Experiment of stem cutting planting position in increasing sweet potato (Ipomea batatas L.) production in horticulture learning

Abstract

This study aimed to discuss: (1) the effect of different positions of stem cuttings on sweet potato production; and (2) whether this practical experiment-based approach is effectively implemented in horticulture learning. This experimental research used a completely randomized design. The population was sweet potato plants. The research sample was the tip cuttings of sweet potato plants. The length of the cuttings was 30 cm, measured from the tip of the plant’s stem with relatively the same number of segments. The number of treatments was 3: upright Po (180°), inclined P1 (45°) and flat P2. The number of repetitions was six times, and the number of samples for each treatment was 20 cuttings of the sweet potato stem tips. Thus, the number of sweet potato stem tip cuttings needed in this study is 3 X 6 X 20 cuttings = 360 (three hundred and sixty). Based on the ANOVA test, a significant value of 0,005 was obtained, far smaller than the determined significance level of 0,05. It means there is a significant difference between the weights of sweet potato tubers between treatments. In conclusion, there is a significant difference between the upright/90° and slanted/45° treatment and between the upright/90° and horizontal treatment. Meanwhile, the treatment between slanted/45° and horizontal showed no significant difference. Overall, the best sweet potato production is obtained by planting horizontally with an average tuber weight of 313 grams. It can be concluded that this practical experimental method is very effectively implemented in the horticulture learning process.