Identification of water deficit tolerant sweet potato genotypes: rapid greenhouse screening

• Grant number: 23/02603-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2023
• End date: March 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy
• Principal Investigator: Edgard Henrique Costa Silva
• Grantee: Vitória Jaqueline Signorini
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa e Pós-Graduação. Universidade do Oeste Paulista (UNOESTE). Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 22/03120-6 - Development of drought-tolerant sweet potato genotypes, AP.PNGP.PI

Abstract

Although considered a rustic crop, the water deficit can reduce the yield and quality of sweet potato tuberous roots, especially in regions with predominance of sandy soils, high temperatures, and irregular rainfall distribution, as is the case of Western São Paulo. The development of water-deficit-tolerant sweet potato cultivars can be strategic. In this way, the objective is to quickly identify, in a greenhouse, sweet potato genotypes tolerant to water deficit so that they can be used in a breeding program for this purpose. At least 50 accessions from the germplasm bank of Unoeste and the International Potato Center (CIP) will be used. The genotypes consist of regional cultivars, experimental genotypes, and accessions with apparent water deficit tolerance. Two controls will be used, one tolerant and one susceptible cultivar to water deficit. The experiment will be implemented in a randomized block design with four replications. Water deficiency stress will be induced 21 days after planting by suspending irrigation. The wilting level of the plants will be evaluated daily in the morning using a rating scale. At the end of the experiment, the number of plants with lower tolerance indexes and the average number of days required to obtain wilting with the beginning of leaf drying will also be assessed. The results of this study will support the next stages of the breeding program through the selection of genotypes for polycrosses.