Physiological and Biochemical Variation in Sweet Potato Germplasm

Significant variability for physiological, biochemical and yield parameters exists in sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) germplasm studied. Among the various germplasm CO-3-4 , ST-10 , H-109-2 were found superior in yield per unit area. Yield varied from 13.59 t ha-1 to 40.73 t ha-1. Orange fleshed sweet potato germplasm have higher antioxidant and higher total carotenoids and range was 0.18-0.31 (mg 100g-1 fresh weight), 0.55-0.47(mg 100g-1 fresh weight) respectively. Photosynthesis rate varied in a range of 0.81-1.16 µ mol m-2 s-1 at 60 DAP and 0.66-1.01 µ mol m-2 s-1. LAI, photosynthesis, respiration and yield found to have positive relationship. LAI, photosynthesis rate and respiration rate found to be superior in germplasm CO-3-4 . Yield per unit area was also found superior in germplasm CO-3-4 . Carotenoids was found maximum in CIPSWA-2 , maximum antioxidants in germplasm Samrat and maximum starch in germplasm Sree Nandini . These genotypes may further be utilized in breeding programme aimed at improving yield per unit area, qualiy and nutritive value. Overall germplasm CO-3-4 was found superior with respect to physiological, yield and quality characteristics.