Crop coefficient estimate in sweet potato genotypes for the São Paulo western region

• Grant number: 22/09400-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2022
• End date: April 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agricultural Engineering - Soil and Water Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Maria Albertina Monteiro dos Reis
• Grantee: Pedro Otavio dos Reis Santos
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The sweet potato crop is the fifth most important food base in developing countries. The crop has wide adaptability to different climates and agricultural systems, being cultivated in more than 100 countries. Sweet potatoes can be planted throughout the year, so it is necessary to provide adequate conditions for crop development, such as irrigation water supply in dry periods. In this way, the correct estimate of the crop water consumption, through the crop evapotranspiration and crop coefficient, becomes essential to assist in sustainable irrigation management. Therefore, the objective is to determine the crop coefficient of in genotypes adapted to the São Paulo Western region. Four sweet potato genotypes adapted for the São Paulo Western will be studied: Canadian and Uruguaiana regions, the main cultivated in the region; Beauregard (orange pulp) and SCS370 Luiza (purple pulp), the main colored pulp genotypes available in the country. The plant's daily water consumption will be monitored through soil management, using tensiometers installed at 0 - 0.20 m soil layer. Crop evapotranspiration will be determined through water balance. The reference evapotranspiration will be estimated using climatological data from the Meteorological Station located at Campus II in Unoeste, close to the experimental area. Through the relationship between crop evapotranspiration and reference evapotranspiration, it will be possible to determine the sweet potato crop coefficient. The development of research that encourages the sweet potato crop irrigated becomes preponderant, as the constant effects of climate change affect the crop's production. The results of these researches can lead to increased production and economic profitability for producers in the region. (AU)