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Comparative analysis for producing sweetpotato pre-basic seed using sandponics and conventional systems
Phabian Makokha1, Reuben T Ssali2, Srinivasulu Rajendran1
1International Potato Center, Nairobi, Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya.
Journal of Crop Improvement
|August 4, 2020
Summary
Sweetpotato pre-basic seed production in Sub-Saharan Africa is more cost-effective using the innovative sandponics system. This method significantly increases vine multiplication rates and reduces node production costs compared to traditional soil substrates.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Horticulture
- Sustainable Agriculture
Background:
- Conventional sweetpotato pre-basic seed multiplication in Sub-Saharan Africa relies on costly and unsustainable sterilized soil substrates in screenhouses.
- There is a need for more economical and environmentally friendly alternatives for seed production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the cost-effectiveness of the novel sandponics system against the conventional soil substrate for sweetpotato pre-basic seed production.
- To evaluate the impact of the sandponics system on vine multiplication rates and production costs across different sweetpotato genotypes.
Main Methods:
- A randomized complete block split plot design was employed for the study.
- Vine traits were measured over six harvests, and real-time cost data were collected for analysis.
- The sandponics system, utilizing a sand substrate with a fertigation system, was compared to a conventional soil substrate.
Main Results:
- The sandponics system demonstrated a significant 21.8% increase in vine multiplication rate (p < .0001).
- Production cost per sweetpotato node was significantly reduced by $0.009 using sandponics.
- Cost-effectiveness varied among the four tested sweetpotato genotypes.
Conclusions:
- The sandponics system presents a viable and more cost-effective alternative for sweetpotato pre-basic seed production in screenhouses.
- Future implementation requires consideration of soluble inorganic fertilizer availability, genotype-specific nutrient responses, and labor requirements.
