Evaluation and Participatory Selection of Promising Sweetpotato F1 Genotypes in Uganda

Most of the important sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) traits are sensitive to environmental change. This necessitates evaluating new sweetpotato genotypes in different environments to identify those that are stable. To enhance adoption, the new sweetpotato genotypes should have farmer preferred traits thus the need for farmer involvement during selection. This study was conducted to: evaluate and select promising sweetpotato F1 genotypes with wide and specific adaptation, in association with performance for farmer preferred traits. Twenty-one promising sweetpotato F1 genotypes were evaluated at Namulonge, Serere and Kachwekano with Tanzania and NASPOT 1 as checks. The randomised complete block design with three replications was used. Scientists and farmers evaluated the agronomic performance and quality traits of the genotypes before and at harvest. Significantly (P<0.05) higher mean total storage root yield (TRY) of 25.5 t ha-1 was recorded at Namulonge than at Kachwekano and Serere. Genotypes G67, G13, G14, G24 and G29 were the most stable across the sites for TRY and therefore the most widely adapted for this trait, while G68, G60 and G58 were specifically adapted to Kachwekano and Serere. Very low severity levels of Sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD) were recorded with a mean score of 1.9 across sites with Namulonge having the highest mean score of 2.3. Genotypes G14, G16, G24, G29 and G49 were the most stable across the sites for low Alternaria blight severity and can therefore, be recommended for cultivation in both low and high disease pressure areas. In the participatory selection, before harvest and at harvest, Spearman's rank correlation (r = 0.44) of the scientists and farmers' mean ranking of the genotypes at each site was positive and significant. Thus scientists were capable of selecting for farmer preferred traits. In addition, the study identified and selected five superior genotypes including G13, G14, G24, G49 and G69 for further evaluation.