Selection of new sweet potato genotypes based on production parameters, physical root characteristics and resistance to Euscepes postfasciatus

• DOI: 10.1007/s12892-020-00083-0
• Publication Date: 2021-01-26T08:02:27Z
• Authors: Murilo Henrique S...; André Ricardo Zeist; Nilson Rodrigues ...; André Dutra Silva...; José Henrique Ver...; Jair Garcia Neto; Julia Roberta San...; Amanda Carvalho P...
• Keywords: 0106 biological sciences; 2. Zero hunger; 01 natural sciences

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is a root that allows healthy eating and combats malnutrition. There is a need for more productive sweet potato genotypes displaying good resistance and a favorable appearance and shape. New genotypes that are more productive, resistant to the main soil pests and with good physical characteristics would contribute to meet the needs of producers and the demands of consumers. The aim of this study was to develop and select sweet potato genotypes regarding agronomic and physical root parameters. The new genotypes were obtained through the cross-linking of 22 parents with commercial characteristics. Subsequently, 386 experimental genotypes were conducted in the field in an experimental design consisting of augmented blocks with intercalated controls. Aspects related to agronomic, physical root characteristics and resistance to Euscepes postfasciatus were explored. Genotypes with higher performance than the controls were identified for all assessed parameters. The genotypes UZBD-K-09, UZBD-K-56 and UZBD-K-78, with purple flesh roots, UZBD-F-15 and UZBD-F-34, with orange flesh, and UZBD-K-70, with a white flesh were selected.