Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato Varieties Research Articles

Participatory on-farm evaluation of new orange-fleshed sweetpotato varieties in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Sweetpotato is the second most important root crop in Ethiopia, making an important contribution to food security in the densely populated areas of southern Ethiopia. While the white-fleshed sweetpotato (WFSP) varieties have been widely grown, the recently bred pro-vitamin A orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) varieties are also gaining popularity nationwide. This study evaluated on-farm performances of five new OFSP varieties along with two previously released “check” varieties, one of which is a WFSP, across 13 locations in southern Ethiopia for 2 consecutive seasons (2017 and 2018) with the objective of selecting farmer preferred varieties. The experimental design used was randomized complete block design. Results revealed highly significant differences (p < 0.05) among the tested varieties for all parameters considered. Overall, the new varieties were superior to the check varieties for most of the parameters considered. Kulfo, the OFSP check and the only OFSP variety under production, was inferior in above-ground biomass yield, taste, vegetative, and physical root quality performance. There was a strong negative correlation between altitude and root yields, with the highest root yields being in areas 1,500–1,650 m above sea level. The new varieties were accepted by the farmers due to their better yields, adaptability to the local agro-ecological conditions, and high dry matter content. The results of this study implied that the conventional variety evaluations should be complemented by farmers' participatory processes to ensure the release of acceptable varieties targeting both food security and marketability.

PRE EXTENSION DEMONSTRATION OF ORANGE FLESHED SWEET POTATO VARIETIES AT MIDLAND DISTRICTS OF GUJI ZONE, SOUTHERN OROMIA, ETHIOPIA

This study examines an on-farm demonstration of an improved orange-fleshed sweet potato. The role of sweet potatoes in household nutrition and health benefits is highly recognized in developing countries like Ethiopia. Hence, promoting such nutrition-sensitive crops through demonstrations is significant for farmers. This demonstration was piloted to assess farmers’ feedback on orange-fleshed sweet potatoes and evaluate the performance of improved varieties of two midlands of the Guji zone. This study used NASPOT 12 and NASPOT 13 to improve orange-fleshed and local varieties. Each variety was planted on 10mx10m plots of 10 farmers’ land. Training and the mini-field day were used to promote orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. The collected data for this demonstration was analyzed through descriptive statistics and description forms. The result indicated that NASPOT 13, NASPOT 12, and the local variety gave 142 qt/ha, 114 qt/ha, and 93 qt/ha, respectively. There were more root tuber/ plants in NASPOT 13 and NASPOT 12 than in the local variety. Both improved varieties performed well in the Adola Rede and Wadera districts. The findings of this study suggest that despite the higher yield of improved varieties, farmers did not prefer NASPOT 13 and NASPOT 12 due to the sweetness of varieties that were not like the local variety. Farmers preferred the improved orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties for livestock feed. Breeding and adaptation of sweet potatoes in the study areas are needed to identify household consumption varieties. Therefore, until new varieties are identified, farmers should continue sweet potato production using the array in their hands.

Morpho-sensory evaluation of orange fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Varieties in the low lands of North Shewa zone

Though Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the internationally as well as nationally important root crops its production is challenged with various bottlenecks. Lack of planting materials, shortage of farmer preferred varieties, poor extension system among many other constraints. This study was conducted to assess the performance and test of different orange fleshed sweet potato varieties in participatory approach in the lowlands of North shewa. Evaluation of eight varieties was carried out in main cropping season using a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Number of roots per plant, root weight per plant, root length, root diameter, marketable and total root yield were measured and analyzed using the generalized linear model procedure with SAS statistical software version 9.1. Moreover, farmers’ perception assessment and sensory analysis which had an important constituency in the selection process were done using pairwise matrix and hedonic scale, respectively. Except root length, all the traits showed significant difference between varieties. Variety Kulfo gave the highest root yield (38.8 tha-1) and root diameter (98.8 mm); whereas the lowest root yield (22.1 tha-1) and root diameter (64.5 mm) were recorded from varieties Teo jet and Delvia, respectively. Farmers were also selecting varieties Lords, Cicilia and Birtukane. Panelists selected Bela, Birtukane and Kulfo as the best varieties. Hence, varieties Kulfo, Lords and Birtukane were recommended for further popularization to boost the production and productivity of the crop for production the lowlands of north shewa and other similar agro-ecologies.

Nutrient Uptake and Efficiencies of Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Varieties under Different Rates of Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilizers

Sweet potatoes serve as a staple food and animal feed in Africa and serve as a source of raw materials for the food, feed, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, and energy industries. The yield of orange-fleshed sweet potatoes is increased when nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are added to low-fertility soils. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutrient uptake and use efficiency of orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties under applied N and P. The experiment was conducted for two growing seasons (2019 and 2020) under rain-fed conditions in the field. The study included five orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties (Kulfo, Kabode, Alamura, Dilla, and NASPOT-12), three N levels (0, 23, and 46 kg·N·ha−1), and two levels of P (0 and 46 kg P2O5·ha−1) fertilizers designed in 5 × 3 × 2 with α-lattice design in factorial arrangement using 3 replications. The interaction effect of variety, N, and P fertilizers affected nutrient uptake, physiological efficiency, and agronomic efficiency of sweet potatoes. NASPOT-12 was the better variety in nutrient uptake but poor in apparent recovery at all levels of N and P. The highest nutrient uptake, agronomic efficiency, and physiological efficiency were observed on NASPOT-12 when subjected to 23 kg N·ha−1 and 46 kg P2O5·ha−1. Overall, NASPOT-12 with 23 kg·N·ha−1 and 46 kg P2O5·ha−1 could be recommended for its high nutrient uptake, agronomic, and physiological efficiencies.

Direct and spillover effects of biofortified sweetpotato interventions on sustained adoption in Malawi

Agriculture-nutrition interventions (ANI) have recently received attention as a promising delivery mechanism for achieving desirable nutritional outcomes. However, more evidence is needed on the effectiveness of such interventions. In this study, we analyze direct and spillover effects of ANIs for biofortified orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) in Malawi on sustained household outcomes: OFSP adoption, area planted, harvest, and sales. In Malawi, we selected three large-scale OFSP interventions and use a rich dataset of 2,492 smallholder farmers selected from every district of Malawi. Methodologically, we employ bivariate probit, instrumental variables, and propensity score matching techniques. We find positive and sustained participation effects for all outcomes. Second, we find that OFSP interventions spilled over and benefited non-participants who lived in treatment villages. Vine multipliers and vine conservation techniques were key diffusion mechanisms for initial and sustained adoption of OFSP varieties. Interventions promoted higher OFSP root sales which suggests that generating income is an important motivator of adoption, in addition to own-consumption. Also, root sales is an often overlooked diffusion mechanism to reach additional farmers beyond the direct participants. Relevant for policy-makers is that OFSP interventions have sustained positive adoption and diffusion effects, and thus feature well as a relatively cost-effective food-based approach among other strategies to eradicate hidden hunger. Designing ANIs with strong supply-push (e.g., (de)centralized vine multipliers, vine conservation techniques) and demand-pull components (e.g., participatory varietal selection and agronomic training) are key and will need to be accompanied by strategies that create a stronger economic case for OFSP, for instance, by investments to strengthen a processing industry for OFSP roots.

Nutrition quality response of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas L. Lam) varieties to deficit irrigation in Tanzania

AbstractMalnutrition in all its forms is a global problem, with the worst effects felt in developing countries. The importance of producing food to improve nutrition security is self‐evidently a promising approach to combating malnutrition. The present study assessed the nutritional quality response of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties to deficit irrigation (DI). The study's specific objectives were to (i) evaluate yield and root quality and (ii) assess the nutritional root yield and nutritional water productivity of selected OFSP varieties under full and DI. Beta‐carotene, iron, and zinc were the root quality parameters studied. A factorial arrangement of treatments was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The irrigation rates used for scheduling were 100% (full irrigation), 60% (60 [DI]), and 30% (30 [DI]) of total available water (TAW). The test varieties were Naspot‐13 and Jewel of the OFSP crop. The beta‐carotene content of the Jewel cultivar was 27% higher than that of the Naspot‐13 cultivar. However, neither cultivar's root quality changed under DI. The results show that serving 125 g of boiled OFSP varieties provides more than 100% of vitamin A, sufficient iron, and minimal zinc dietary requirements for 4‐ to 8‐year‐old children and 10‐ to 50‐year‐old pregnant women. In general, the nutritional water productivity of root quality parameters increased with a decrease in water application. In conclusion, a positive water‐food‐nutrition nexus was established under the Naspot‐13 variety, suggesting a capacity for alleviating vitamin A, iron, and zinc deficiency health‐related problems, particularly in children and pregnant women in regions with limited water resources. Therefore, adoption of DI strategies for underutilized crops using smart pressurized irrigation systems could be significant in undertaking water management reforms.

More Interventions, Low Adoption: To What Extent Are the Existing Seed Sources to Blame? The Case of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato in Central and Northern Malawi

Vitamin A dense Orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) has the potential to build resilient livelihoods against Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD), food insecurity, and climate change. However, the adoption of OFSP among smallholder farmers in Malawi remains low. Although many scholars across the globe have reviewed the seed systems of OFSP, no empirical study, in Malawi or elsewhere, has modelled how the use of the various sources of vines affect farmers’ seed security and eventual decisions to adopt biofortified OFSP varieties. The study employed a mixed methods approach and used a Triple Hurdle model to analyze the effect of the existing sources of vines on the adoption of OFSP among 721 randomly sampled households in central and northern Malawi. The study also developed a seed security experience score (SSES) in order to assess the capacity of the existing sources of vines to ensure farmers’ seed security. By defining adoption as a three-stage process, and by shifting the seed systems focus to capacity of the existing sources of vines, the study departs from the conventional approaches that most scholars have used to model adoption of OFSP. The study found that the existing sources of vines influenced all the three stages of adoption. The SSES results indicated that the capacity of the existing sources subjected the majority of the farmers to a highly seed insecurity status. Interventions therefore must be designed to address the seed security challenges associated with the existing sources in order to enhance the capacity of the sources for widespread and sustained adoption of OFSP.

Assessment of seed system interventions for biofortified orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) in Malawi

AbstractThe International Potato Center (CIP) has collaboratively implemented various demand‐pull and supply‐push interventions since 2006 to develop the seed system for biofortified orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) (Ipomoea batatas) varieties in Malawi. Consequently, the adoption of OFSP varieties has increased to 30%. Nevertheless, the actual adoption rates, the contribution of these interventions to the seed system development, and the extent to which the current policy and regulatory environment facilitated or impeded the availability and access to quality planting materials by smallholder farmers are not well understood. This study explored these critical issues using desk reviews and qualitative information with OFSP subsector stakeholders. The results reveal that most of the critical nodes of the OFSP seed system are underdeveloped. However, CIP backstopping interventions to the national research systems contributed significantly to building Malawi's capacity for producing clean early‐generation seed materials. In addition, CIP has played a critical role in developing the community‐level capacity to produce and disseminate clean vines through the introduction of decentralized vine multipliers and commercial vine multipliers. The study recommends integrating formal and informal seed systems for vegetatively propagated crops to improve access to quality planting materials by farmers. Second, government and development partners (CGIAR centers, Nongovernmental Organization) should progressively promote/create demand for OFSPs among consumers because of the strong association between the biofortified OFSP varieties and nutrition. Lastly, there is need for government and development partners to establish and increase OFSP interventions in the Northern and Central regions of Malawi.

Effects of Processing Methods on the Yield, Functional and Pasting Properties of “Garri Analogue” Produced from Different Varieties of Orange Flesh Sweet Potato

Garri is a fermented, dry granular meal produced from cassava roots which is of high carbohydrate content with little of other nutrients. Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) is a root crop with high nutritional properties and so its use for “garri analogue” has been found to be of better nutritional qualities than cassava. However, considerations are yet to be given to the effect of varieties and processing variables of OFSP on the qualities of “garri analogue”. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of different varieties and processing variables of OFSP on the qualities of “garri analogue”. Three varieties of OFSP (Mother’s Delight, King J and Solo Gold) were procured from local farmers in Osun State. Two different processing parameters: fermentation time (24, 48 and 72h) and particle size (1.4, 1.8 and 2.36mm) were considered. The yield, functional properties (bulk density, water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, gelatinization temperature, least gelation concentration and swelling capacity) and pasting properties of the “garri analogue” were evaluated. Data obtained were subjected to Analysis of Variance and means were separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test at 5% level of significance. The yields for the three varieties of OFSP are 0.50, 0.60 and 0.80kg for Mother’s Delight, King J and Solo Gold respectively. Oil absorption capacity (1.40 -3.27 , 1.77 - 2.67 and 1.50 -2.77 g/100g), water absorption capacity (1.70 -4.57 , 2.17 -3.87 and 2.17 -3.87 g/100g), gelling (20.00 – 50.00 , 20.00 – 50.00 and 20.00– 50.00 g/dm3), gelatinization temperature (95.00-100.00, 94.00-100.00 and 94.00-100.00oC), swelling capacity (20.00– 50.00, 20.00– 50.00 and 20.00– 50.00 g/dm3) and bulk density (0.42 -0.53, 0.42 -0.53 and 0.42 -0.53g/ml). Peak viscosity (1.52 x102-4.59 x 102, 3.70 x102 -5.58 x 102 and 2.68 x 102-5.83 x 102 RVU), trough viscosity (1.32-3.22 x 102, 2.65x102 -3.73 x 102 and 1.82. x 102-5.62 x 102 RVU), breakdown viscosity (13.6-1.37 x 102, 1.03 x 102 -93.14 x 102 and 21.64 x 102 -1.14 x 102 RVU), final viscosity (2.09-5.16 x 102, 4.30 x 102 -5.28 x 102 and 2.82 x 102 -6.00 x 102 RVU), setback viscosity (76.72-2.07 x 102, 1.27 x 102 -1.89 x 102 and 1.10 x 102 – 2.36 x 102 RVU), peak time (5.01-6.11, 5.05-5.49 and 5.00-7.00 mins) and pasting temperature (85.13-89.90, 87.58-91.50 and 87.47-92.57oC). The variety that had an effect on the functional and pasting properties of the “garri analogue” was Mother’s Delight, while in term of processing variables on the functional and pasting properties of “garri analogue: from the different varieties are Mother’s Delight and King J. The optimum results in term of the processing variables on the yield, functional and pasting properties from the different varieties are Mother’s Delight and Solo Gold. The optimum results were obtained at 48.00 and 72.00hrs with particle sizes of 1.88 and 2.36mm respectively.

Energy efficiency and water use indices for sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) production under subtropical climatic conditions of Bangladesh

Abstract To estimate energy use efficiency for sweet potato production in Bangladesh under subtropical climatic conditions, a study was conducted with 60 individuals (12 producers for each sweet potato variety) by using a structural questionnaire. The results revealed that the majority of the energy input was consumed by the pre-harvest activities (22,313.55 MJ ha−1 or 90.85%), of which fertilizer application (36.84%) and irrigation (35.24%) consumed the most energy input, with only 9.15% (2,248.42 MJ ha−1) consumed by the post-harvest activity for sweet potato production. The energy input involved in the production system was similar to the direct (12,149.76 MJ ha−1 or 49.47%) and indirect (12,412.21 MJ ha−1 or 50.53%) sources, while it was much higher in non-renewable sources (22,884.21 MJ ha−1 or 93.17%) with a minimum (1,677.76 MJ ha−1 or 6.83%) from renewable sources. The average energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy, net energy, energy profitability and water-energy productivity of orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties 4.36, 1.22 kg MJ−1, 0.83 MJ kg−1, 82,511.73 MJ ha−1, 3.36 and 1.32 g m−3 MJ−1, respectively. The OFSP varieties showed better performance in respect of all the energy and water use indicators.

Adaptation of recently released improved orange flesh sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) varieties in Southwestern Ethiopia

Most sweet potato varieties currently grown by farmers are poorly adapted, have low root yields, less nutritive and white fleshed which have no beta carotene, a precursor to vitamin “A”. However, among the cheapest and richest sources of vitamin A; orange fleshed sweet potato varieties were rich in beta carotene are well accepted by young children. Hence the aim of this research project was conducted to evaluate the adaptability and performance of improved orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties on yield and other yield related traits during the 2020 main cropping season in southwest Ethiopia. The varieties used were Tulla, Kulfo, Guntutie, Vita, Kabode, Alamura and Dilla. The experiment was carried out using a randomized block design with three replications. The analysis of variance over locations depicted significant differences (p ≤0.05) among varieties for most of the studied traits. In this study, Alamura (31.42 t ha-1) and Dilla (27.8 t ha-1) varieties give a high yield among seven evaluated orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties. Based on farmer test preference, the first and second rank of test preference was recorded from Alamura and Dilla variety. Therefore, by considering both farmer’s test preference and the yield potential of the variety, Alamura and Dilla were selected as high yields and have the best test preference. Therefore, to fill the gap vitamin “A” deficiency at the community level Alamura and Dilla were selected as the best orange fleshed variety that has the best test preference with the highest yield in the humid tropics of Southwestern Ethiopia and these two varieties were recommended for production. Finally, since the result of this finding was based on data gathered from two locations and only one cropping season to test adaptability. So, one more additional season evaluation is necessary and also further studies are required to generate more reliable information on performance, nutrition and resistance to disease. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 111-116, December 2022

Morpho-sensory Evaluation of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Varieties in the Low Lands of North Shewa Zone

Background: Though sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the internationally as well as nationally important root crops. Its production is challenged with various bottlenecks. Lack of planting materials, shortage of farmer preferred varieties, poor extension system among many other constraints. This study was conducted to assess the performance and test of different orange fleshed sweet potato varieties in participatory approach in the lowlands of North shewa. Methods: Evaluation of eight varieties was carried out in main cropping season using a randomized complete block design with three replications. Number of roots per plant, root weight per plant, root length, root diameter, marketable and total root yield were measured and analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS version 9.2. Moreover, farmers’ perception assessment and sensory analysis which had an important constituency in the selection process were done using pairwise matrix and hedonic scale, respectively. Result: Except root length, all the traits showed significant difference between varieties. Variety Kulfo gave the highest root yield (38.8 t ha-1) and root diameter (98.8 mm); whereas the lowest root yield (22.1 t ha-1) and root diameter (64.5 mm) were recorded from varieties Teo jet and Delvia, respectively. Farmers were also selecting varieties Lords, Cicilia and Birtukane. Panelists selected Bela, Birtukane and Kulfo as the best varieties. Hence, varieties Kulfo, Lords and Birtukane were recommended for further popularization to boost the production and productivity of the crop for production the lowlands of north shewa and other similar agro-ecologies.

Genotype by Environmental Interaction and Measurements of Stability on Eight Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Varieties: East Gojjam Zone, North West Ethiopia

Sweet potato is grown for its nature of versatility and adaptability and is a secure food crop in southern parts of Ethiopia. Therefore, this research has been conducted to determine the magnitude of GEI for yield and yield-related traits and to evaluate the adaptability and stability of eight orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties across locations in North West Ethiopia. The experiment was conducted from 2018 to 2019 under rainfed conditions in four districts of East Gojjam Zone (Baso liben, Gozamin, Gonchasiso enesie, and Enbsie Sar mider) using eight OFSP varieties (Kulfo, Kabode, Vitea, Naspot 13, Naspot 12, Nekawango, RW-11, and Mayai). Data were collected on yield and yield-related traits. Genstat statistical software was used to deploy both combined analysis of variance and meta-analysis of the collected data. The combined ANOVA revealed that environment, varieties, and their interaction affect the tested varieties significantly across locations. Debremedhanite was the high-yielding environment (35.9 t/ha), and Kulfo was the best-performing variety (30.67 t/ha) over different environments. Based on the AMMI result, the environment contributes at large (48.49%) to the total variation of variety performance followed by variety (27.18%) and their interaction (24.23%). The testing locations fall in two mega environments that implies that variety recommendation needs to be specific for each mega environment. Hence, Kulfo and Naspot 12 are recommended for Debremedhanit, Arasma, and Degesech based on yield potential and stability of the varieties, and Naspot 13 is recommended for Yelamgej, Eneba, and Getesemani testing locations. This result is useful for breeders and nutritionists who are working on breeding of sweet potatoes and nutrition.

Nutritional value and consumer perception of biofortified sweet potato varieties

The deficiency of vitamin A is associated with preventable childhood infections and blindness. Optimal nutrition from a dietary variety and a selection of nutrient-rich foods are needed to enrich the diet. Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is a source of provitamin A due to its bioavailability of carotenes in roots that can be influenced by variety, environmental and crop management conditions. The aim was to characterize six of sweet potato genotypes [yellow-fleshed sweet potato (YFSP) and OFSP] using high-throughput phenotyping approaches to determine the influence of multi-environmental evaluation on quality attributes. The sensory evaluation was included to recognize the consumer perception of biofortified varieties. Total carotenoids content (TCC) and all-trans-β-carotene (atβC) were determined via HPLC, and colorimetric measurements were used to evaluate the root flesh color. Sensory evaluation was done for two OFSP and the cream-fleshed (CFSP) traditional landrace. Results revealed that the nutritional richness of OFSP was exhibited in its high TCC and atβC. High temperature and low accumulated rainfall negatively affected the accumulation of dry matter (DM), ash, and crude fiber while enhancing soluble solids, TCC, and atβC content. The food composition table of Ambarina and Aurora varieties showed the enriched quality compared to that of CFSP traditional landrace. Colorimetric methods were successfully used to differentiate flesh colors that could be significantly related to nutritional quality, especially a* and b* values from colorimeter and red (R), green (G), and blue (B) pixel values. High acceptance of OFSP varieties in sensory attributes suggested the potential of these biofortified varieties as nutrient-rich foods and prevented vitamin A malnutrition.

Evaluation of Selected Locally Grown Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) Varietal Suitability on Fried Chips Quality

ABSTRACT The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of varieties on the moisture content, oil content, fracture force, and color lightness of fried chips made from the three orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties: Kulfo, LO-323; Ukr x Eju-13, Dilla; and Kabode. Starch, reducing sugar, moisture, protein, fiber, ash, and carbohydrate contents of fresh sweet potatoes showed a significant difference (P < .05). The Kabode sweet potato variety had the highest specific gravity, starch content, ash, fiber, protein, and carbohydrate content, as well as the lowest fat and reducing sugar, whereas the Kulfo (LO-323) variety exhibited the highest moisture content and reducing sugar. When processed as fried chips, Kabode and Ukr x Eju-13 (Dilla) varieties demonstrated proper color lightness, fracture force, and absorbed less oil. When fried, Kulfo (LO-323) chips had the highest moisture content, oil uptake, and fracture force, as well as the lightest color.

Evaluation of improved orange fleshed sweet potato varieties at Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Six orange 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 RW11-4743 (59.13) followed by Kyoyab werere and Kulufo (57.00 and 53.63 ton ha-1), respectively. While, minimum number of roots per plot was recorded on variety Mayai. The highest root yield per hectare was obtained from varieties Kyoyab werere (53.23 ton ha-1) and RW11-4743 (52.64 ton ha-1) followed by Kulufo (48.42 ton ha-1) whereas the minimum root yield per hectare was obtained from variety Carrot-C (37.84 ton ha-1). Based on the result of this study from evaluated orange fleshed sweet potato varieties Kyoyab werere, RW11-4743 and Kulufo gave the highest yield but, except Kulufo, these varieties were not registered in the country (Ethiopia). Therefore, it needs further evaluation of Kyoyab werere and RW11-4743 including other genotypes at different locations for verification and registration and Kulufo was recommended for pre extension demonstration at the study area and similar agro ecological locations.

Orange‐fleshed sweetpotato production: Progress and perspectives for value chain development in West Africa

AbstractAfrica and Asia bear the greatest cases of vitamin A deficiency whereas Orange‐Fleshed Sweetpotato (OFSP) as a possible solution to vitamin A deficiency, brings income, food and nutritional security for smallholders involved in its production. Reports indicated low adoption of OFSP in West Africa due to poor value chains and wide adoption of White‐Fleshed Sweetpotato (WFSP). Here, we reviewed OFSP interventions and programmes undertaken in West Africa, identified constraints limiting OFSP production, and updated the required actions for OFSP value chains development in West Africa. We reported 10 significant interventions and 20 released OFSP varieties within 4 countries. The main bottlenecks to OFSP value chains development are the lack of improved cultivars exhibiting high and stable yield potential, predominance of WFSP, non‐exposition of whole population to OFSP varieties, limited number of improved OFSP varieties available, and inadequacy of improved OFSP varieties to smallholder preferences. The roles of donors, research institutions, local partners, and smallholder's contributions in increasing OFSP production and consumption are provided. This will fuel the development of strong OFSP value chains in West Africa.

Participatory Variety Selection of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) Varieties at Wondo Genet and Koka

The experiment was conducted during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons at wondo genet and Koka area. Five orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties were tested using a randomized complete block design with three replications using the mother-baby trial approach. All necessary data were collected from the mother trial and analyzed using SAS software and SPSS. The combined analysis of variance showed the presence of significant differences (p≤0.05) among tested varieties for plant height, root diameter, root yield per hectare, and root dry matter content. From the tested varieties, the highest root yield was obtained from Kulfo (33.90 t ha-1), which was statistically similar with Kabode (31.64 t ha-1), followed by Alamura variety (23.00 t ha-1) and Vitae variety gave the lowest root yield of 10.8 t ha-1as compared to the other varieties. The participated farmers have given a rank for the traits used for selection and evaluated the varieties using their selection criteria. Even though the Kulfo variety gave the highest yield, farmers have discarded it as a result of the taste after boiling. As a result, based on their preferences Kabode, Alamura, and Dilla varieties were selected as the first, second, and third choices. Therefore, scaling up of these selected varieties should be done in the study area and areas with similar agro-ecologies so that producers can able to access the variety to produce them resulted in overcoming the nutritional deficiency and food insecurity.

Does vitamin A rich orange-fleshed sweetpotato adoption improve household level diet diversity? Evidence from Ghana and Nigeria

Promoting the consumption of locally available food crops such as orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) that are rich in beta carotene, a precursor for vitamin A, has been shown to be a highly effective means of fighting against vitamin A deficiency at the community level when combined with nutrition education. After a three-year intervention promoting OFSP uptake using different market-led approaches, a structured survey was conducted among 204 participant and 422 non-participant households in Ghana and Nigeria in 2017. In this study, we test whether the adoption of OFSP has a significant effect on dietary diversity, using a counterfactual approach based on the conditional independence-based estimators of average treatment effect techniques. Results found that household, young child and woman’s dietary diversity scores increased when households adopted OFSP varieties. However, the positive effects of OFSP adoption on household dietary diversity only occurred in the Ghanaian sub-sample, not the Nigerian. Policymakers and development support partners should ensure institutional support in terms of intensive campaigns to sensitize farmers and their families about the benefits of these crops in order to create and sustain demand for biofortified foods as a means of fighting micronutrient malnutrition.

Performance, Variance Components, and Acceptability of Pro-vitamin A-Biofortified Sweetpotato in Southern Africa and Implications in Future Breeding.

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is a major cause of blindness in children under 5 years. Sweetpotato (Ipomea batatas L.) is widely grown in this region, and pro-vitamin A varieties could help to combat such problems. Fourteen newly introduced orange-fleshed sweetpotato (OFSP) varieties from the International Potato Centre (CIP) and two local checks were evaluated at four environments using a 4 × 4 triple-lattice design for total tuber yield, marketable yield, unmarketable yield, total tuber numbers, marketable tuber numbers, unmarketable tuber numbers, dry matter content, and sensory characteristics on boiled sweetpotato. Since varieties were previously tested intensively by CIP under diverse conditions, the focus of the current study was to determine their acceptability by farmers. Across-environment ANOVA showed highly significant differences (P < 0.001) for environments, genotypes, and genotype × environment interaction (GE) for all traits studied. Variety Cecelia outperformed the rest in three environments. Cecelia, Erica, Ininda, and Lourdes were found to be the top four most stable and high-yielding varieties. Genetic gains of the top four varieties over the preferred local check Mai Chenje ranged from 135 to 184%, and across-environment broad-sense heritability was 60% for tuber yield. Furthermore, farmers accepted the dry matter content (which was >25%) and taste of all the introduced OFSP varieties. Since there was a high acceptability by farmers, introductions from CIP could help improve human nutrition. Despite the appropriate design, the error variance component was the highest for all traits, and proper field plot techniques were proposed in future breeding and testing activities.