Sweet-potato improvement in Cameroon
1982
Pfeiffer, H.J. (Institut de la Recherche Agronomique, Yaounde (Cameroon))
The major factors limiting the extension of sweet-potato culture in central-south Cameroon are: low and irregular yields; susceptibility to weevil and virus attack; and difficult integration into traditional farming systems. Thus, these factors are the focus of sweet-potato improvement efforts by the Cameroon National Root Crops Improvement Program (CNRCIP), which has undertaken collection of local clones, yield trials with local and imported clones, and selection for resistance to virus and weevil attack. Results to date indicate that the local clone from Nkolbisson performs better over one 6-month season than over two 4-month seasons and that seed introductions from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) may permit sweet potatoes to be grown over two 4-month cycles, with an accumulated yield of 30-35 t/ha. Covering range and speed are being investigated, as they are especially important during the 2nd season. Tests are also being conducted to determine the acceptability of new clones in terms of taste, texture, and sugar content.
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