Evaluation of Four Varieties of Sweetpotato (<i>Ipomeoa Batatas</i> (L.) Lam) under Different Sources of Planting Material for Field Performance and Viral Load

Abstract

Paper summary generated by OpenAI: This study evaluates the field performance and viral load of four sweetpotato varieties (Apomuden, Bohye, Ligri, and Dadanyuie) using three different sources of planting material: in vitro generated platelets, symptomless field materials, and farmer’s materials. Conducted at the Botanga Irrigation Scheme in Northern Ghana, the research utilized a split plot design and employed Nitrocellulose Membranes Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (NCM-ELISA) for virus detection. Results indicated that in vitro generated materials exhibited the least viral symptoms and highest yields, while the Apomuden variety showed the highest viral load. The findings suggest that farmers should prioritize using laboratory-cleaned materials to enhance sweetpotato yield and reduce viral infections.