Effect of debranching on sweet potato yield and quality

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate effect of branch removal on the yield and quality of sweet potato genotypes in different harvesting systems and two growing seasons. Two trials (2014 and 2016/17) were conducted in a randomized block design with three replicates in the factorial scheme composed of: three clones (Brazlândia Rosada, BD-31 TO and BD-65) and five harvesting systems (H): H1- total harvest of branch and root at 120 days after planting (DAP); H2- cut of the branches at 120 DAP, plus regrown branches and roots harvested at 210 DAP; H3 - total harvest of branches and roots at 165 DAP; H4 - cut of the branches at 165 DAP and harvest of regrown branches and roots at 210 DAP and H5- branches and roots total harvest at 210 DAP. For harvesting systems H2 and H4 the total production of branches at the end of the cycle was determined by the sum of the two cuts. The yield, dry matter of shoot and root, chemical-bromatological and nutrient quality were evaluated. The 2014 trial produced higher green mass yield of the branches, while in 2016/2017, higher root yield observed. H2 and H4 were shown to have better quality of the branches regarding the bromatological and nutrient characteristics, being recommended for animal feeding. The systems without regrowth (H3 and H5) allowed better yields and quality of roots, useful for human feeding. In general, the clone Brazlândia Rosada, produced the highest yield of roots and branches; therefore, recommended for planting.