweet potato genotypes were grown hydroponically using nutrient film technique (NFT) systems. Four vine cuttings from each genotype were spaced at 25 cm and grown for 120 d using 14 NFT channels (0.15 by 0.15 by 1.2 m) supplied with a modified half‐Hoagland nutrient solution. Genotypes responded differently to growth in NFT. ‘Jewel’ produced the highest mean total storage‐root yield of 470 g per plant. Individual plant yields ranged from 767 g for ‘Centennial’ to 36 g for ‘Bunch’. Inverse relationships between foliage weight and storage‐root yield were obtained with 11 genotypes. Edible biomass indices were comparable to those of potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), and higher than those of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Based on their performance, Jewel, ‘Carver’, TU‐52, and Centennial sweet potato appear well adapted to growing in NFT.