Morphological and agronomical characterization of different accessions of sweet potatoe (Ipomoea batatas) in Cameroon

Morphological and agronomical characterization of different accessions of sweet potatoe (Ipomoea batatas) in Cameroon

2012

E06485

A field experiment was carried out, to characterize nineteen sweet potato accessions (Bafia, Bambui Orange, Bokito, Buea Local, IRAD048, IRAD122, Jonathan, Jewel440031, Jewel 56638, Kemkem1, Kemkem2, Mbouda, North Carolina, Santchou, SPK Kakamega, T1b1, T1b2, Tianung and Zapallo) collected from different agro ecological zones, within and out of Cameroon, to ascertain the diversity of these accessions The accessions were characterized agronomically as well as morphologically using 26 International Potato Centre (CIP) descriptors. Cluster analysis revealed the existence of three major groups, with a similarity index range of 0.42 to 1.00 before maturity and 0.34 to 1.00 at maturity based on their Euclidean distance. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among accessions in agronomic and morphological characters. Santchou had the highest average root yield (52.8 t/ha). Kemkem2 had the highest dry matter content (33.5%). Principal component analysis reduced the data set to seven significant components at maturity in a multivariate analysis that cumulatively explained 76.4% of the variation. This indicated a high variation among the sweet potato accessions. The collection therefore represents a rich diversity in form, and yield that can form a good basis for selection in relation to transformation.

2(6):234-245, INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND SOIL SCIENCE

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