Introduction
Sweet Potato (Ipomomea batatas) has been considered one of the more important root crops in the country not only because it is consumed extensively as a major substitute of our staple food such as rice and corn but also because of its great potential value in industry, locally and abroad. Sweet potatoes are utilized either as food, feeds, or as raw materials in a number of industries. It is a potential source of starch, industrial alcohol, glucose, and alcoholic beverage. Root crops, especially sweet potato, have been continuously providing consumers with carbohydrates. Moreover, the increase in the price of animal feeds has forced many farmers to use cheaper feedstuffs. This study was undertaken to determine which of seventeen (17) varieties of camote perform well and are adaptable to Davao conditions.
Materials and Methods
The research project was conducted in San Pedro, Catalunan Grande, Davao City, which is fifteen (15) kilometers from the Ateneo de Davao University main campus. The research area is approximately two hundred feet above see level with a slightly sloping topography. The total research are was 60 square meters and has a sandy clay type of soil with a pH value of 5.6.
Preparation of the land was done by plowing and harrowing 2 to 3 times followed by fallowing to control the nematodes that may be present in the soil. This was completed one week prior to planting. The soil was then hilled-up to facilitate easy operations and to avoid early overlapping of vines.
Experimental Design
The experiment was laid out as a randomized complete block design with seventeen (17) treatments and three (3) replicates.
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Terminal vine cuttings of about 30 to 40 cm. long were used as planting materials. These were taken from original plant varieties grown and propagated one year before the conduct of this study. Originally, 21 variety cuttings were propagated in the same experimental site. Close spacing was used to facilitate planted per hill. Full attention was given to the newly planted cuttings but due to unfavorable conditions only 17 varieties were able to survive.
Planting was done at the onset of the rainy season at a seeding rate of three (3) cuttings per hill. The distance between hills and between rows was 120 centimeters. Three (3) hills per treatment per replicate were planted. Organic in two parts; one-half was applied two months after planting and the other half one month before harvest. The tubers were harvested 120 days from planting. Data on number of tubers and tuber weight were collected immediately after harvest.