Yield of Four Generations of Virus-tested Sweetpotato

The yield of three generations of virus-tested plants of `Beauregard' sweetpotato ( Ipomoea batatas ) was assessed in Louisiana over a 4-year period in 15 yield trials. Treatments included virus-infected foundation `Beauregard', virus-tested `Beauregard' mericlone, B-63 [generation 1 (G-1)], and three generations of B-63 (G-2, G-3 and G-4). Generations refer to the number of continuous years virus-tested plants are grown in the field. Use of G-2 virus-tested `Beauregard' transplants increased yields of U.S. no. 1 grade roots by 16% in comparison with virus-infected, foundation `Beauregard'. Total marketable yield was also higher (11%) using B-63 G-2 transplants in comparison to virus-infected, foundation `Beauregard'. Use of B-63 (G-1), G-3 and G-4 generation transplants did not increase yields in any grade in comparison to virus-infected, foundation `Beauregard' by planting plots amidst virus-infested sweetpotato fields. Generation one B-63 transplants were greenhouse grown and often appeared less robust after planting. Yet we were unable to show significant yield differences between greenhouse derived B-63 (G-1) and field-grown B-63 (G-1) in separate tests; other factors may be involved.