Marketable Roots Research Articles

Multi-environmental traits selection and farmer's participatory assessment of mean performance and stability of orange-fleshed sweet potato genotypes in Benin.

Regularly consuming orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (OFSP) is widely recognised as an effective way to treat vitamin A deficiency (VAD), particularly in low-income countries. Unfortunately, cultivars of OFSP are poorly disseminated in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, where VAD is a major cause of blindness. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the genotype-environment interaction (GEI) on the performance and stability of the yield components of OFSP cultivars to trigger their adoption by farmers. Nine OFSP genotypes were evaluated through a multi-environment trial (MET) carried out in 14 environments and in a complete randomised block (RCB) design to select the best genotypes based on the multi-trait mean performance and stability index (MTMPS) and participatory variety selection (PVS). The across-environment likelihood ratio test (LRT) showed significant differences across environments, genotypes, and GEIs for all traits studied, except for the number of marketable roots (NMR). Our findings revealed that genotypes ACAB, Apomuden, and BF59xCIP had satisfactory mean performances and stabilities across all evaluation environments. The PVS revealed that farmers assigned high importance to yield performance for field evaluation and root dry matter content. In addition, they prioritized many different traits, such as the attractiveness of orange flesh colour and the lower fibrousness of boiled roots. The genotypes preferred by farmers were ACAB and Apomuden, generally followed by BF59xCIP, indicating excellent concordance between the genotypes selected with the MTPMPS and those selected by farmers during the PVS. We concluded that farmers' participation in the OFSP genotype evaluation process for future dissemination is necessary to select the most suitable genotypes for production and increase the chances of adopting of these genotypes in rural areas. ACAB and Apomuden will be submitted for registration in the national catalogue.

The Roots of Marketing and Promotion in The Ancient Arab Monetary Heritage

The Roots of Marketing and Promotion in The Ancient Arab Monetary Heritage

Impact of NPSB fertilizer on yield of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) varieties in Southern Ethiopia's agro-ecological zones

Root and tuber crops, particularly sweet potatoes, are vital to global food security, yet their potential for enhancing household nutrition and income remains largely untapped. Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties are rich in pro-vitamin A, crucial for health. Despite their significance in Ethiopia, yields are often low due to inadequate location-specific fertilizer recommendations and limited access to high-yielding varieties. This study aimed to determine the optimal blended NPSB fertilizer rates and high-yielding OFSP varieties in the contrasting environments of Wolaita and Gamo zones, where these crops are staples. We evaluated three OFSP varieties (Alamura, Dilla, and Kabode) and four NPSB rates (0, 79.5, 159, and 238.5 kg ha−1 in a 3x4 factorial experiment using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications during the 2022 cropping season. Data on root yield and yield components were analyzed using the GLM procedure in SAS 9.2. Partial budget analysis and agronomic efficiency were also computed. Results showed that marketable root yield and root dry matter were significantly affected by the interaction of site, fertilizer rates, and OFSP varieties. The highest marketable root yield (49.84 t ha−1 and net benefit (342,856.6 ETB ha−1) were achieved with the Kabode variety at 238.5 kg NPSB in Arba Minch, while the same variety yielded the highest net benefit from 159 kg NPSB in Areka. The highest agronomic efficiency was recorded at 159 kg NPSB and 79 kg NPSB in Arba Minch (174.71) and Areka (288.67), respectively, indicating a negative relationship between net benefit, agronomic efficiency, and increasing NPSB rates. In conclusion, cultivating the Kabode variety with 159 kg ha−1 NPSB in Arba Minch and 79.5 kg ha−1 NPSB in Areka is recommended for enhancing sweet potato productivity, thereby improving food security and nutritional benefits for smallholder farmers in the region.

Effect of harvesting time on root yield and nutritional composition of orange-fleshed sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] varieties in East Hararghe

In eastern Ethiopia, sweet potato is a vital food and nutrition security crop; moreover, orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties are rich in beta-carotene content and have the potential to alleviate chronic Vitamin A malnutrition in the region. However, the unavailability of adaptable varieties and lack of information on production and post-harvest handling practices have limited its production and utilization in eastern Ethiopia. The research was conducted to identify the proper harvesting stage of OFSP varieties for optimum yield and nutritional compositions at Rare and Babile research stations of Haramaya University during the main rainy season of 2022. Three varieties (Alamura, Kabode, and Bakule) and four harvesting periods (120, 150, 180, and 210 days after planting (DAP) in factorial combinations were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications. Data were collected for growth, yield, and physicochemical composition-related parameters. Combined analysis of variance revealed the interaction effect of harvesting time and varieties had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on yield, yield-related parameters, and physicochemical components. Alamura variety produced comparable above-ground biomass (28.99 t ha−1) and the highest marketable root yield of 36.40 t ha−1 at 150 DAP, with dry matter content of 33.01 and 30.58 % at 150 and 120 DAP, respectively. Harvesting Alamura at 150 DAP also had the highest ꞵ-carotene, zinc, and iron contents of 11809 μg/100 g, 3.79, and 14.47 mg/100 g, respectively. It was concluded that growing the Alamura variety and harvesting at 150 DAP was better for obtaining higher root yield with good nutritional compositions in the study area.

Effectiveness of bioinsecticides for different applications against the main pests of radish

Goal. To determine the technical effectiveness of bioinsecticides against major insect pests of radish (Raphanus sativus (L.) convar. radicula (Pers) Sazon.) grown in open fields, and their impact on plants, yield, and root crop quality. Methods. The study was conducted in accordance with the methods generally accepted in entomology and vegetable growing. During 2020—2022 in open ground conditions on three radish hybrids of different ripeness groups (Adele, Eliza and Stellar) the effectiveness of bioinsecticides Bitoxibacillin-BTU, p. (cell bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis-endospores, titer 1.0 × 10⁹ CFU/ cm3, CS +), 2 l/ha, ACTOVERM FORMULA, CE (abamectin, 18 g/l), 5 l/ha, Lepidocide-BTU, p. (cells of the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis-var. Kurstaki 9708 L, endospores less than 1 × 109 CFU/cm3), 4 l/ ha, (control). The preparations were applied by spraying plants and fertigation (introduction of fertilizers or pesticides into the irrigation system). Results. On the 14th day after spraying radish plants with Bitoxybacillin-BTU, the population of crucifer flea beetles decreased by 3.9—5.2 times and by 2.8—3.9 times with fertigation. The population of cabbage aphids decreased by 3.9—4.8 and 3.0—3.5 times, and cabbage moth by 5.0—9.0 and 2.7—5.0 times, respectively. The technical effectiveness of Bitoxybacillin-BTU was 76% and 68% against crucifer flea beetles, 78% and 70% against cabbage aphids, and 83% and 73% against cabbage moth. The application of ACTOVERM FORMULA by spraying reduced the population of crucifer flea beetles by 2.6—3.3 times and by 2.5—2.7 times with fertigation. The population of cabbage aphids decreased by 2.9—3.6 and 2.5—2.8 times, and cabbage moth by 2.0—3.0 and 2.0—5.0 times, depending on the radish hybrid. The technical effectiveness of ACTOVERM FORMULA against these pests was 67%, 70%, and 77% with spraying, and 60%, 62%, and 73% with fertigation, respectively. No negative effects from spraying or fertigation with bioinsecticides on radish plants were detected. However, radish plants in the spray treatment had higher height (by 2—3 cm), more leaves per plant (by 1 leaf), and a larger leaf surface area (by 0.2—0.8 thousand m²/ha), depending on the hybrid and product. The root mass increased in treatments with double spraying of ACTOVERM FORMULA and Bitoxybacillin-BTU compared to control and fertigation. The use of bioinsecticides Bitoxybacillin- BTU and ACTOVERM FORMULA (2 treatments) during vegetation ensured yields of 25.6—25.8 t/ha for the Adele hybrid with 93—94% marketable root crops, 24.0—25.1 t/ha for the Eliza hybrid with 94—95% marketable root crops, and 23.2—23.7 t/ha for the Stellar hybrid with 95—96% marketable root crops. The root crops had high dry matter content (Adele: 7.9—8.2%, Eliza: 6.2—6.3%, Stellar: 6.5—6.7%), total sugars (Adele: 2.4—2.5%, Eliza: 2.1—2.2%, Stellar: 2.6%), and ascorbic acid content (Adele: 26.0—26.2 mg/100 g, Eliza: 23.9—24.0 mg/100 g, Stellar: 25.4—25.5 mg/100 g). Conclusions. The application of bioinsecticides Bitoxybacillin-BTU (2 l/ha) and ACTOVERM FORMULA (5 l/ ha) is an effective method for controlling sucking pests in radish crops. Double spraying of radish plants at BBCH 0—9 and BBCH 12—19 with Bitoxybacillin-BTU (2 l/ha) provided control of crucifer flea beetle (76%), cabbage aphid (78%), and cabbage moth (83%). Double spraying with ACTOVERM FORMULA (5 l/ha) at the same stages provided control of crucifer flea beetle (67%), cabbage aphid (70%), and cabbage moth (77%).

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) genotype selection using advanced indices and statistical models: A multi-year approach

In Bangladesh, sweet potato holds the fourth position as a crucial carbohydrate source, trailing rice, wheat, and potato. However, locally grown sweet potato varieties often display limited stability and yield. To tackle this challenge, diverse selection methods and statistical models were utilized to pinpoint sweet potato genotypes showcasing both stability and superior yield and quality traits. In the initial two years, multiple selection methods were employed to narrow down the collections based on preferences for yield and its contributing traits. Subsequently, a multi-environment trial (MET) was conducted in the following year to pinpoint superior and stable genotypes with desirable yield and quality characteristics. An integrated approach involving the Multi-Trait Genotype Ideotype Distance Index (MGIDI), Factor Analysis and Ideotype-Design (FAI-BLUP), and Smith-Hazel Index (SH) led to the identification of 71 superior sweet potato genotypes out of a total of 351 in the initial growing season. In the subsequent season, the MGIDI selection index was applied to the 71 genotypes, resulting in the selection of 11 top-performing genotypes. This selection process was complemented by a detailed analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the selected genotypes. In the MET, the mixed effect model, specifically the linear mixed model (LMM), identified significant genotypic and genotype-environment interaction (GEI) variances. This points to elevated heritability and selection accuracy, ultimately boosting the model's reliability. By combining the strengths of LMM and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), the best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) index identified H20 as the top-performing genotype for marketable root yield (MRY), H37 for dry weight of root (DW), H8 for beta carotene (BC) and H41 for vitamin c (VC). These genotypes surpassed the overall average in the WAAS index. For simultaneous stability and high performance, the WAASBY index selected H37 for MRY, H6 for DW, H61 for BC, and H3 for VC. Finally, genotypes H3 and H20 were selected using multi-trait stability index (MTSI), as they possessed high performance and stability. Based on the selection sense, the objective has been achieved with regards to the trait MRW, which serves as a major criterion for a superior variety of sweet potato.

Determining the Profitability of Different NPSB and Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates on Yield and Yield Attributes of SweetPotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) in the Midland Areas of Guji Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Sweet potato is a crucial crop for food security and income generation. Sweet potato vine length, number of stems, average number of roots per plant, average root weight, marketable root yield, non-marketable root yield, and total sweet potato root yield were determined by the NPSB and nitrogen fertilizer application rates (p&lt;0.01). Using the right fertilizer recommendations can improve crop growth and yield while minimizing resource use. Both NPSB and Nitrogen fertilizer rates had a highly significant impact on root number, root weight, marketable root yield, unmarketable root yield, and total root yield. The combination of 100 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer and 69 kg ha-1 of Nitrogen fertilizer gave the highest marketable root yield (553.09 qt ha-1). The treatment with 100 kg ha-1 NPSB fertilizer and 46 kg ha-1 Nitrogen fertilizer demonstrated the best result in terms of marginal rate of returns, with a marginal revenue of 17872%. To optimize sweet potato productivity in the Adola rede region, it is recommended to apply 100 kg ha-1 NPSB and 46 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertilizer. In general, cultivation in the Adola rede region can be optimized by applying a combination of 100 kg ha-1 of NPSB fertilizer and 46 kg ha-1 of nitrogen, resulting in improved plant growth and marketability, higher root yields and cost efficiency.

Evaluation of different fertilizer sources for sustainable carrot production in Tehuledere district, northern Ethiopia

The demand for organic agriculture has been growing due to concerns about the environmental and health impacts of chemical-intensive farming. The study aimed to investigate the effects organic fertilizers on carrot (Nantes) growth and yield in Tehuledere district. The experiment was conducted at two sites (Gobeya and Libannos) using four fertilizer types (vermicompost, conventional compost, mixture of the two, and inorganic fertilizer) and a control. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with three replications, and data were analyzed using R-software. The study analyzed various growth (emergence percentage, plant height, leaf number, fresh weight, and dry weight of leaves), and yield (root length, root diameter, fresh weight of roots, marketable root yield, unmarketable root yield, and total root yield) parameters. Generally, fertilizer application improved (p < 0.001) growth and yield compared to the control. Vermicompost and inorganic fertilizer (NPSB) showed similar results (p > 0.001) but the highest values (p < 0.001) for most of the parameters (marketable yield was 41.7 t/ha±0.76 for vermicompost and 42.5 t/ha±1.14 for NPSB). However, NPSB could pose negative environmental impact that could not result in sustainability if used in excess and inappropriate (method and time) in particular. Therefore, carrot production using vermicompost is recommended for farmers of Tehuledere district and similar agroecological areas to enhance productivity while contributing to sustainable agriculture. The results have implications for policy makers, researchers, and farmers interested in promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable carrot production.

Evaluating the Response of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) to Different Macronutrients and Harvesting Time

The growth and production of carrot influenced by macronutrients and harvesting time, thus a field experiment was conducted at Horticultural Research Field of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka, between December 2020 and March 2021 during the Rabi season to evaluate the response of carrot to different macro nutrients and harvesting time. The experiment consisted of two factors i.e., macro nutrients and harvesting time, and laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Factor A: Different levels of macronutrients (4) i.e., F0= Control, F1= N160P50K120S30 kg ha-1, F2 = N185P70K140S40 kg ha-1, F3 = N210P90K160S50 kg ha-1 and Factor B: A Harvesting time (3) i.e., H1 = 90 days after sowing, H2 = 100 days after sowing and H3 = 110 days after sowing. Experimental results revealed that different levels of macronutrients and harvesting time significantly influenced the growth and yield of carrot. In case of combination treatment (macro nutrients and harvesting time) the highest brix percentage of carrot root (8.20 %), marketable root yield per plot of carrot (6.40 kg) and marketable root yield of carrots per hectare (26.67 t) were observed in the F2H2 treatment combination comparable to others treatment combinations. Therefore, it was suggested that cultivation of carrot through application of fertilizer @ N185P70K140S40 kg ha-1 (F2) and harvesting at 100 days after sowing (H2), appeared to be best for achieving higher growth, yield and quality root of carrot.

Back to the roots of cause-related marketing – A systematic literature review of cooperation motives

Based on a systematic literature review, this paper explores the motives for cooperation between nonprofit organizations (NPO) and companies as profit organizations (PO) in the context of cause-related marketing (CrM) partnerships. CrM is a marketing and fundraising tool which combines the purchase of products with a “good cause” and has already gained significant attention in theory and practice as a widespread practice of corporate social responsibility. However, research often focuses on specific aspects and primarily on the perspective of consumers (i.e., their purchase or support intentions), while only a few studies deal with the motives that NPO and PO pursue with such intersectoral collaboration. Overall, the findings indicate that research on the NPO’s view is particularly limited and that CrM is generally based on a bundle of motives or (both financial and non-financial) goals, with the self-interested perspective of PO appearing to be dominant. The paper suggests several avenues for further research and advocates a stronger focus on fundamental questions that were raised decades ago but have not been adequately answered since the origins of CrM.

Effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of sweetpotato var NSIC SP30

Sweetpotato yield may be increased through effective crop management practices including plant spacing and fertilization. This study was conducted in an alluvial soil (Inceptisol) to evaluate the effects of plant spacing and rates of NPK application on the growth and yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. The experiment was laid out in a split plot arranged in RCBD with three replications. Three plant spacing treatments were designated as the main plot D1(75cmx25cm), D2(100cmx25cm), and D3(100cmx50cm). The rates of NPK application were designated as the subplot: F0(no NPK), F1(40-40-60kg ha-1 NPK), F2(60-60-90kg ha-1 NPK), and F3(80-80-120kg ha-1 NPK). Plant spacing significantly affected the number of lateral vines, weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, and the total root yield of NSIC Sp30 sweetpotato. An interaction effect was observed between the plants spaced at 100cmx50cm with NPK application resulting in more medium-sized roots. Plants spaced at 75cmx25cm produced the highest total root yield of 7.67t ha-1. Application of NPK significantly influenced the length of main vines, fresh herbage yield, the weight of marketable roots, number of marketable roots, root length, root diameter, total root yield, LAI and HI. A higher yield of marketable roots 7,208.85kg ha-1 and a total root yield of 8.51t ha-1 were observed for plants applied with 40-40-60 kg ha-1 NPK. The growth and yield performance of NSIC Sp30 is better when plants are spaced at 75cmx25cm with 53,333 plants ha-1 and fertilized with 40-40-60kg ha-1 of NPK.

Medical Cannabis Brand Architecture: Establishing its Roots in Pharmaceutical Marketing

Medical Cannabis Brand Architecture: Establishing its Roots in Pharmaceutical Marketing

A bibliometric analysis of green marketing in marketing and related fields: From 1991 to 2021

PurposeThis study aims to provide the theoretical roots, research trajectories and promising research directions of green marketing in marketing and related fields.Design/methodology/approachThis study integrates three bibliometric analyses, i.e. co-citation analysis, historical direct citation analysis and co-occurrence analysis, and a qualitative review to examine the 781 publications that matched the search criteria between January 1991 and December 2021 from the Web of Science (WoS) database.FindingsThe research findings show that eleven groups of cited references characterize the theoretical roots of green marketing in marketing and related fields. Besides, the two main research trajectories identified were found to be developed under the impact of prior studies. Moreover, the four research themes concerning this research domain are presented. The results also highlight promising research directions.Research limitations/implicationsBased on the quantitative bibliometric analysis and qualitative literature reviews, this study has provided a comprehensive overview of the current stage of this domain. The study also has underscored an abundance of green marketing literature and revealed the research topics that require further investigations to theoretically and empirically advance the understanding of green marketing.Practical implicationsSome topics about green marketing were recommended for further research. Some practical examples and suggestions are also given in the study.Originality/valueThis study reviewed 781 publications at the intersection of green marketing research domain in marketing and related fields to identify the theoretical roots, research trajectories and research themes and to propose promising research avenues.

On-Farm Multi-Environment Evaluation of Selected Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) Cultivars in South Africa.

Cassava is an important starchy root crop grown globally in tropical and subtropical regions. The ability of cassava to withstand difficult growing conditions and long-term storability underground makes it a resilient crop, contributing to food and nutrient security. This study was conducted to evaluate the performance and adaptability of exotic cassava cultivars across different environments in South Africa and to recommend genotypes for cultivation. A total of 11 cassava cultivars were evaluated at six on-farm sites, using a randomized complete block design with three replications. There were highly significant (p < 0.001) variations between genotypes, environments, and their interaction for all yield and yield-related traits studied. This indicates the need to test the genotypes in multiple environments before effective selection and commercialization can be undertaken. MSAF2 and UKF4 showed the overall best performances for most of the traits, whilst UKF9 (49.5%) and P1/19 (48.5%) had the highest dry matter yield. UKF4 (102.7 t ha−1) had the highest yield and greatest root yield stability across environments. MSAF2 did not perform consistently across environments because it was highly susceptible to cassava mosaic disease (CMD). MSAF2 could be used as a donor parent to generate novel clones with large numbers of marketable roots, and high fresh root yields, if the other parent can provide effective resistance to CMD. Based on genotype and environmental mean, Mabuyeni (KwaZulu-Natal), Mandlakazi (Limpopo), and Shatale (Mpumalanga) were found to be better environments for cassava cultivation and testing. This study is a pioneer in cassava research using multiple environments in South Africa. It provides baseline information on the performance of currently available cassava clones, their adaptation to multiple sites, the identification of suitable test sites, and information on current genetic resources for a future breeding program.

Evaluation of released sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] varieties for yield and yield-related attributes in Semen-Bench district of Bench-Sheko-Zone, South-Western Ethiopia

Sweet potato is a significant root crop that can be used for both food and feed. Bench-Sheko zone mid-altitudes, in general, are among the most important sweet potato growing regions in southwest Ethiopia. During the 2017 and 2018 growing seasons, a study was carried out in the Semen-Bench district of the Bench-sheko zone, southwestern Ethiopia, to investigate the adaptability and performance of improved sweet potato varieties and to identify the best performer variety. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used to compare the performance of five improved (viz., Awassa-83, Beletch, Berkume, Kulfo, Tula) and one Local sweet potato variety. The results of both years and over year combined statistical analysis indicated that the varieties significantly varied in terms of all yield and yield-related traits. As a result, the Awassa-83 variety acquired the greatest values of average root diameter in both the 2017 (11.9 cm) and 2018 (10.1 cm) growing seasons, followed by the Berkume variety. In both 2017 and 2018 growing seasons and over year combined analysis, the highest average storage root length (21.5 cm), marketable storage root yield (29.06 ton/ha), total storage root yield (43.22 ton/ha), and storage root dry weight (42%) was recorded from variety Awassa-83. Variety Beletech and Berkume were found to be statistically similar and the next highest in terms of marketable storage root yield, and total storage root yield; moreover, variety Berkume was found to be the next highest in terms of storage root dry weight in two years combined result. On the other hand, the variety Beletech, which was closely followed by Awassa-83, had the highest average number of roots per plant (8.28) and the greatest number of marketable roots per plant (7.04). Therefore, considering overall traits Awassa-83 was found to be superior in overall performance and can be recommended for production in the study area and related agro-ecologies.

Results of carrot cultivation test under the conditions of the south of the Amur Region

Carrot is one of the main vegetable crops due to its high yield and long-term preservation during winter storage. In the Amur Region, the vegetable crop zoning is underdeveloped. As a result, the assortment of recognized varieties and hybrids of carrot has long been outdated and is not replenished with new items. As part of the research work of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education "BGPU" at its agrobiological station, the specialists perform testing and assessment of various vegetable crops, including carrot. The purpose of the study is to identify high-yielding varieties of garden carrots suitable for cultivating in the agricultural and climatic conditions of the south of the Amur Region. The field trial was performed in accordance with the methods developed by B.A. Dospekhov (1985) and the state variety testing of agricultural crops described in "Vegetable and Cucurbit Crops, Potato, and Fodder Root Crops" (1956). The researchers applied agricultural technology that is commonly used in the region. Fifteen carrot samples of foreign selection were the object of the study. The hybrid F1 Abaco that had been grown at the agrobiological station for a long time was set as a standard. The vegetative period of the studied varieties under the regional conditions is 92-110 days. Nanco F1 and Sylvano F1 showed high yields, producing 41.0 and 47.0 tons of marketable roots per ha, with an average root weight of 110.1 and 120.9 g, respectively. The marketability of harvested root crops was 89.0% for Nanco F1 and 94.0% for Sylvano F1. We recommend vegetable growers in the region to establish a cultivation conveyor for garden carrots using the mid-early Presto F1 hybrid for sale in an early bunch and high-yielding F1 hybrids Nanco and Sylvano for fall use.

Screening of some sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) genotypes for yield and damage by Cylas puncticollis under rainfed conditions in Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria

A field experiment was conducted at the National Root Crops Research Institute, Umudike, Southeastern Nigeria during the 2015 and 2016 cropping seasons to evaluate diversity among F1 population of sweet potato, namely: Sauti × 442162 (6), Ligri × Faara (17), Sauti × Bohye (17), including two checks (Umuspo 3 and TIS 87/0087). This experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replicates under rainfed condition. Data on fresh storage root yield were recorded at 120 days after planting. Analysis of variance, correlation and principal component analysis were utilized for data analysis. The study revealed that yield of fresh storage root showed significant differences (P&lt; 0.05) among the sweet potato genotypes. Sauti X Bohye produced the highest storage root yield (19.33 t/ha) in 2015 and performed better than the national check TIS 87/0087 that recorded a storage root yield of 10.84 t/ha. The result from the study showed that out of the forty genotypes evaluated, twenty-six (26) genotypes recorded attack of C. puncticollis. The extent of the damge recorded among the genotypes attacked by C. puncticollis ranged from severe damage to little damage among the genotypes that recorded fresh storage root damage. SautiXBohye/11, SautiXBohye/13, SautiXBohye/17 recorded severe damage caused by C. puncticollis while LigriXFaara/15 recorded moderate damaged caused by C. puncticollis. Fifteen (15) genotypes did not record any infestation by Cylas puncticollis. All characters except unmarketable storage root weight at harvest exhibited positive and significant (P&lt; 0.01) correlation with total roots weight (yield). Principal component analysis had three main principal components explaining 84.25% of the total variation with number of marketable roots, weight of marketable roots, storage root yield and Cylas incidence contributing the most to the first PCA. These genotypes could possess resistance genes to Cylas puncticollis and these genotypes could be incorporated in breeding programs for further trail.

Assessment of Genetic Parameters for Important Agronomic Traits in Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) Germplasm in Two Agro-ecological Regions of Nigeria

For an effective and efficient crop breeding program, collection of good genotypes that provides good agronomic background for the new variety to be developed must be available, and such genotypes must contain significant genetic variability for effective crop development. In order to determine the agronomic worth of a collection of sweetpotato genotypes so as to identify the superior ones under different agro-ecologies, and also to determine the extent of variability that exists among the genotypes, fifty-two genotypes were evaluated at Umudike (rainforest belt) and forty-eight at Otobi (humid guinea savannah) during the raining season using recommended protocols. While agronomic data were taken at 4 months after planting (MAP), sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD) incidence and severity scores were taken at 2 MAP. Results showed that significant (p&lt;0.001) variation exists among the genotypes for all the traits except weight of unmarketable roots in both locations. Genotype PYT/12/074 had the highest root yield of 29.33 t/ha at the rainforest belt followed by Solo-2 and PYT/12/105 with yield levels of 27.67 and 26.33 t/ha, respectively. At Otobi, same PYT/12/074 had the highest root yield of 27.74 t/ha followed by Kwara and PYT/12/105 with yield levels of 27.67 and 26.33 t/ha, respectively. The principal component analysis identified marketable root weight, number of marketable roots, SPVD incidence and severity as the most important traits that influenced the observed variation among the genotypes. The biplot analysis further identified most of the orange-fleshed genotypes as highly susceptible to SPVD. Genetic studies of the traits showed that while broad-sense heritability estimates ranged from moderate to high for the important agronomic and SPVD traits, the high GCV and genetic advance observed portends a high genetic gain and good breeding progress in the breeding program using the genotypes.

Produção de batata-doce em resposta a diferentes fontes de potássio e parcelamento da adubação

ABSTRACT Sweet potatoes are an important staple food for human consumption. This study evaluated sweet potato yield in response to potassium fertilization using different sources and splitting. It was conducted at the Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia-PB. A complete randomized block experimental design was used in a 7 × 2 factorial arrangement. The fertilization was split into seven treatments (100% after planting; 100% at 30 days after planting (DAP); 100% at 60 DAP; 50% after planting and 50% at 30 DAP; 50% after planting and 50% at 60 DAP; 50% at 30 DAP and 50% 60 at DAP; 33% after planting, 33% at 30 DAP, and 33% at 60 DAP). Two fertilization sources were used, namely potassium chloride and potassium sulfate, with three replicates. Plant fresh mass, mass of marketable roots, production of marketable roots per plant, leaf K concentration, total and marketable root yields were evaluated. Chloride and sulfate potassium efficiently increased the fresh mass of the plant and the mass of marketable roots, respectively. The marketable yield of the roots (25.16 and 22.28 Mg ha-1) was higher than the national average (14.07 Mg ha-1) when K2O was supplied in the sulfate and potassium chloride sources, respectively. The leaf K concentration remained within the standard levels for the crops under chloride and potassium sulfate fertilization. Potassium sulfate application results in higher sweet potato yields. When supplied in a single application, chloride and sulfate potassium increase the total and commercial yield only when the plants are at 60 DAP.

Genotype × environment interaction for the agronomic performance of high β-carotene sweetpotato

Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is an important tuber vegetable for human health worldwide owing to its nutritional value and productivity. Consumption of orange-fleshed sweetpotato is beneficial to combat vitamin A deficiency in the world, including Brazil, as these tubers are rich in β-carotene, a precursor of vitamin A. The genotype × environment interaction is one of the greatest challenges in plant breeding, specifically in the selection and approval of cultivars. In this context, adaptability and stability analyses are warranted to evaluate the performance of various genotypes in terms of general or specific adaptations to certain environments and to identify genotypes responsive to environmental variations. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genotype × environment interaction as well as to estimate the adaptability and stability of sweetpotato genotypes for identifying and selecting promising candidates for breeding. The experiments were performed in four environments: Vera Cruz in São Paulo, Selvíria in Mato Grosso do Sul, and one organic and another intercropped production system in Sete Barras in São Paulo. A randomized block design with two replicates was adopted. A total of 265 genotypes were tested, and the orange-fleshed sweetpotato cultivar ‘Beauregard’ was used as the control. The additive main effects and multiplicative interaction model was used to study environmental stratification, adaptability, and stability. The genotype × environment interaction was evident in all environments. The genotypes CERAT21-13 (marketable root yield, 22.30 t ha-1 in the four environments), CERAT29-26 (27.74 t ha-1), and CERAT52-22 (20.24 t ha-1) were the most adapted in general to the four environments. CERAT25-23, CERAT29-23, and CERAT29-26 were the most adapted to the environment in Vera Cruz; CERAT29-26, CERAT34-14, and CERAT56-32 to the environment in Selvíria; and CERAT31-10, CERAT35-19, and CERAT52-22 to the two environments in Sete Barras.