Growth analysis of sweet potato cultivars using the float system greenhouse

Abstract

Alternative use for float system in a greenhouse is being studied in Brazil for sweet potato crop. This study aimed at investigating the viability of the use of expanded 128-cell polystyrene trays for the production of sweet potato plantlets in a greenhouse float system. ‘Beauregard’, ‘Brazlândia Branca’, ‘Brazlândia Rosada’, ‘Brazlândia Roxa’, ‘Coquinho’ and ‘Princesa’ cultivars were tested, and vine cuttings without roots with one or two unfolded leaves. The experimental design was completely randomized using six sweet potato cultivars and two types of vine cuttings, single node cutting (with one unfolded leaf) and double node cutting (with two unfolded leaves). The number of sweet-potato vine cuttings with leaves and roots, leaf area, leaf and root weights of plantlets were recorded. In addition, the survival rate in the field and stems, and tuberous roots productivity were evaluated. Overall, survival of transplants (presence of leaves and/or roots) with two nodes was higher than those with one node, and significant differences between cultivars (p<0.01) were observed. Leaf area statistical analyses indicated significant differences of cultivars regarding to the vine cutting types. Statistical leaf weight analyses indicated significant differences of cultivars regarding vine cuttings type, except for ‘Beauregard’. Root weight statistical analyses indicated significant differences of cultivars regarding vine cuttings type, except for cultivars ‘Beauregard’, ‘Brazlândia Branca’ and ‘Coquinho’.