Seed council approves new sweetpotato varieties

Sweetpotato farmers now have better choices of planting materials with the release of three new varieties approved by the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC).

The new sweetpotato varieties are Sp-28 and Sp-29 developed by the University of the Philippines Los Baños and Sp-30 developed by Philrootcrops-Leyte State University (LSU). All varieties have elliptic roots and can be grown in all regions of the Philippines.

NSIC Sp-28 (UPL Sp-7) yields 11.1 tons per hectare. The roots mature in 120 days after planting. It has creamy white root flesh and creamy root skin. It could be an alternative source of starch because of its lighter flesh color.  Its root starch is 21.1 percent, root sugar is 2.06 percent, and is resistant to scab and weevil.

NSIC Sp-29 (UPL Sp-9), on the other hand, is moderately resistant to scab and weevil, yields 12 tons per hectare and matures in 120 days after planting. Its root starch is 21.1 percent and sugar is 3.02 percent. It has light purple/red root skin and creamy white root flesh.

Performing well in flat and hilly conditions of the Philippines with adequate soil fertility and moisture, NSIC Sp-30 (LSU light orange) yields 13.42 tons per hectare. Its root has 19.27 percent starch and 3.47 percent sugar.  It has brown tuber skin, yellow-orange tuber flesh, purplish green foliage and creamy white root flesh. It has good eating quality, high dry matter and starch content. The variety is resistant to scab and moderately resistant to weevil.

With their characteristics, it is expected that these sweetpotato varieties will be sought by sweetpotato farmers and processors. – Maria Adelia C. Belen, S&T Media Service