HIGH CAROTENE VARIETIES OF SWEET POTATO FOR PUERTO RICO

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0225039
• Project Start Date: Jan 1, 2011
• Project End Date: Dec 31, 2015
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO AT MAYAGUEZ
P. O. BOX 9000
MAYAGUEZ,PR 00681

Performing Department
Crops and Agroenvironmental Sciences 1

Non Technical Summary
A major limitation to reach Puerto Rico's full production potential of sweet potato is that the currently available varieties conform only partially to the needs of the farmer and the market. Orange-fleshed varieties recommended for Puerto Rico are limited to two genotypes selected in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Conversely, recently selected tropical-type varieties have high yield stability and reasonable commercial production but fall short regarding yellowness of the flesh for the fresh market. The overall aim of this study is to select orange-flesh and tropical-type varieties of sweet potato with acceptable performance under Puerto Rico's management systems and market demands. This study will provide baseline information on key aspects for breeding new varieties: nutrition (carotene content and dietary fiber) and adaptability to reduce irrigation regimes. Promising new varieties are expected to be released for commercial production.

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
203	1450	1080	60%
203	1450	1120	10%
203	1450	1130	10%
203	1450	1140	10%
203	1450	1000	10%

Knowledge Area
203 - Plant Biological Efficiency and Abiotic Stresses Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
1450 - Sweet potato;

Field Of Science
1120 - Nematology; 1130 - Entomology and acarology; 1000 - Biochemistry and biophysics; 1080 - Genetics; 1140 - Weed science;

Keywords

sweetpotato

carotene content

dietary fiber

reduced irrigation

Goals / Objectives
The objectives are 1). To introduce and evaluate orange-fleshed sweet potato clones for productivity, storage-root characteristics and susceptibility to major pests under the conditions of Puerto Rico. 2) To evaluate new tropical-type clones of sweet potato for productivity, carotene content and dietary fiber, and to establish quantitative selection criteria for the latter two characteristics and 3). To evaluate selected tropical type and orange-fleshed clones for their ability to sustain a reduced irrigation regime.

Project Methods
Orange-fleshed sweet potato accessions will be imported from the Sweet Potato Clonal Repository of the USDA using in vitro techniques. Transference and multiplication will be performed in a tissue culture laboratory. Clones will be planted under field conditions for evaluations. During the crop cycle, general horticultural performance will be observed. Descriptive data on root shape and surface defects will be taken on the basis of the sweet potato descriptors. Clone susceptibility to the sweet potato weevil, the root weevil and the West Indian sweet potato weevil will be evaluated. Clones with the better performance will be further evaluated in plantings to be performed in two contrasting seasons (hot and mild seasons) and in two contrasting ecological zones (humid and semiarid zones). We maintain a group of tropical-type clones of sweet potato selected on the basis of their productivity and intensity of the yellow color in their flesh. This group will be evaluated in relatively large plots. Plots will be split to accommodate three harvest dates; 120, 130 and 140 days after planting. Evaluations will be done for plant type (erectness), speed of vine development, phytotoxicity to common pesticides and for major biotic stresses: diseases, insects and nematodes. Sample of roots will be taken to quantify the color in raw and boiled flesh by using an electronic color meter. Elite clones will be evaluated for carotene and dietary fiber. Selected tropical type and orange-fleshed clones will be evaluated for their ability to sustain a reduced irrigation regime. If an outstanding genotype is found, a relatively large planting will be done for validation and demonstration. Propagation material will be provided to interested stakeholders for testing in their agricultural operations.

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Sweetpotato farmers and gardeners make up the primary target audience for this project. This project is directed to the community of sweetpotato growers in Puerto Rico. New varieties of sweet potato adapted to needs in Puerto Rico were the end product for this project. Information to farmers and gardeners was delivered by distributing planting material and by conducting visits to the experiment station farm. Scientists were another important target audience, particularly those related to sweetpotato improvement. Improved clones and breeding materials generated by the project will be maintained so that breeders and other scientists can access them. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Two MS students carried out part of their thesis research under this project. The last students received training in field experimental methodology and data analyses. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Planting material for sweet potato elite was distributed without charge among interested farmers and gardeners. More than 25 farmers benefited directly by accessing promising new sweetpotato clones. Four clones were shared with the Caribbean Agricultural Research & Development Institute, at St Kitts and Nevis. The results were presented to farmers and gardeners in field visits to the sweetpotato field at the experiment station farms. Results were directly presented to the scientific community by participating in scientific meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The overall aim of this study is to select orange-flesh and tropical-type varieties of sweet potato with acceptable performance under Puerto Rico's management systems and market demands. Orange-fleshed and elite tropical-type sweetpotato accessions were evaluated in the field for various seasons at two locations (semiarid and wet conditions). Five sweet potato clones of the tropical type were selected to be further tested for commercial production. Β-carotene for selected tropical-type clones was 0.50-1.03 µg per g of dry weight whereas for traditional white fleshed clones was 0.08-0.13. High B-carotene content is associated with increased yellow color in the flesh. A large genetic diversity was shown throughout the sweetpotato population cultivated in Puerto Rico, including diversity for flesh color from white to purple.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Ortiz, C.E., J.M. OHallorans, M. de L. Lugo and W.I. Lugo. 2012. Variedades de cultivos desarrolladas por el Colegio de Ciencias Agricolas en huertos comunitarios y caseros. Poster presentation. November 2, 2012. Sociedad Puertoriquena de Ciencias Agricolas Annual Meeting 2012. San Juan, PR.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Rodriguez-Bonilla, Lorraine. 2013. Assessment of genetic diversity of sweet potato in Puerto Rico. Thesis. Master of Science in Biology. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Ortiz, C. E., J.A. Dumas and L.E. Rivera. 2015. High carotene varieties of sweet potato for Puerto Rico. Poster presentation. 51st Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS). JULY 19-24, 2015, Paramaribo, Suriname.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Ortiz, C. E., A. Gonzalez-Velez, M. de L. Lugo-Torres, M. Diaz-Rivera, R. Velez-Colon and E. Acevedo 2012. Pujols y Camuy variedades de Ipomoea batatas adaptadas al Caribe. Conference paper. 48th Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS). May 20-26, 2012, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ortiz, C. E., 2013. Estacion Experimental Agricola y produccion batata organica. Coordinated along with the Cooperative Extension Service a field tour for SiembrAmor (community gardeners). March 21, de 2013. University of Puerto Rico, Gurabo Substation. Participants 17.
• Type: Theses/Dissertations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Quispe-Tello, Rosa L. 2015. Evaluacion sensorial y quimica de variedades de batata (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) de Puerto Rico. Thesis. Master of Science in Food Science. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus.

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: New varieties of sweet potato are end products for this project. Farmers and gardeners make up the primary target audience. This project is directed to a small community of growers in Puerto Rico. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? One Food Science student carried out thesis research using germplasm imported and developed by the project. This student received opportunities for training and development through these experiences. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Planting material for sweet potato elite is being distributed without charge among interested farmers and gardeners. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Field evaluations will be completed and best germplasm will be tested in commercial farm operations under reduced irrigation regimes.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Five sweet potato clones of the tropical type were selected for commercial production and were distributed without charge among interested farmers and gardeners. Two orange-fleshed sweet potato clones were selected specifically for their adaptability to small farm systems and gardening.

Publications

Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: This is a sweet potato varietal improvement project. Thus, target audience is sweet potato producers in Puerto Rico. This group of individuals will be served by the selection of orange-fleshed varieties of this crop not currently available for the tropical conditions of Puerto Rico. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Propagation material for developed sweet potato varieties, 'Camuy' for example, have been freely distributed to farmers and gardeners. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? To continue selecting among available genotypes.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Developments: The Agricultural Experiment Station of the University of Puerto Rico released for commercial use the sweet potato variety named 'Camuy', a purple-skin white–fleshed genotype. In Puerto Rico the preference is for sweet potato varieties with light-yellow to yellow fleshed root. Thus, 'Camuy' -being white fleshed- is released as a special purpose variety.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Ortiz C.E, A. Gonzalez-Velez E. Acevedo-Borrero, M. de L. Lugo-Torres, M. D�az-Rivera, and R.V�lez-Col�n. 2012. Release of Camuy a white fleshed sweet potato J. Agric. Univ. 96(1-2):123-128.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Carlos E. Ortiz, Edwin Acevedo-Borrero, Manuel D�as-Rivera, Mar�a de L. Lugo-Torres, Rub�n V�lez-Col�n. 2011. Realease of pujols : a tropical-type sweet potato. Journal of agriculture of the University of Puerto Rico, vol. 95, n�m. 1-2; Jan-Apr. 2011.

Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Ten orange-fleshed sweet potato accessions imported from the Sweet Potato Clonal Repository of the USDA are under evaluation. The Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture is interested in these genotypes and, with Gem' (a traditional orange-fleshed variety), plans to establish pilot projects for orange-fleshed sweet potato in southern and western Puerto Rico. Five tropical-type genotypes of sweet potato have been selected as potential releases. This group has improved ability to sustain low irrigation regimes. PARTICIPANTS: Carlos E. Ortiz, Plant Breeder and Leader; conducts field trials and germplasm evaluation. Jose A. Dumas, Chemist; performs chemical analyses in regard to carotene and dietary fiber content in sweet potato. Luis E. Rivera, Agronomist, evaluates low irrigation regimes for sweet potato. Cooperating farmers: William Gonzalez from Gurabo, PR; Jose Carraquillo from Comerio, PR; Wilfred Hernandez from Aguadilla, PR; and Jose-Nelson Ramirez from Anasco, PR. The latter farmers evaluated newly developed genotypes in their commercial operations. Partner organizations: Important partners are the USDA Sweet Potato Clonal Repository and the Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Unit at Griffin, GA. Other partners are the Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture, the University of the Virgin Islands, and the Caribbean Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI). The latter two institutions currently evaluate genotypes developed by the University of Puerto Rico. TARGET AUDIENCES: End product for this project is new varieties of sweet potato. Primarily targeted audience is farmers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
This activity is designed to produce new varieties of sweet potato adapted to markets in the Caribbean Region and in Tropical US. Planting material is freely distributed to farmers and gardeners interested in testing elite genotypes. Four commercial farmers and 13 gardeners participated in the evaluations.

Publications

• Ortiz, C.E, A. Gonzalez-Velez E. Acevedo-Borrero, M. de L. Lugo-Torres, M. Diaz-Rivera, and R. Velez-Colon. 2012. Release of 'Camuy' a white fleshed sweet potato. J. Agric. Univ. 96(1-2):123-128. Ortiz, C. E., A. Gonzalez-Velez, M. de L. Lugo-Torres, M. Diaz-Rivera, R. Velez-Colon y E. Acevedo 2012. 'Pujols' y 'Camuy' variedades de Ipomoea batatas adaptadas al Caribe. 48th Meeting of the Caribbean Food Crops Society (CFCS). May 20-26, 2012, Mexico. (In Press).

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A major limitation to reaching Puerto Rico's full potential of producing sweet potato is that the currently available varieties conform only partially to the needs of the farmer and of the market. Orange-fleshed varieties recommended for Puerto Rico are limited to two genotypes selected in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Twelve white- and orange-fleshed sweet potato accessions were imported from the Sweet Potato Clonal Repository of the USDA to be evaluated under the conditions of Puerto Rico. During 2011, vine cuttings of selected tropical type varieties of sweet potato were distributed to 15 farmers. Eighteen genotypes of tropical-type sweet potato are currently under evaluation at two locations in Puerto Rico. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen farmers received vine cuttings of newly developed tropical type varieties of sweet potato for evaluation under the commercial setting of the small farm system. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
This is a new project. Thus, there is nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Publications

• No publications reported this period