Production of sweet potato plantlets from few stock plants

Abstract

This work aimed to investigate the viability of the use of expanded polystyrene trays with 72 and 128 cells for the production of healthy sweet potato plantlets, when there is little availability of productive material. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (varieties x trays). The Canadense and Uruguaiana varieties were used. The number of sweet potato stem cuttings with leaves and roots, the survival rate in the field and stems and tuberous roots productivity were evaluated. The viable stem cutting percentage was over 97% and the survival of the plants in the field was over 99%. The Canadense variety presented higher stem productivity, trait that was also favored by tray with 72 cells. There was no difference
between trays size in relation to the productivity of tuberous roots. The results demonstrate that the use of trays with 72 and 128 cells is more viable for sweet potato seedlings production, and the tray with 72 cells is the best recommended for stem production. The plants originating from trays produce tuberous roots allowing the roots to be also be used in nursery implantation.