Skip to main content
ARS Home » Southeast Area » Charleston, South Carolina » Vegetable Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #99092
Title: COMPARISON OF THREE PARAMETERS FOR ESTIMATION OF ALLELOPATHIC POTENTIAL IN SWEETPOTATO [IPOMOEA BATATAS (L.) LAM.] GERMPLASM

Author
item Peterson, Joseph
item Harrison Jr, Howard
item SNOOK, MAURICE - RETIRED

Submitted to: American Society for Horticultural Science
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/11/1999
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Eleven sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] germplasm sources, primarily cultivars, were tested for allelopathic potential. Three parameters were used for estimation: suppression of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus L.) growth and development, inhibition of prosomillet (Panicum milliaceum L.) seed germination by methanolic extracts of storage root periderm tissue and quantitative determination of resin glycoside content of storage root periderm tissue. The three methods identified the same clones with the strongest potential i.e. 'Excel', 'Regal' and 'Sumor'. The seed germination bioassays are useful if equipment is not available. They gave good results and are easiest to perform, however much time is required since the experiments have to be performed several times. Quantitative determination of resin glycoside content, using HPLC methods, is recommended. This method is inexpensive, fast and adaptable to automation and therefore lends itself best for routine evaluation of large numbers of sweetpotato seedlings generated routinely in breeding programs.