Sweet potato ( Ipomoea batatas L.) is a versatile crop belonging to the family Convolvulaceae, often considered an alternative staple food due to its carbohydrate content. Among the various cultivars, purple-fleshed sweet potato (PFSP) has gained attention due to its attractive color and high anthocyanin content, which contributes to its potential health benefits. This study aimed to assess the growth performance and yield components of high-yielding purple-fleshed sweet potato clones. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) was employed, with 12 treatments (clones) and 3 replications. The clones evaluated included 9 PFSP genotypes with Rancing (check), Ayamurasaki (check) and Antin 3 (check). Results indicated significant differences in both quantitative (stem length, branch number, leaf number, leaf length, petiole length, internode length, stem diameter, and dry biomass) and qualitative traits (tuber shape, tuber flesh color, tuber skin color, stem color, leaf shape, leaf margin type, leaf lobe number, mature leaf color, and juvenile leaf color). Additionally, there were variations in yield components, including tuber weight per plant, tuber number per plant, tuber weight per plot, tuber diameter, tuber length, and sweetness content. Seven clones exhibited high yield potential, namely PF8, PF4, PF11, PF7, PF6, PF12, and PF10. This study highlights the promising potential of genotypes for enhanced productivity in PSFP cultivation. Further investigations into agronomic practices and consumer preference could improve the commercial viability of these genotypes.
Ustari et al. (Sun,) studied this question.