High yielding sweet potato varieties for Mindanao [Philippines]

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is a commonly grown root crop and one of the staple foods among Filipinos. It has many uses being a source of starch and flour, and as ingredient in non-alcoholic beverage, catchup, jellies, jams, soy sauce, bakery and non-bakery products. The young leaves and shoots are also used as vegetables. Sweet potato is drought tolerant and grows on soil with limited fertility. To boost the sweet potato industry, Tumapon et al. (DA-RFU 10) conducted an advanced yield trial at the DA Northern Mindanao Integrated Agricultural Research Center (NOMIARC), Dalwangan, Malaybalay City in 2005-2006. Sixteen varieties was evaluated using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. Findings of the study revealed the following: Wet season. Lines JK-02-20-3 and SG-99-09-02 got the highest total yields of 49.50 t/ha and 47.03 t/ha, respectively. JK-02-20-4 followed with a yield of 31.1 t/ha. For the average weight of roots or biggest produce per plant, JK-02-20-4 got the highest mean of 406.3 g. The dry matter content (DMC) indicates the starch content of the variety. A DMC of 30% or higher is good for processing. SG-02-34-01 obtained the highest DMC of 48%. Cost and return analysis showed that JK-02-20-3 got the highest net return of Php 216,600/ha. This was followed by SG-99-09-02, SG-01-14-01, and JK-02-20-04 with Php 205,100; Phph 109,100; and Php 104,100, respectively. Dry season. USM-SP-22-77 and JK-02-20-03 obtained the highest yields of 22.53 t/ha and 21.97 t/ha, respectively. JK-02-20-3, JK-02-20-4, and BSU SP No.3 had yield of 21.97 t/ha, 20.95 t/ha, and 20.22 t/ha, respectively. JK-027 got the highest DMC of 43%. Three lines followed all with 40% DMC: JK-02-20-4, SG-02-34-07 and USM 1378. With regard to eating quality, USM 1378 was generally accepted by the tasters. Cost and return analysis showed that JK-02-20-4 got the highest net return of Php 71,100/ha. This was followed by USM SP 2277 with Php 63,200. Taking into consideration all the factors measured/observed in the study, the National Root Crops Technical Working Group (NRCTWG) recommended JK-02-20-4 as national variety to the National Seed Industry Council for the year 2006.