Evaluation of genotypic variability and yield performance of selected indigenous and improved  <em>Ipomoea batatas</em> L. genotypes under poly sack cultivation

The genotypic diversity of Ipomoea batatas L. is important to enhance resilience against diseases, adaptability to diverse environments, and to provide a broader nutritional profile to address food security challenges. Poly sack cultivation is often considered superior to field cultivation because it offers better control over environmental factors. This study examined the diversity among seventeen indigenous Ipomoea batatas L. accessions compared to five improved varieties through comparative yield analysis under poly sack cultivation. Thirty-three traits were recorded following the standards set by the International Potato Center. Principal component (PC) analysis, cluster analysis and correlation analysis were performed using IBM SPSS 25 statistical software. The four PCs that exceeded Eigenvalue one, explained 76.55% of the total variance. Storage root characteristics and vine diameter contributed to PC1, while leaf, petiole, internodal and vine characteristics contributed to PC2. Four distinct clusters were identified at cluster distance ten in the hierarchical agglomerative clustering using Ward linkage. Cluster II comprised the thickest storage roots. Accessions TJ19, TJ11, TJ1, and TJ20 were the best-performing under poly sack cultivation yielding 2.93 kg, 2.43 kg, 2.42 kg and 2.27 kg, respectively. These genotypes show potential for promoting urban cultivation of I. batatas in poly sack cultivation. Yield variation of I. batatas genotypes under different cultivation techniques must be considered when integrating them into farming systems since the best-yielding genotypes in field cultivation did not necessarily achieve the highest yields in poly sack cultivation. The existing flesh colour, shape of storage root, yield variation, and canopy characteristics can be utilized for breeding purposes in the future. Future studies should focus on controlling vegetative growth to optimize yield through pruning or trailing, as many vegetative growth parameters were inversely correlated with yield.