Registration of an Early-Maturing Orange-Fleshed Sweetpotato Variety Named “Shafeta” for Production in Ethiopia

Abstract

Shafeta (13NC9350A-9-3) is an orange-fleshed Sweetpotato variety that was
identified from a multi-location trial comprised of a total of 10 genotypes (9
selected and one standard check, Alamura, which is dominantly growing) evaluated
across four different locations (Hawassa, Halaba, Koka, and Arba-Minch), in 2021
and 2022 under rain-fed conditions, with the objective to select best variety for high
root yield and earliness. In all test environments, Shafeta outperformed the check
(Alamura), with a yield advantage of 41.40%. Then, it was promoted to and
conducted in a variety verification trial (VVT) along with two standard checks
(Alamura and Kabode) at three locations (Hawassa, Halaba and Arbaminch) on
one on-station and two on-farms for one more year in 2023. The results of VVT
showed that Shafeta outperformed Alamura and Kabode, with yield advantages of
16.20 and 20.80 percentages, respectively. It consistently performed well and gave
higher yields in all test environments. Its additional attributes are earliness, an
appealing root shape and flowering profusely (for future crossbreeding).
Accordingly, the National Variety Release Committee evaluated the performance of
the proposed variety based on afro-mentioned traits and allowed its official release.
Therefore, Shafeta variety is recommended for cultivation in mid-to-lowland
sweetpotato-growing domains in Ethiopia