Performance of High Yielding Sweet Potato Varieties under Different Seasons

In sweet potato, though a number of high yielding varieties are available for cultivation, there is lack of information on suitability of various varieties to different seasons. The results of the study will be useful to recommend varieties ideal for different seasons. Field experiments were conducted during Kharif, Rabi and Summer seasons from 2021 to 2022 with an objective to assess the seasonal influence on growth and tuber yield of five sweet potato varieties [High yielding varieties were Bhu Krishna (V1), Sree Arun (V2), Sree Bhadra (V3), Bhu Sona (V4) and local variety was Kanjanghad Local (V5)]. Randomized Block Design was followed with four replications. Variety Bhu Sona recorded significantly the highest vine length (211.38 cm) compared to other varieties and variety Sree Bhadra (114.71 cm) and variety Kanjanghad Local (112.54 cm) recorded significantly lower vine length. Sree Arun and Bhu Sona were the superior varieties and recorded significantly higher average tuber weight (236.77 g/plant and 219.14 g/plant, respectively), tuber yield per plant (514.65 g/plant and 404.22 g/plant, respectively) and tuber yield per ha (18.92 tha-1 and 15.96 tha-1, respectively). Rabi season was found ideal for all sweet potato varieties with higher average tuber weight (188.96 g/plant) and tuber yield per ha (20.17 tha-1). Per cent contribution of total dry matter to tuber dry matter was more in Rabi season for Sree Arun and Sree Bhadra varieties. Among the varieties, Sree Arun can be recommended for Rabi and Summer seasons and Bhu Sona for Kharif season.