Breeding of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatus L.) for Fresh Consumption

Abstract

Sukhothai Horticultural Research Center and Phichit Agricultural Research and Development Center conducted a sweet potato breeding program in order to select new varieties which have good quality for fresh consumption and high yield. Crossing between
local cultivars and introduced cultivars has been done. The hybrids were evaluated and
compared with the local cultivars. The top six hybrids were selected and tested under
3 different locations (regional trial) to compare quality and yield. Three promising hybrid
lines (ST 03, ST 10 and ST 18) were selected and tested in 6 farmer plots. Growth, yield,
quality and consumer acceptability of those lines were record and compared with local
cultivar. The results showed that ST 03 and ST 18 were suitable for fresh consumption.
ST 03 had high growth rate, enable it to cover the ground faster which prevent the
problem from weed. It tolerated to sweet potato weevil better than other cultivars. White
skin and yellow flesh with good eating quality were found in ST 03. Those average yield
from regional trial and farmer plots were 3,884 and 1,619 kg/rai, respectively. ST 18 grew
well with red skin, yellow flesh and good eating quality. It also contained high beta
carotene (480 μg) and protein (1.2 g) per 100g of fresh sweet potato. The average yield
from regional trial and farmer plots were 2,900 and 1,727 kg/rai, respectively. ST 03 and
ST 18 cultivars are recommended to farmers to replace the local cultivars.