Evaluation of purple-fleshed sweetpotato genotypes for roots yield, quality and pest resistance

Resumo

Production of purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes, sources of anthocyanins, pigments with high antioxidant activities, is expected to be extended during the upcoming years, as there is a strong trend to market products promising improved health. In this study were evaluated genotypes of purple-fleshed sweetpotato for roots yield, quality, and pest resistance. Six genotypes (BGBD 0005, BGBD 0080, BGBD 1261, BGBD 1399, BGBD 1402 e BGBD 1405) and the cultivars Beauregard and Brazlândia Roxa as controls were evaluated during two seasons 2018 (Experiment 1) and 2019 (Experiment 2), in Brasília-DF. The experiments were conducted in a complete randomized blocks design with four replications, with experimental plots consisting of two rows of six plants. Roots were harvested about 140 days after planting and evaluated for yield, appearance, insect damage and quality characteristics as soluble solids, dry matter and color. All genotypes showed roots with good resistance to soil insects. Field evaluations have been successful for the genotypes BGBD 1261, BGBD 0005, and BGBD 1405 and indicate substantial commercial potential and also for use in breeding programs. Genotypes BGBD 1261 and BGBD 0005 presented high commercial yield of roots. BGBD 1405 showed superior quality characteristics for dry matter content, soluble solids and color.