Potential of orange and yellow fleshed sweetpotato cultivars for improving vitamin A nutrition in Central Uganda

Abstract

The potential of orange and yellow fleshed sweetpotato cultivars as a dietary source of Vitamin A in Mpigi and Luwero Districts of central Uganda was evaluated. On-farm agronomic performance, acceptability and b-carotene content of two orange (SPK004 and 316) and two yellow fleshed (Tanzania and 52) sweetpotato cultivars were determined and compared to the farmer's best local cultivars. There were significant differences in yield performance between cultivars with 52 yielding highest. Yields for TZ and SPK004 were comparable to those of best yielding local checks while 316 yielded lowest. Dry matter content of all the cultivars was above 30%. Overall, 52 was the most acceptable to farmers but children prefered SPK 004. b-carotene content of orange fleshed cultivars was higher than that of yellow and white fleshed cultivars. It was concluded that orange fleshed sweetpotato have highest potential for improving Vitamin A nutrition in the study area.



Key Words: b-carotene, Ipomoea batatus, sensory acceptability, Uganda, vitamin A malnutrition


(African Crop Science Journal 2001 9(1): 309-316)