Philippine E-Journals

Performance of Orange-fleshed Sweetpotato Varieties in Three Agroecological Conditions in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines

Hilda L. Quindara | Isidro B. Awal | Roger P. Gayumba | Belinda A. Tad-awan

 

Abstract:

Increasing local production and market availability of fresh and processed orange-fleshed sweetpotatoes (OFSP) could be one nutrition-specific intervention to help promote health and well-being. OFSP is an alternative source of carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamin A. This study used a participatory variety selection approach to evaluate the performance of OFSP varieties for off-season production in three selected areas of CAR under low elevation, mid-elevation, and highland farmers' production systems. Findings show that despite some environmental and production limitations, the different OFSP varieties produced considerable yield and exhibited high dry matter content. The dark orange-fleshed 'Taiwan' variety grown at temperatures ranging from 16-25oC with an elevation of 1,316 masl had the lowest yield and dry matter content with moist textural characteristics. NSIC SP 30 produced low yield and dry matter with considerable acceptable eating qualities. Across locations, var. Inmitlog, an early maturing variety with intermediate orange-fleshed color, consistently produced the highest yield and dry matter content with well-accepted eating qualities. This variety showed adaptability to off-season planting conditions at varied production elevations, thus, has potential for contributing to nutrition and food security and as an income-generating crop for marginalfarmers.