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

ABSTRACT Production of purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes, source 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. This study aimed to evaluate yield, postharvest quality and pest resistance of roots of purple-fleshed sweetpotatoes. Six genotypes (BGBD 0005, BGBD 0080, BGBD 1261, BGBD 1399, BGBD 1402 and 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, Brazil. 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. The highest commercial production of genotypes BGBD 1261, BGBD 0005, and BGBD 1405 associated to quality traits (dry matter content and soluble solids) and pest resistance, showed their potential for being released as cultivars or to be used in breeding programs.