Decision tree scoring system to guide selection for consumer preference in sweetpotato breeding trials

Abstract

BACKGROUNDPreviously, a lexicon and protocol for quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) was established for the Uganda sweetpotato breeding program. The implication of QDA scores for priority sensory attributes on consumer preference should be determined to interpret results efficiently and make decisions effectively. The present study aimed to develop a gender‐responsive decision tree to obtain an overall sweetpotato eating quality score to facilitate demand‐led targeted breeding selection. It focused on Kamuli and Hoima districts (Uganda) and uses pre‐lease advanced clones (‘NKB3’, ‘NKB105’, ‘NKB135’, ‘D11’ and ‘D20’), released varieties (‘NASPOT 8’ and ‘NAROSPOT 1’) and landraces (‘Muwulu‐Aduduma’, ‘Umbrella’).RESULTSIncluding boiled sweetpotato sensory characteristics, namely mealy, sweet taste, sweetpotato smell, firm and not fibrous, in breeding design would benefit end‐users, especially women given their role in varietal selection, food preparation and marketing. ‘D20’, ‘NASPOT 8’ and ‘NAROSPOT 1’ were most liked in both districts. ‘NKB3’ and ‘D11’ were the least liked in Hoima, whereas ‘Muwulu‐Aduduma’ was the least liked in Kamuli. There was a positive correlation between color and overall liking (r2 = 0.8) and consumers liked the color (average rating ≥ 6 on a nine‐point hedonic scale) of all genotypes. Threshold values (average rating on 11‐point scales) for consumer acceptability were identified (sweet taste = 6, sweetpotato aroma and flavor = 6, firmness = 3, and mealiness = 4). A regression decision tree tool was created to calculate an eating quality selection index when screening lines in breeding programs using the values.CONCLUSIONDecision trees that include consumer needs and gender considerations would facilitate demand‐led breeding and make varietal selection in sweetpotato breeding programs more effective. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Q&A: Methods for estimating genetic gain in sub‐Saharan Africa and achieving improved gains

“…To achieve this, breeders should engage customers and other stakeholders through surveys, interviews, and focus groups to gather valuable feedback on desired traits, market demands, and cultivation practices. Notably, recent studies (Naa Ashiokai Prempeh et al., 2024; Nakitto et al., 2023; Nchanji et al., 2023; Regassa et al., 2023) exemplify the practical application of customer data in this context. Guided by the TPP framework, breeders can identify target traits and establish performance benchmarks that harmonize with market demands and cultivation practices.…”

A case of transdisciplinarity and collaborative decision making: the co‐construction of Gendered Food Product Profiles

“…However, in hindsight the team felt that for a more balanced and informed assessment, each design team member could have completed the tool separately and discussed it as a group to enhance learning opportunities, as was undertaken by the International Potato Centre (CIP) sweetpotato team in Uganda (see second case study later). 28,[53][54][55] The use of the adapted G+ for the gari-eba GFPP did not result in the removal or addition of characteristics, which was unsurprising given that the data were collected useing a gender and social difference research methodology and as such, were already informed by the interests and priorities of women and men food system actors. 5 However, the tool impacted on how the characteristics were prioritised and their justification, including the need to refer to additional evidence outside of the project to complete the tool and thus emphasising the importance of the complementarity of non-breeding research initiatives.…”

“…56 Case study 2: The boiled sweetpotato Gendered Food Product Profile (GFPP) in Uganda. 28,[53][54][55] The boiled sweetpotato GFPP for Uganda was initially led by a gender scientist (Steps 1-4) and later by a food scientist (Step 5). The activities were undertaken in two major sweetpotato producing districts, Kamwenge in western Uganda and Lira in northern Uganda, where the crop is grown for food and income, and consumed mainly in its boiled form.…”