Characterization and Evaluation of Sweet Potato Genetic Resources of West Bengal

Seventy genotypes of sweet potato were collected from various sources and evaluated for morphological, agronomical and quality characters in Augmented Design during Rabi season of 2000–2001 under sub-humid condition of West Bengal. The descriptive terminology recommended by International Plant Genetic Resources Institute was adopted in the present study. Wide range of variations were recorded for most of the traits. Frequency percentage of genotypes for variability in each character was calculated. Majority of the genotypes had white/cream flesh whilst five had orange/pale orange colour. A close relationship between orange flesh and high carotenoid pigments as well as white flesh and high dry matter content of tuber were observed. However, none of the biochemical constituents showed any relationship with plant morphologic characters. Some of the genotypes were identified as potential genotypes for commercial production and processing.