Selection of new sweetpotato hybrids for West Africa using accelerated breeding scheme and genotype × environment interaction under drought stress.

West Africa is a dry region and drought tolerant sweetpotato cultivar was not reported. The objective of this study was to develop higher yielding drought tolerant sweetpotato hybrids following accelerated breeding scheme (ABS), and study G × E interaction. During advanced yield trial, the assessment of clones was conducted in six locations: four in Niger and two in Nigeria. Data were collected on storage root yield (SRY), harvest index (HI) and root dry matter content (DMC). Twenty-three hybrids were evaluated under drought and irrigation. Terminal drought was imposed. SAS and GenStat softwares were used for analyses. Based on drought susceptibility index (DSI), drought tolerant expression (DTE) and HI, clones 4 × 5 - 3, 9 × 7 - 1, 5 × 9 - 2, 3 × 6 - 2, and 3 × 12 - 3 were the best in SRY under drought stress and well-watered in combined data. Using AMMI stability value (ASV) and stability cultivar superiority (SCS), results revealed that the most superior cultivars were unstable. Clones 12 × 5 - 1 and 9 × 10 - 1 were recommended under drought for SRY stability combined with high DMC and high total carotene (TC). Under irrigation, the 13 × 8 - 2 is good candidate for stability across all locations combined with high DMC and medium TC, while clone 4 × 3 - 2, 13 × 8 - 2, 4 × 6 - 2 and 6 × 8 - 5 were stable SRY with high DMC. Therefore, these hybrids could be evaluated at on-farm trials to release the best to farmers.

(© 2023. The Author(s).)