Adaptation of sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas) (L.) Lam] genotypes in various agro-ecological zones of Malawi

Abstract

Sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas) (L.) Lam] is grown by small holder farmers across a wide range of environments in Malawi.A multi-location trial of eight genotypes for three seasons at six research stations was undertaken using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) model analysis to determine the genotypes' stability and influence of genotype × environment interactions (GEI) on storage root yield. ANOVA showed high significant differences in storage root yield of the genotypes among seasons and locations (p≤0.01). Genotype, environment and genotype × environmental interaction significantly influenced storage root yield variation of the cultivars (p≤0.01). The variance in yield was mainly attributable to environment variability (62.86%) than genotypes variation (14.25%) and G × E interactions (15.06%). Semusa was superior for storage root yield (27.77t/ha) and Lu96/334 was the most inferior (11.19 t/ha). AMMI stability analysis revealed that LU96/303 (24.72 t/ha) was the most stable genotype across sites. Biplot analysis showed that Chitedze and Baka were sites conducive for high yields hence can be used for preliminary yield evaluation to capture maximum genotypes' yield potential, while Lunyangwa was the lowest yields site; therefore useful for assessing the potential of worst performance of genotypes under unfavourable environmental conditions.

Development of a multicriteria decision-making model for evaluating hybrid offspring in the sweetpotato (<i>Ipomoea batatas</i> L.) breeding process

“…For sweetpotato variety registration, the elite lines screened out via the MCDM model are promising cultivated genotypes. Before formal variety registration, it is necessary to carry out experiments on stress resistance (Gitore et al 2021), disease resistance (Lee et al 2019), insect resistance (Kagimbo et al 2020) and regional adaptation (Felistus et al 2018).…”

More Interventions, Low Adoption: To What Extent Are the Existing Seed Sources to Blame? The Case of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato in Central and Northern Malawi

“…It is an herbaceous perennial root crop of the Convolvulaceae family with flesh colors ranging from white, yellow, cream, purple, and orange [1,5,6]. The crop, commonly grown by resource poor smallholder farmers, easily adapts in almost all agro-ecological conditions in the world and easily fits into various farming systems [7][8][9][10]. In the past two decades, there has been a tremendous increase and improvement in sweet potato yield particularly in the Sub-Saharan African (SSA) region, where farming is the primary source of livelihood for about 90% of the population [11].…”

Performance of High Yielding Sweet Potato Varieties under Different Seasons

“…The crop shows very high genetic diversity and a number of its varieties have been released for cultivation. However, the response of these varieties varies widely depending on soil and climatic factors [1].…”