Adaptation of orange fleshed sweet potato varieties in the Siltie and Guraghe zones of the SNNPR, Ethiopia
Abstract
Muhammed Sitote* and Mitku Bikamo
Background: Sweet potato plants are important food security crops for millions of people in Africa.
Objective: The present study was conducted to select orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties based on their growth parameters and adaptability.
Material and Method: Adaptability evaluation was conducted in Sankura district (in the Siltie Zone) and Meskan District (in the Guraghe Zone). The experiment was conducted using four orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties laid out in the RCBD and three replications were performed. The following data were collected: number of branches per plant, number of leaves per plant, vine length, fresh weight and dry matter content.
Results: Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that there was a highly significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) in the fresh weight yield per hectare and a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in the dry matter per plant (g) among the tested varieties and varieties*across environments, while there were nonsignificant differences among the tested varieties for the remaining parameters. Based on the mean values, the Kulfo variety was the first followed by the Kabode variety according to the fresh weight yield, whereas the least common variety was Alamura. Again, the Kulfo variety had the highest amount of root dry matter per plant, followed by the Kabode variety, while the Alamura variety had the lowest amount of root dry matter per plant.
Conclusion: Therefore, in the future, it is essential to demonstrate the selected varieties to farmers for production in the study area through preextension and demonstrations.