Evaluation of colour–fleshed sweet potato genotypes for higher storage root yield and nutritional quality

Higher storage root yield with nutrient-rich sweet potato genotypes is essential to identify for the growers. Therefore, seven colour–fleshed sweet potato genotypes were investigated based on their growth, yield and nutri- tional qualities. This study explored the improved yield and nutritional quality of sweet potatoes. Sweet potato genotypes viz., G1 (BAU Sweet potato– 2), G2, G3 (BAU Sweet potato–4), G4 (BAU Sweet potato–3), G5 (BARI Sweet potato–2), G6 (BAU Sweet potato–1) and G7 were tested following randomized complete block design with three replications. Results showed that sweet potato genotypes exhibited wide variations in growth, storage root yield and quality traits. At harvest, vine length and leaf area were most significant in G6 and G3, while the highest fresh weight and gross yield were obtained from G5, which was statistically identical to G4. Except for twigs, anthocyanin, starch and sugar, the maximum storage contents were found in the roots. G1 contained the maximum anthocyanin and starch, while G2 contained the highest sugar. ?–carotene content was the highest in twigs, followed by leaves, leaf petioles and storage roots. The maximum ?–carotene was obtained from G3, followed by G2 and G1. Except for Ca, twigs retained maximum K, P, Fe and Zn, while Ca was the highest in leaves. G2 contained the maximum Ca and K, while G1, rich in P and G7, retained the maximum Fe and Zn. It can be concluded that G5, G4, G1 and G6 are the yield potential genotypes, while G2, G3 and G7 are anthocyanins, ?–carotene, Fe and Zn rich.