Evaluating the Performance of Improved Sweet Potato (Ipomoea Batatas) Varieties at Shishir, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Field trial was conducted in 2014 rainy season at the Shishir Kebele of South Ari Woreda. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of improved sweet potato varieties with a view to identify those that may be adaptable with high yielding potential in the study area. The treatments consisted of 7 sweet potato varieties: Awassa-83, Temesgen, Beletech, Kulfo, Tula, Belela, Guntutea and a local check. These were laid out in a Randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Significant differences were observed on the parameters mean number of roots per plot, total fruit weight per hectare, marketable fruit weight per hectare, unmarketable fruit weight per hectare, mean vine weight per plot, average root diameter and average root length. Maximum number of roots per plot was recorded on varieties Beletech (87.00) and Local check; whereas minimum number of roots per plot was recorded on Guntutea and Kulfo. Awassa-83 (135.66 ton ha^-1) and Kulfo (124.66 ton ha^-1) recorded maximum marketable fresh weight per hectare; whereas minimum mean marketable fresh weight per hectare was recorded on Local check (43.00 ton ha^-1). Sweet potato need to be cultivated as a stable food crop for food security and nutritional security to feed the ever increasing population of Ethiopia. To increase production and productivity appropriate varieties has to be looked for beside other agronomic and plant protection activities. In the present experiment, since the local variety performed less as compared to the improved ones farmers should avoid using of the Local variety and replace with the well performed white fleshed and orange fleshed sweet potato varieties.

Keywords: Orange fleshed; Sothern Ethiopia; sweet potato; variety evaluation; white fleshed