Reaction of experimental sweetpotato genotypes to Paraselenis flava

• Grant number: 22/08485-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: December 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Edgard Henrique Costa Silva
• Grantee: João Lucas Pires Leal
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Sweet potato is socioeconomically relevant but relatively neglected by research. Sweet potato production systems in Western São Paulo present low yield due to the use of obsolete genotypes, diverse phytosanitary challenges, and inefficient cultural practices. Among the relevant aspects not yet explored in sweet potato, one can mention the development of genotypes resistant to pest arthropods, such as Paraselenis flava Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), which feeds on the shooting part of the p´lant. In view of the above, the objective is to evaluate sweet potato genotypes with white/cream, orange, and purple flesh for resistance to P. flava and its relationship with trichomes and leaf biochemical characteristics. Choice and no-choice experiments will be conducted, evaluating the resistance of fifteen experimental genotypes from the breeding program of Unoeste, five belonging to each flesh color group and the commercial controls 'Canadian' (white-fleshed roots), 'SCS370 Luiza' (purple-fleshed roots), and 'Beauregard' (orange-fleshed roots). The choice and no-choice experiments will be conducted in a laboratory with controlled conditions. Resistance parameters and pest development will be evaluated. Furthermore, the leaf trichomes and the phenolic compounds, flavonoids, alkaloids, and total sugars of the leaves of the experimental genotypes and commercial controls will be quantified. It is expected to contribute to the selection of new sweet potato genotypes to be used in breeding programs. (AU)