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 mol m-2 s-1 at 60 DAP and 0.66-1.01 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.