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Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 47 views

Study of Morphological and Agronomic Characteristics of Three Genotypes of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) from North Sumatra

Introduction

Sweet potatoes (Ipomoea Batatas L.) are one of the most widely consumed food plants globally, with a rich genetic diversity that has been exploited for centuries. Despite their popularity, there are still many sweet potato genotypes whose characteristics have not been fully identified, hindering their potential for development and improvement. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by investigating the morphological and agronomic characteristics of three sweet potato genotypes originating from North Sumatra.

Background

North Sumatra, a region in Indonesia, is known for its rich agricultural heritage, with sweet potatoes being one of the staple crops. However, the genetic diversity of sweet potatoes in this region remains largely unexplored, limiting the potential for crop improvement and development. This study seeks to address this knowledge gap by identifying the morphological and agronomic characteristics of three sweet potato genotypes from North Sumatra.

Methodology

This study was conducted on Jalan Harmonika Pasar 1, Padang Bulan Selayang II, Medan City, with a height of about 25 meters above sea level, during the period August to November 2021. The design used in this study was a random design group (RAK) one factor, with a focus on three sweet potato genotypes namely Perbaungan, Noni Bay, and Padang Sidimpuan. Identification of morphological characters was carried out based on the Sweet Potato Descriptor Guide compiled by IPGRI.

Results

The results of this study showed that there were significant differences in the morphological and agronomic characters between the three tested genotypes, with an exception to the average parameter of tubers. Padang Sidimpuan genotype recorded the highest yields in several parameters, including tubers length, tubers per sample, tuber diameter, and organoleptic tests. This discovery shows that Padang Sidimpuan genotype has the potential to be superior in tubers production.

Furthermore, this study also noted that the coefficient of genetic diversity and the highest phenotypic diversity coefficient found in observed parameters such as tendril length, tuber weight per sample, tuber diameter per sample, and the average weight of tubers. This shows a high variation between individuals in each genotype, which can be utilized in plant breeding programs to improve the quality and quantity of sweet potato production in the future.

Discussion

The results of this study have significant implications for the development of sweet potatoes in Indonesia, particularly in North Sumatra. The identification of morphological and agronomic characteristics of various genotypes can provide valuable information for farmers and researchers in choosing the right varieties to be planted in accordance with environmental conditions and market needs. This study also highlights the potential of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity, which can contribute to community food security.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has provided valuable insights into the morphological and agronomic characteristics of three sweet potato genotypes from North Sumatra. The results of this study have significant implications for the development of sweet potatoes in Indonesia, particularly in North Sumatra. The identification of morphological and agronomic characteristics of various genotypes can provide valuable information for farmers and researchers in choosing the right varieties to be planted in accordance with environmental conditions and market needs.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research: Further research is needed to explore the genetic diversity of sweet potatoes in North Sumatra and to identify new genotypes with desirable characteristics.
Breeding programs: Breeding programs should be established to improve the quality and quantity of sweet potato production in North Sumatra.
Variety selection: Farmers and researchers should select varieties that are suitable for the environmental conditions and market needs of North Sumatra.
Community engagement: Community engagement and outreach programs should be established to promote the development of sweet potatoes in North Sumatra and to raise awareness about the importance of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size of this study was limited to three genotypes, which may not be representative of the entire population of sweet potatoes in North Sumatra.
Environmental factors: The study was conducted in a single location, which may not be representative of the entire region.
Methodology: The study used a random design group (RAK) one factor, which may not be the most effective design for this study.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Explore genetic diversity: Explore the genetic diversity of sweet potatoes in North Sumatra and to identify new genotypes with desirable characteristics.
Develop breeding programs: Develop breeding programs to improve the quality and quantity of sweet potato production in North Sumatra.
Promote community engagement: Promote community engagement and outreach programs to raise awareness about the importance of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity.

References

IPGRI (2002). Sweet Potato Descriptor Guide. International Plant Genetic Resources Institute.
Kardhinata, E. H., & Lubis, K. (2021). Study of Morphological and Agronomic Characteristics of Three Genotypes of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) from North Sumatra. Unpublished undergraduate thesis, Universitas Sumatera Utara.

Note: The references cited in this article are fictional and for demonstration purposes only.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Study of Morphological and Agronomic Characteristics of Three Genotypes of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) from North Sumatra

Q: What is the main objective of this study?

A: The main objective of this study is to identify the morphological and agronomic characteristics of three sweet potato genotypes originating from North Sumatra.

Q: What are the three genotypes studied in this research?

A: The three genotypes studied in this research are Perbaungan, Noni Bay, and Padang Sidimpuan.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it provides valuable information for farmers and researchers in choosing the right varieties of sweet potatoes to be planted in accordance with environmental conditions and market needs. It also highlights the potential of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity.

Q: What are the main findings of this study?

A: The main findings of this study are that there are significant differences in the morphological and agronomic characters between the three tested genotypes, with an exception to the average parameter of tubers. Padang Sidimpuan genotype recorded the highest yields in several parameters, including tubers length, tubers per sample, tuber diameter, and organoleptic tests.

Q: What is the coefficient of genetic diversity and the highest phenotypic diversity coefficient found in this study?

A: The coefficient of genetic diversity and the highest phenotypic diversity coefficient found in this study are in observed parameters such as tendril length, tuber weight per sample, tuber diameter per sample, and the average weight of tubers.

Q: What are the implications of this study for the development of sweet potatoes in Indonesia?

A: The implications of this study for the development of sweet potatoes in Indonesia are that it provides valuable information for farmers and researchers in choosing the right varieties of sweet potatoes to be planted in accordance with environmental conditions and market needs. It also highlights the potential of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that the sample size was limited to three genotypes, which may not be representative of the entire population of sweet potatoes in North Sumatra. The study was also conducted in a single location, which may not be representative of the entire region.

Q: What are the future directions for this research?

A: The future directions for this research are to explore the genetic diversity of sweet potatoes in North Sumatra and to identify new genotypes with desirable characteristics. Breeding programs should also be established to improve the quality and quantity of sweet potato production in North Sumatra.

Q: How can this study contribute to community food security?

A: This study can contribute to community food security by providing valuable information for farmers and researchers in choosing the right varieties of sweet potatoes to be planted in accordance with environmental conditions and market needs. It also highlights the potential of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity.

Q: What are the potential applications of this study?

A: The potential applications of this study are in the development of new sweet potato varieties that are suitable for the environmental conditions and market needs of North Sumatra. It can also contribute to the improvement of sweet potato production in Indonesia.

Q: How can this study be replicated or extended?

A: This study can be replicated or extended by conducting further research on the genetic diversity of sweet potatoes in North Sumatra and by identifying new genotypes with desirable characteristics. Breeding programs should also be established to improve the quality and quantity of sweet potato production in North Sumatra.

Q: What are the potential benefits of this study for farmers and researchers?

A: The potential benefits of this study for farmers and researchers are that it provides valuable information for choosing the right varieties of sweet potatoes to be planted in accordance with environmental conditions and market needs. It also highlights the potential of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity.

Q: How can this study contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture in Indonesia?

A: This study can contribute to the development of sustainable agriculture in Indonesia by providing valuable information for farmers and researchers in choosing the right varieties of sweet potatoes to be planted in accordance with environmental conditions and market needs. It also highlights the potential of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity.

Q: What are the potential challenges and limitations of this study?

A: The potential challenges and limitations of this study are that the sample size was limited to three genotypes, which may not be representative of the entire population of sweet potatoes in North Sumatra. The study was also conducted in a single location, which may not be representative of the entire region.

Q: How can this study be used to inform policy and decision-making?

A: This study can be used to inform policy and decision-making by providing valuable information for farmers and researchers in choosing the right varieties of sweet potatoes to be planted in accordance with environmental conditions and market needs. It also highlights the potential of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity.

Q: What are the potential implications of this study for the food security of Indonesia?

A: The potential implications of this study for the food security of Indonesia are that it provides valuable information for farmers and researchers in choosing the right varieties of sweet potatoes to be planted in accordance with environmental conditions and market needs. It also highlights the potential of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity.

Q: How can this study contribute to the development of a sustainable food system in Indonesia?

A: This study can contribute to the development of a sustainable food system in Indonesia by providing valuable information for farmers and researchers in choosing the right varieties of sweet potatoes to be planted in accordance with environmental conditions and market needs. It also highlights the potential of sweet potatoes as a source of food and as an economic commodity.