Screening of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) lam.) cultivars for drought tolerance using multi-index analysis

Abstract

This study explores the drought response of sweet potato varieties through a comprehensive analysis of yield parameters and drought tolerance indices. Tuber weight and diameter were analyzed under two water regimes, 100% field capacity (FC) and 50% FC. Tuber weight and diameter assessments, conducted under different field capacities. Root development analysis underscores the adverse impact of drought on key physiological processes, aligning with established findings on sweet potato yield reduction under such conditions. Drought tolerance indices, including Yield Index (YI), Yield Stability Index (YSI), Mean Productivity Index (MPI), Geometric Mean Productivity (GMP), and Stress Tolerance Index (STI), were examined. Sree Kanaka consistently exhibits resilience across these indices, positioning it as a promising drought-tolerant cultivar. A correlation study between drought indices and yield refines the evaluation process, emphasizing the significance of MPI, STI, and GMP in discriminating between tolerant and susceptible genotypes. This research provides crucial insights for selecting resilient sweet potato cultivars under drought conditions, offering a robust methodology applicable to diverse crops, contributing to sustainable crop production in challenging environments.