Research Components:

Study 1: Evaluation of Different Sweet Potato Accessions in the Ilocos

Study 2: Utilization of Organic Fertilizers to Enhance Sweet Potato Growth and Yield

Study 3: Development of Value-adding Processed Products of Sweet Potato

 

 

 

The project will be implemented with the following research studies:

 

Study 1. Evaluation of Promising Sweet Potato Varieties/Accessions in the Ilocos - Collection and maintenance of sweet potato germplasm is a continuing activity of the commodity team. Varieties/Accessions found promising will be evaluated under field conditions following the randomized complete block design with three replications. The growth, yield, and yield component parameters and other agronomic characteristics of the varieties will be gathered and analyzed statistically. Results will then be discussed and interpreted.

 

Study 2. Response of Sweet Potato Varieties to Pruning Techniques for Root and Shoot Production - Innovative pruning techniques that allows the production of shoots as source of vegetables and feeds for animals without significant reduction of root yield will be carefully tested and evaluated. Traditional practice of farmers on topping the crop frequently has been claimed to result to marked reduction in yield and also higher incidence of sweet potato weevil damage. Determining of the best method, pruning or cutting techniques will provide additional income and profit to subsistence farmers. The following treatments will be arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The growth, shoot, and root yield component parameter including cost and return analysis will be gathered and analyzed.

 

Study 3. Utilization of Organic Fertilizer Sources to Enhance Sweet Potato Production - The use of nature-based and environment-friendly farming practices is the urgent call of the present time to abate and mitigate the global concern on climate change. While producing more food to attain self-sufficiency, sustained efforts in exploiting farming techniques and approaches is deemed necessary. The following treatments will be arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) in three replication. The growth, yield, and yield component parameters will be measured and analyzed including the cost and return analysis.

 

Study 4. Development of Value-Adding Products Processing, Packaging and By-product Utilization of Sweet Potato - The demand for sweet potato in the fresh and processing markets in the country today is increasing. This is mainly due to the fact that they can be processed into various industrial products like starch, flour, feed supplements and food products like chips, catsup, cookies, among others. This will pave the way to producing more quality foods and generate more income for the family. Development of value-adding products, processing, packaging utilization will be the main focus of this research study.