We only provide here the general research information. For more detailed information contact the Research and Development Directorate of the Mariano Marcos State University.

Research Details

Research Title Germplasm Collection, Evaluation, Characterization, Management Practices and Utilization of Sweet Potato in the Ilocos
Researcher(s) Marissa Atis, Jonathan Ramos, Hazel Obien, Artemio Alcoy, Pio Belen Jr, Lory Rafael
Research Category Study
Research Status continuing
Duration Jun 01, 2013 to Jun 30, 2016
Commodity Rootcrops
Research Site(s) MMSU Experimental Farms, Cabanasan, Quiling Sur, Batac City, Ilocos Norte
Source of Fund(s)
Brief Description
A sweet potato nursery will be established in an upland area located at MMSU Experimental Farm at Cabanasan, Batac City, Ilocos Norte. Sweet potato planting materials were collected from various sources in the country like the Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (PRCRTC), Baybay, Leyte; Northern Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center (NPRCRTC) at La Trinidad, Benguet, IPB-UPLB, DA-Manila and other sweet potato growing areas in the province. They will be planted and reproduced every cropping season to make sure that the varieties/accessions are properly maintained. They will be provided with proper management practices like irrigation, fertilization, weeding, and spraying if necessary.

The sweet potato genebank will be established at Cabanasan extension site near the MMSU Housing. They will be planted in single rows in 30 cm between hills at 6 m length. It serves as the source of planting materials for research workers and also source of genetic resources for future crop improvement activities. It also serves as a demonstration area for instruction to agricultural students and even for farmers. It also provides sample planting materials to satisfy the needs of some sweet potato farmers.

Now, there are about 21 sweet potato cultivars/accessions collected elsewhere and maintained. 

Major activities include:

  1. Collection and maintenance of sweet potato germplasm. A sweet potato nursery will be established in an upland area located at MMSU Experimental Farm at Cabanasan, Batac City, Ilocos Norte. Sweet potato planting materials will be collected from various sources in the country and in the locality.
  2. Maintenance, screening/selection and commercialization of sweet potato varieties. They will be planted and reproduced every cropping season to make sure that the varieties/accessions are properly maintained and were provided with proper management practices like irrigation, fertilization, weeding and spraying if necessary.
  3. Rapid propagation techniques and crop improvement. The germplasms will be planted in single row in 30 cm between hills at 6 m length. This serves as source of planting materials for research workers, source of genetic resources for future crop improvement activities and also serve as a demonstration area for instruction to agriculture students and even for farmers.
  4. Production practices that would enhance the yield of the crop. Now, about 21 sweet potato cultivars/accessions will be collected elsewhere and maintained.
  5. Processing and utilization of sweet potato products for foods and feeds in domestic and commercial markets. 
  6. Characterization of the different sweet potato varieties/accessions.
Expected Output
  • Available sweet potato materials needed for crop improvement work.
  • Sweet potato cultivars that are recommended for each cropping season that are resistant to pests and harsh environment.
  • Production practices recommended to sweet potato growers that would optimize yield per unit land area.
  • Commercial production of processed sweet potato products that are value adding to meet household, domestic and foreign market demands as well as increasing demands for animal feeds and processed industrial products.
Abstract Not Available