Benguet State U develops new sweet potato variety

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – There is a new variety of sweet potato (camote) that suits the unique climate of the Cordilleras.

A highland sweet potato cultivar called Tagalog, has been approved by the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) as a commercial variety with the recommended name of Bengueta.

It was developed by the Northern Philippines Root Crop Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC) based at the Benguet State University (BSU) in this capital town.

Titled "Varietal evaluation of sweet potato in the Philippine highlands," the study was funded by NPRCRTC evaluation of sweet potato in the Philippine highlands," the study was funded by NPRCRTC and BSU and conducted by I.C. Gonzales, T.D. Macatangay, D.K. Simongo, A.T. Botangen, E.T. Botangen, and F.S. Balog-as.

In the study, the researchers conducted a series of trials (preliminary, advanced, and multi-location) to evaluate Bengueta for yield performance, pest and disease incidence, and eating quality under different local conditions. The multi-location trials were done for two wet and dry seasons (2001 to 2004).

Results showed that Bengueta had an average yield of 15 tons per hectare, which is almost four times the average sweet potato yield of 4 t/ha.

The new variety is moderately resistant to leaf and stem scab, and yields high in high, middle, and low elevations.

It also has good eating quality, good processing quality, and is suited for various processed products such as cookies, candies, chips, buns, and puto (rice cake). It was likewise found to be highly acceptable to consumers.

"Its cultivation in the highlands will not only introduce a new variety but will also address food security for the rapidly growing population," NPRCRTC-BSU concluded. – Rudy A. Fernandez