Marketable Roots Research Articles

Evaluation of improved white fleshed sweet potato varieties at Gamo zone, Southern Ethiopia

Six white fleshed sweet potato varieties were tested in Gamo zone of southern region, Ethiopia in 2019 and 2020 to evaluate their total root yield potential and demonstrate best performing varieties. The experiment was laid out as a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications. The combined analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among genotypes on growth, root yield and its components. The maximum number of marketable roots per plot was recorded on variety Hawassa -09 (70.25) whereas minimum number of roots per plot was recorded on ADU (11.00). The highest root yield per hectare was obtained from variety Hawassa -09 (62.16 ton ha-1) followed by Tola and Berkume (53.99 and 52.85 ton ha-1), respectively. The lowest root yield per hectare was recorded from variety ADU (5.21 ton ha-1). Based on the result of this study from six evaluated white fleshed sweet potato varieties Hawassa -09 was recommended for pre extension demonstration at the area and similar agro ecological locations.

Growth and Yield Characteristics of Two Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Varieties as Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Fertilizer Application

A field experiment was conducted at the Crops Research Institute (CRI) at Fumesua – Kumasi from August to December, 2017. The research was to investigate the growth and yield characteristics of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L) to the application of organic manure (poultry manure and cow dung) and inorganic fertilizer (NPK, 15-15-15, 300kg/ha) and their combinations. The experiment was a 2x3 factorial with treatments arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The treatments were: sole poultry manure (6t/ha); sole cow dung (8t/ha); sole NPK45-45-45kg/ha; NPK, 22.5-22.5-22.5kg/ha + Poultry manure (PM) (3t/ha); NPK, 22.5-22.5-22.5kg/ha + Cow dung(CD) (4t/ha); NPK, 33.75-33.75-33.75kg/ha + PM (1.5t/ha); NPK, 33.75-33.75-33.75kg/ha + CD (2t/ha); NPK, 7.5-7.5-7.5kg/ha +PM (4.5t/ha); NPK, 7.5-7.5-7.5kg/ha + CD (6t/ha); and no fertilizer amendment (control). Two sweet potato varieties, ‘Apomuden’ and ‘Santom Pona’ were used. The results indicated that on the average, the organic manure and the inorganic fertilizer combinations promoted greater growth than the sole applications and the control. The greatest marketable root yield (14.8 t/ha) obtained from 7.5-7.5-7.5 NPK + 4.5 t/ha PM. For root dry matter, NPK 22.5-22.5-22.5 + CD (4t/ha); NPK 22.5-22.5-22.5 + PM (3t/ha); and NPK 7.5-7.5-7.5 + CD (6t/ha) produced the greatest responses (32.6%, 31.1%, and 30.9%) respectively. Integrated application of organic manure and inorganic fertilizers is thus recommended for improved sweet potato production.

Evaluation of Sweetpotato Cultivars with Varying Canopy Architectures in Conventional and a Reduced-tillage Rye Production System

Field studies were conducted in North Carolina in 2019 and 2020 to determine the effect of a reduced-tillage, high-residue rye (Secale cereal) cover crop system on soil health, and growth and storage root yield of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars having upright (NC04-0531 or NC15-650) or prostrate (Covington or Bayou Belle) vining characteristics. Sweetpotato canopy width expanded quicker in the conventional tillage system than the reduced-tillage rye system. Prostrate sweetpotato cultivars had greater late-season canopy widths than upright cultivars. Soil bulk density of raised beds was greatest in the reduced-tillage rye system, but both systems remained within the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommended range for soil bulk density. The conventional-tillage system resulted in 17% more marketable roots; however, no differences were observed in total marketable root weight between systems. ‘Covington’ and ‘NC15-650’ had greater marketable yield than ‘NC04-0531’ but less marketable yield than ‘Bayou Belle’.

Evaluation of Orange Fleshed Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) Genotypes for Growth and Yield related Characters under Rainfed Condition in Uyo Southeastern Nigeria

Five orange fleshed sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) genotypes sourced from National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike were evaluated under rainfed condition in 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons at the Teaching and Research Farm of the University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria to identify the high yielding and adaptable genotypes. The five genotypes; Umuspo-3, Umuspo-1, Naspot-12, Lourdes and Erica were used as treatments and the experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Data on growth, yield and yield related characters were collected and analysis of variance, correlation and principal component analysis were performed. The result of the study indicated that the genotype differ significantly (P≤ 0.05) for number of marketable roots, weight of marketable roots and fresh roots yield. Umuspo-3 produced the highest storage root yield (29.22 t/ha, 28.78t/ha) in 2020 and 2021 cropping seasons, respectively. The result of the correlation analysis also revealed that vine length, number of marketable roots, weight of marketable were highly significantly and positively (P< 0.01) correlated with fresh root yield. Principal component analysis (PCA) had three main principal components explaining 82.41% of the total variation with number of marketable roots, weight of marketable tuber and storage root yield contributing the most to the first PCA. Umuspo-3 recorded high yield than the other four orange-fleshed sweetpotato. Therefore, Umuspo-3 was identified as a high yielding and adaptable orange-fleshed sweetpotato genotype and could be recommended mass cultivation in Uyo agro-ecology as a high yielding orange-fleshed sweetpotato.

Potassium management effects on yield and quality of cassava varieties in tropical sandy soils

Potassium (K) fertilisation at planting time may not be sufficient to achieve high cassava yields. Experiments were conducted over two growing periods using sweet cassava (SC) variety IAC 576-70 and bitter cassava (BC) variety IAC 13 aiming to evaluate the effects of K fertilisation rate (0–150 kg K/ha) and timing of application (one, two, or three) on leaf K concentration, yield components, and storage-root and starch yields. The SC and BC varieties were grown in a randomized block design in a 3 × 4 + 1 factorial scheme with four replications during growing periods of 10 and 20 months respectively. For SC, split application of K at planting plus 3 months after planting (MP) or at planting plus 1.5 and 3 MP was more effective at increasing the marketable root yield, with greater rainfall at the beginning of the growing period. Split application of K at planting plus 3 MP also reduced the cooking time and cooked root firmness. For BC, split application of K at planting plus 12 MP more effectively increased the storage-root and starch yields; however, root yield response to K fertilisation in the second growing period, with greater rain intensity during the initial crop stages, was greater than in the first growing period. In K-deficient soils, the optimal K application rate for SC marketable root yield varied from 79 to 111 kg/ha when K was applied after 1.5 MP, and linear responses to K application rate occurred when K was applied earlier. For BC, the optimal K application rate varied from 75 to 92 kg K/ha. Our data suggest that K application times should be different for cassava varieties with short and long growing periods.

Genetic diversity studies in turnip (Brassica rapa L) under low hills of Himachal Pradesh

The present investigations were carried out at the vegetable research farm of the Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Neri, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh during rabi 2020. Twelve genotypes were evaluated in randomized complete block design with 3 replications to know the extent of variability, heritability and genetic advance as per cent of mean for average root yield with leaves and other horticulture traits among the genotypes. Analysis of variance showed significant differences among all the genotypes for all the characters under study. Best genotype in terms of average root yield with leaves was Pusa Sweti (200.66 g) along with T-COHF-NERI-5 (185.77 g). The traits viz leaf area, root-shoot ratio, plant spread and ascorbic acid content expressed high GCV and PCV values. High heritability was exhibited by the trait duration of availability of marketable roots followed by days to first harvest and ascorbic acid content. However high genetic advance as percentage of mean was observed for the trait root-shoot ratio followed by plant spread, ascorbic acid content, duration of availability of marketable roots and average root yield with leaves.

Effect of cassava-legume intercropping systems on productivity and cassava insect pests population dynamics across three major agro-climatic zones of Sierra Leone

Field trials were conducted in 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 cropping seasons in three agro-climatic zones of the country to evaluate the productivity and insect pests population dynamics of cassava as a response to spatial arrangement, plant architecture and cropping systems. The treatments consisted of seven cropping associations, two cassava architectures and two spatial arrangements. The study reveals that yield parameters of cassava were higher in cassava-soybean system at all locations. The number of marketable roots and forage yield were on average higher when the erect cassava variety was intercropped with the legumes using the 1 m x 1m spatial arrangement. On the other hand, root yield and canopy width were higher when the 2 m x 0.5 m spatial arrangement and the branched cassava architecture was used respectively. In general, yield parameters were higher at Segbwema expect for forage yield that was higher at Makeni. With respect to cassava insect pests, higher percentage incidences and severity scores were recorded on sole cassava and when the branched cassava variety was intercropped with legumes using the 2 m x 0.5 m spatial arrangement of cassava. In addition, cassava insect pests incidences were only observed at 6 MAP and 9MAP and were higher in Segbwema compared to the other locations. Thus, in order to improve productivity of cassava with low insect pest infestation, the erect cassava variety should be intercropped with soybean at a spatial arrangement of 1 m x 1 m.

Yield and phosphorus use efficiency of carrot cultivars

Phosphate fertilization is indispensable for carrot cultivation, as it contributes to plant development, formation of marketable roots and higher yields. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the production and nutritional efficiency of carrot cultivars under phosphate fertilization. The experiments were carried out from July to November 2016 and from June to October 2017, at the Rafael Fernandes experimental farm, District of Alagoinha, Mossoró, RN, Brazil. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a 4×4 factorial scheme with 4 replicates. The treatments consisted of the combination of carrot cultivars (Brasília, Planalto, Suprema and Nativa) with phosphorus (P) doses (0, 90, 180 and 270 kg ha-1 P2O5). The characteristics analyzed were: P content in the diagnostic leaf, plant dry matter, plant height, marketable and total yields, and the classification of cultivars for efficiency and response to phosphate fertilization. The increments promoted by phosphate fertilization were 64% in plant height, 444% in dry matter and 284% in marketable yield. The maximum marketable yield was obtained with doses from 186.8 to 243.5 kg ha-1, depending on the cultivar. The Native cultivar was classified as more efficient in the use of P.

Yield and Profitability of Newly Recommended Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) NSIC Sp36 Variety as Affected by Planting Density

Appropriate planting density is necessary to achieve high crop productivity. Hence, this study aimed to determine the optimum planting density and assess the profitability per hectare of NSIC's newly recommended sweetpotato variety. The treatments were as follows: T 1.0 m x 0.50 m at two cuttings per hill, T-1.0 m x 0.25 12 m at one cutting per hill, T- 1.0 m x 0.25 m at two cuttings per hill, T-1.0m x 0.30m at 3 4 one cutting per hill, and T-1.0 m x 0.30 m at two cuttings per hill. The experiment 5 was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The results revealed that sweetpotato planted at wider spacing of 1.0 m x 0.50 m at two cuttings per hill produced more primary lateral vines (7.13), bigger leaf area -1 index (4.29), fresh herbage weight (21.22 tha ), and highest weight (g) of marketable roots per hill. On the other hand, planting density of 1.0 m x 0.25 m at one and two cuttings per hill obtained the highest weight of total root yield at 13.43 t ha -1 -1 and 14.04 t ha respectively. Likewise, sweetpotato grown in 1.0 m x 0.25 m at one -1 cutting per hill obtained the highest gross margin of PhP160,240.00 ha due to higher root yield and less cost of planting materials. This was followed by plants planted in 1.0 m x 0.25 m at two cuttings per hill with PhP159,702.00 ha .

Growth, yield and preservation of parsnip roots for cultivation in the foothills of Transcarpathia

Parsnip is a valuable vegetable crop. Its roots are used in various sectors of the economy due to its rich chemical composition. But the area under the crop is insignifcant. Despite the signifcant number of scientifc publications, the issue of parsnip growth in the conditions of Transcarpathiahas not been explored. Therefore, the aim of our research was to study the processes of growth and development, yield and preservation of parsnip roots for cultivation in soil and climatic conditions of the foothills of Transcarpathia. When studying the phenology of varieties, it was noted that the period from the emergence of seedlings to the formation of a rosette of leaves was the shortest in the variety of Hungarian selection Felhosszu and lasted 31 days. The shortest interphase period "rosette formation – root formation", which lasted 41 days, was recorded on the variant with the variety of German selection Boris. The study of the biometric parameters of the rosette of parsnip leaves showed that its height and diameter are dominated by the Felhosszu variety – 69.8 and 38.4 cm, respectively. The number of leaves in the rosette (6.4 pcs.) was the maximum in the Borisvariety. The standard variety Petryk was distinguished by its length (26.8 cm), diameter (4.9 cm) and weight of root crops (158.8 g). This variety formed the highest yield – 56.7 t/ ha, within which 90.3 % were marketable products. The Boris variety formed a marketable harvest at the level of 45.9, and Felhosszu – 44.9 t/ha, which was 87.4 and 82.8 % of the total harvest, respectively. To study the best way to preserve products, we used three methods of storage: bulk in boxes, unwashed and washed in plastic bags. Maximum weight loss was observed during storage of root crops in bulk in boxes. They ranged from 6.2 to 6.7 %. The largest share of the mass was lost by the food organs of the German selection variety. But these losses in different storage methods were distributed unevenly over time. At the beginning of storage they were high enough, by January-February they sharply decreased, and further grew again. Among the methods of storing roots, the best one was to store them unwashed in plastic bags. In this way, the yield of marketable roots after long-term storage from late October to late May ranged from 92.8 to 93.6 % and was highest in the Petryk variety . This variety gave the highest yield of marketable roots and for their preservation in bulk in boxes and washed in plastic bags. Key words: parsnip, phenophases, biometric parameters, roots, yield, safety.

Relationship between bud number in seed branches and yield aspects of sweet potato

ABSTRACT Planting sweet potato branches with the appropriate bud number and disposition, below and above ground, can favor vegetative growth and yield that better fit the marketable standards. This study aimed to explore the influence of the number of buds and their distribution ratio, above and below ground level, on the agronomic and marketable components of sweet potato tuberous roots. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were arranged in a factorial scheme (3 x 5), with 2, 4, and 8 above-ground buds combined with 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 below-ground buds. Branches from the UZBD 06 accession (Canadense standard) were used. Vegetative, productive, and marketable traits of roots were evaluated. The use of branches with a greater number of buds above and below ground increased shoot dry biomass. Planting seed branches with 8 buds above and 8 buds below ground provided a greater number and production of marketable roots. The use of 10 buried buds increased root number and yield in the 150-450 g marketable classes, which the consumer market values the most.

Predicting on multi-target regression for the yield of sweet potato by the market class of its roots upon vegetation indices

Single-target regression can accurately predict the crop’s performance but fails to generalize problems with more than one true and cross-validatable solution. An alternative to output multiple numeric values upon the input, we think, would be multi-target regression (MTR) with either Random Forest (RF) or k-nearest neighbors (KNN). Therefore, we captured the advantages of high-resolution remote sensing and multi-target machine learning into an immersive single framework then analyzed if it could be possible for accurately predicting for the yield of sweet potato by the market class of its tuberous roots (i.e., Extra < 0.15 kg; 015 ≤ Extra AA ≤ 0.45 kg; and Extra A > 0.45 kg) upon imagery data on summer and winter full-scale fields. The remote sensing captured the spectral changes on both fields and enabled the MTR to accurately predict for the yield of sweet potato in total and by the market class of harvestable roots upon normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and its derivative version (GreenNDVI) as well as upon soil-adjusted vegetation index (SAVI). The SAVI-RF framework predicted the summer field to yield marketable roots at the proportions of 2.04 t ha−1 Extra, 3.89 t ha−1 Extra AA and 2.08 t ha−1 Extra A, and the spectral data from the mid-stage of cultivation at 296 growing degree days (GDD) minimized its mean absolute error (MAE) to 2.66 t ha−1. The GNDVI-RF framework predicted the winter field to yield 1.64 t ha−1 Extra, 5.02 t ha−1 Extra AA and 3.65 t ha−1 Extra A, with an error of 3.45 t ha−1 upon spectral data from sampling on the late stage at 966 GDD. Our insights are timely an absolutely will open up the horizons for harvesting high-quality roots to commercialization, industrialization and propagation, and scaling up this essentially provocative yet emerging crop for food safety and energy security.

Genotype × Environment effects on morphological and productive components of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatasL.)

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatasL.) is a crop with high market demands because of its well-known health benefits. Limited use of improved clones reduces the crop’s income potential. Plant breeding programs seek to selectgenotypes with good results in a variety of environments by evaluating the interaction effects of genotypes and environments. This study aimed to assess Clone × Growing season effects on morphological and productive parameters of sweet potato clones grown in the municipality of Curitibanos, Santa Catarina, Brazil, in 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. The following clones were evaluated: Brazlândia Rosada, BRS Amélia, Beauregard, BrazlândiaRoxa, and BRS Rubissol. A randomized block design with three replications was used to investigate root length, root diameter, mean root weight, total root number, number of marketable roots, total yield, and marketable yield. Data were subjected to one-way and two-way analysis of variance. Beauregard afforded the largest number of marketable roots and was stable in both growing seasons. Beauregard, Brazlândia Roxa, and Brazlândia Rosada differed in total number of roots between growing seasons. There were no significant differences between growing seasons in mean root weight; BRS Amélia afforded a higher mean root weight than Brazlândia Rosada. Beauregard did not differ in total or marketable yield between growing seasons and provided higher yields than the other clones. BRS Rubissol and Beauregard were found to be the most promising for sweet potato cultivation under the environmental conditions of Curitibanos.

General and specific combining ability studies of yield and yield character of sweet potato weevil in predominant and non-predominant environments

Combining ability for marketable sweet potato root yield were carried out using ten sweet potato varieties and their F1 hybrids in Cylasformicarius endemic (Landmark University, Omu Aran) and free (University of Ibadan) environments during 2012 cropping season. Both general combining ability and specific combining ability play significant role on traits such as marketable root yield, non- marketable root yield, and total number of storage root/plant and marketable storage root, root size, percentage of tuber damage and weight of total roots, as well as the incidence and severity were generally low, suggesting the role of additive and dominant gene action in tolerances to Cylasformicarius. Hybrids from the parents Resisto, TIS 87/0087 displayed high performance in term of Cylasformicarius tolerance. These parents and their hybrids appeared to have gene pools for Cylasformicarius tolerance that can be manipulated for developing promising hybrids in South west, Nigeria.

Factors Influencing HEIs to Adopt Social Media as a Marketing Communication Tool

This research aims to identify the factors influencing Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) to adopt Social Media (SM) for marketing communication. The research was conducted through a qualitative study by interviewing SM managers of selected Pakistani HEIs. Data was analyzed using NVivo 11 to identify emerging themes. The findings revealed several internal and external factors encouraging HEIs to adopt SM marketing. Internal factors reflected the internal dynamics or beliefs within the HEIs that encouraged them to use SM for their marketing communication, whereas external factors were environmental changes, not in direct control of HEIs, but believed to contribute towards their decision to use SM. The internal factors included the belief of applicants, increased interest of senior management towards SM, perception of cost-effective promotional tool, induction of young staff, perception of SM as a modern communication tool and move towards paperless communication. The external factors included SM preference as a mode of communication, declining value of traditional marketing communication tools, E-Life inclination, presence of competitors &amp; unofficial SM accounts of HEIs and their self-driven nature. This study draws focus towards the underlying intentions of HEIs for their SM presence and compares these motivations with other organizations. This has enabled filling in the gaps in the literature regarding the roots of SM marketing in the context of HEIs. From a practical perspective, the findings of this study will enable HEIs to compare their SM motives with other industries. A major difference found was the absence of motivation on the part of HEIs to use SM. This is in contradiction to other industries that put relationship building with customers as one of the primary motives to use SM.

Cassava yield indicators and total organic carbon in tropical soils under different fertilization treatments

Cassava is a crop of major socioeconomic importance in Brazil because of its versatility and high yield in nutrient-poor soils. Fertilization can improve soil quality and further increase cassava yield. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different fertilizer sources on soil total organic carbon (TOC) and cassava yield indicators. The experiment was conducted on a family farm in Santarém, Brazil, in a randomized block design, with four treatments and five replications. Treatments were as follows: T1, unfertilized soil (control); T2, NPK fertilizer; T3, poultry manure; and T4, cattle manure. The variables analyzed were soil TOC, shoot fresh weight, plant height, marketable stem diameter, marketable root yield, and yield. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, Tukey’s test (p &lt; 0.05), hierarchical clustering, and principal component analysis. Application of organic fertilizers (T3 and T4) increased soil TOC levels. Chemical fertilizer treatment (T2) resulted in the highest shoot fresh weight, yield, and marketable root yield. Marketable stem diameter was positively influenced by T2 and T4. There were no significant treatment effects on plant height. Hierarchical clustering isolated organic fertilizers (T3 and T4) from other treatments. Principal component analysis revealed two principal components, which together explained 87.77% of the total variance. Organic fertilizer application provided the highest TOC accumulation during the experimental period, whereas NPK fertilization was the most effective in increasing cassava yield in the first year of cultivation

Http://habibiaislamicus.com/index.php/hirj/article/view/210

Promotional activities (e.g. advertising, promotional gifts, promotional contests) are the key roots of Marketing which play a vital role to create consumer awareness about the products and services available in the market and ultimately contribute to the economic progress and social development. Indeed, the principles about the promotional ethics in Islam are directly or indirectly explained in the old and new Islamic literature in scattered shape. The focus of this study is to gather and implement the Islamic point of view about the promotional ethics related to promotional contests by pointing out the unlawful promotion tactics with suitable recommendations based on fiqhi opinions.

Genotype × Environment Interaction and Stability Analysis for Root Yield in Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam

Sweet potato breeding in Africa, more especially in Nigeria, has mainly focused on improving productivity on farmers' fields and on fresh root consumption. In order to target the breeding program, the study was conducted to estimate the magnitude of genotype × environment interaction (G × E) and to select stable and high yielding sweet potato genotypes for fresh root yield and root Cylas severity in two locations, and to identify the most discriminating and representative test environments in Nigeria. The 41 genotypes were evaluated across two diverse environments using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Data were collected on total number of roots per plant, number and weight of marketable roots per plant, fresh root yield, and root Cylas severity. The data were subjected to analysis of variance using the Generalized Linear Model procedure of SAS 9.2 where genotype was treated as a fixed factor and replication treated as a random variable. Stability analysis was conducted using Genotype and Genotype x Environment Interaction (GGE) bi-plot. Environment, genotype, and G × E interaction variances were highly significant (p &amp;lt; 0.01) among the assessed agronomic traits. Moreover, the analysis of variance revealed highly significant (p &amp;lt; 0.01) differences among genotypes, environments, and G × E interaction effects for all the studied traits. The GGE biplot analyses identified three promising genotypes—G13, G11, and G14—that possess both high mean root yield and high stability, closest to the ideal genotype for root performance and consistency of performance across environments. This study provides valuable information that could be utilized in a breeding program to ameliorate local clones of sweet potato in Nigeria.

Carrot Yield and Shape Altered by Seeding Rate and Raised Beds in Clay-loam Soil

Carrots (Daucus carota L. var sativus) in the midwestern United States are generally raised commercially on sandy-loam or muck soils. Some smaller growers may not have the luxury of an ideal soil type, so raised beds are often recommended to improve taproot growth. To determine specific yield and shape responses of carrots to raised-bed culture in heavy soil, three hybrids (‘Cupar’, ‘Envy’, and ‘Naval’) were grown in 2019 and 2020 on raised or flat beds in clay-loam soil. In addition, two seeding rates (high or low) were incorporated into the split-split plot design. ‘Cupar’ was larger and less misshapen than the other hybrids, but total marketable yields were similar among all three. ‘Naval’ was the most cylindrical. High seeding rate generally resulted in more numerous but smaller marketable roots and no change in total marketable weight. Raised beds caused a 10.6% increase in total marketable weight by allowing more marketable roots classified as “short” (between 76 and 127 mm long, diameter &gt;25 mm) to grow to lengths more than 127 mm long. The average taproot cylindricity was increased and diameter decreased by growing on raised beds. Soil penetration resistance at 7.6 cm was correlated with many of the measured responses.

Effects of Mineral and Organo-mineral Fertilization on Sweet Potato (Ipomea batata {L} Lam) in Makurdi, Benue State, Southern Guinea Savanna Nigeria

A Research was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the University of Agriculture Makurdi Benue State located between 7 0 45’N and 8 0 37’E during 2019 cropping season to evaluate the effect of mineral and Organo-mineral fertilization on growth and yield of sweet potato ( Ipomea batata {L} Lam). The fertilizer sources used as treatments were: NPK20:10:10 (100, 200 and 300 kg/ha), Poultry manure (2, 5 and 8t/ha), Fertiplus (2, 5 and 8t/ha) and control. The treatments were laid out in a Randomized Complete block Design (RCBD) and replicated three times. Vines of sweet potato was sourced from National Root Crops Research Institute Umudike, cut into 25 cm long and planted at a spacing of 0.3 m (100 cm x 30 cm) inter-row and intra-row respectively which gave a plant population of 33,333 plants per hectare. The growth parameters of sweet potato were significantly increased (vine length, plant girth, number of leaves, leaf width) over the control. The longest vine length (153.30 cm) at 12 WAP was obtained from poultry NPK 300 kg/ha and the least from the control (11.80 cm) at 4 WAP. The longest leaf length (12.27 cm) was obtained from Fertiplus 8t/ha at 12 WAP and the least (6.00 cm) from the control at 4 WAP. The broadest leaf width (10.80 cm) was obtained from poultry 8t/ha at 6 WAP and the least (5.27 cm) from the control at WAP. The highest yield (48.67) in terms of number of marketable roots was obtained from poultry 5t/ha and the least (18.67) from the control. The highest weight of marketable root 18.70 t/ha was obtained from poultry manure 5t/ha and the least 2.97 t/ha from the control. Application of 5t/ha of poultry manure is recommended for soil fertility improvement and root yield of sweet potato in the study area. Keywords: Organo-mineral, Fertilization, Sweet Potato, Southern Guinea Savanna DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/11-12-02 Publication date: June 30 th 2021