Yield Evaluation and Assessment of Growth of Five Different Varieties of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam)

Abstract

Sweet potato production is on the increase worldwide, especially in the countries within the tropics. However, yields from many varieties are limited. The experiment was carried out to evaluate growth and yield of different sweet potato varieties. The field experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with five treatments replicated four times. The experiment was located along Parry Road, University of Ibadan Longitude 3°45’E and Latitude 7°27’N with elevation of 200-300 m above sea level. Five different varieties of sweet potato were used as treatments namely; Ex-igbaraiam, Benue, Akinima, TIS87/0087 and Eruwa. Soil samples were taken prior to planting for both physical and chemical analysis. Plant growth and yield parameters determined include vine length, number of leaves, total biomass, number of tubers and weight of tubers. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using GENSTAT 3rd edition software package. Total biomass was in order of TIS 87/0087 >Akinima> Benue >Eruwa> Ex-igbaraiam. Sweet potato tubers were significantly difference (p=0.05) with TIS 87/0087(1.72 t/ha) and Benue (1.66 t/ha) had the highest yields followed by Ex-igbaraiam (1.07 t/ha) and least by Eruwa (0.81 t/ha) and Akinima (0.77 t/ha).  Yield to total biomass ratio (a measure of conversion of biomass to yield) was in order of TIS 87/0087>Akinima>Benue > Eruwa >Ex-igbaraiam. TIS 87/0087 and Benue with highest yields are better options for farmers for optimum yield production compared to other varieties.