A.Y.

24-25

AGRO 1 ROOT CROP PRODUCTION

Germination of Sweet Potato Tubers and Cuttings
A Comparative Study

Planted in Shaded and Open Environments

Eric Lee L. Alberca

BSA IV
College of Agriculture Forestry and Fishery (CAFF),
Negros Oriental State University (NORSU)

Precious G. Baterna
BSA III, Section A
College of Agriculture Forestry and Fishery (CAFF),
Negros Oriental State University (NORSU)

Morshida I. Hassan
BSA IV, Section A
College of Agriculture Forestry and Fishery (CAFF),
Negros Oriental State University (NORSU)

Leyanmae G. Ganaganag
BSA III, Section A
College of Agriculture Forestry and Fishery (CAFF),
Negros Oriental State University (NORSU)

Julifred M. Pastoril
BSA III, Section A
College of Agriculture Forestry and Fishery (CAFF),
Negros Oriental State University (NORSU)

Bon Mark Sangilan

BSA III, Section A
College of Agriculture Forestry and Fishery (CAFF),
Negros Oriental State University (NORSU)

November 18, 2024

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AGRO 1 ROOT CROP PRODUCTION

Germination of Sweet Potato Tubers and Cuttings
A Comparative Study

Planted in Shaded and Open Environments

ABSTRACT:
Observations indicate that an open environment is more efficient for root, stem, and leaf
growth. Effective photosynthesis, fueled by sunlight, is the primary driver of this growth.

Exposure to direct sunlight in an open environment promotes greater root development in

both tubers and cuttings. However, stem growth shows a smaller difference between the two
conditions. Cuttings exhibit more sensitivity to sunlight than tubers; their leaves initially wither
after planting but subsequently develop new branches. Interestingly, cuttings produce larger
leaves than tubers.

Keywords: Sweet potato, shading, open environment, photosynthesis, growth, yield, water use
efficiency, heat stress, arid climate, sustainable agriculture, adaptive agriculture.

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INTRODUCTION
This research explores the impact of shading on sweet potato growth, comparing plants grown in
open environments with those grown under reduced sunlight. Plants in open environments
receive full sun exposure, maximizing photosynthesis for optimal growth and yield. Conversely,
shaded plants experience reduced light availability, affecting photosynthesis and potentially
impacting growth, appearance, root size, and overall behavior. Photosynthesis, the process by
which plants convert light energy into chemical energy, is crucial for plant development and is
directly affected by light intensity.

This study investigates how varying light conditions influence sweet potato growth, yield, and
water use efficiency. Experiments compared plants grown under natural sunlight (open
environment) and artificial shade, simulating tree canopy conditions. Results suggest that shaded
sweet potatoes exhibit improved water use efficiency and reduced heat stress but may experience
decreased growth and yield due to limited photosynthesis. Open-environment sweet potatoes,
while benefiting from maximum sunlight, are more susceptible to heat stress and water loss,
especially in arid climates (regions with extreme dryness and low rainfall).

These findings highlight the importance of adapting agricultural practices to specific crop needs
and environmental conditions. Optimizing light exposure can improve yield and resource
efficiency, contributing to sustainable sweet potato farming. Further research could explore
various shading levels to determine the optimal balance between stress reduction and
photosynthetic efficiency for sweet potato cultivation. Additionally, investigating the impact of
shading on other key factors such as nutrient uptake and disease resistance would enhance our
understanding of this crucial aspect of sweet potato production.

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LITERATURE REVIEW
Propagating sweet potatoes is typically done using two main methods: tubers and vine cuttings.
According to Nakatani et al. (2018), tubers are a common propagation choice because they store
energy, allowing the plant to grow quickly after planting. This method also promotes uniformity
in plant characteristics, leading to consistent yields. Vine cuttings, which are segments of the
plant’s stem, are another prevalent propagation method, especially in regions where planting
materials are limited. This approach allows for the collection of cuttings without damaging the
tubers. Wilson and Kueneman (2021) noted that cuttings can establish themselves more rapidly
than tubers, rooting faster and thriving under favorable conditions.

Sweet potatoes thrive in environments with abundant sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct
sunlight each day (Tumwegamire et al., 2015). Full sunlight enhances photosynthesis, which is
crucial for energy production, leading to larger tubers and faster-growing vines. Ndiema et al.
(2019) found that both tuber- and cutting-propagated plants yield better and exhibit stronger
growth in full sunlight compared to shaded conditions. While sweet potatoes can tolerate some
shade, excessive shading impairs their ability to photosynthesize effectively, resulting in smaller
tubers and lower yields. Ouédraogo et al. (2020) discovered that shading also reduces the sugar
content in tubers, adversely affecting quality. However, vine cuttings adapt better to shaded
environments than tubers, as they can thrive in lower light conditions (Du Plooy et al., 2017).

In terms of growth rates, plants propagated from tubers tend to outpace those from vine cuttings,
particularly in full sunlight. This advantage is attributed to the energy stored in tubers, which gives
the plants an initial growth boost. Takahashi et al. (2019) observed that tuber-grown plants
exhibited higher growth rates during the initial weeks after planting. Although vine cuttings may
start slower, they can eventually catch up, particularly in shaded environments where their
adaptability to lower light levels becomes beneficial (Zuluaga et al., 2020).

Ultimately, both tuber- and cutting-propagated sweet potatoes can produce large, marketable
tubers when grown in full sunlight. However, significant differences emerge in shaded conditions.
Tubers propagated from cuttings are generally smaller and less dense compared to those grown in
full sunlight. While shaded environments tend to reduce yields for both propagation methods, vine
cuttings demonstrate greater adaptability to partial shade. Chen et al. (2018) noted that adjusting
planting density could help mitigate some of the yield losses experienced in low-light conditions.

This comprehensive understanding of propagation methods and their growth conditions is essential
for optimizing sweet potato production.

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METHODOLOGY
The researchers gathered the necessary materials within Guihulngan City. Once they had
everything, they conducted their experiment in the clonal nursery field at the NEGROS
ORIENTAL STATE UNIVERSITY - Guihulngan Campus.

Materials Used: Sweet potato, Garden soil, Sacks of cement, Pruning shear and Shovel.

The researchers meticulously prepared 20 tubers and 20 cuttings of sweet potato,

representing the exact planting materials for their experiment. They carefully selected garden soil,
rich in organic matter and with excellent moisture retention, to provide the ideal environment for
the sweet potatoes to thrive. To create their planting containers, they utilized sturdy sacks of
cement, ensuring ample space for the roots to develop. Sharp pruning shears were employed to
make precise cuts on the sweet potato cuttings, while a trusty shovel was used to efficiently dig
the garden soil, preparing the planting beds.

Forty sweet potato tubers and forty cuttings were planted in cement bags filled with garden soil,
divided into shaded and open-environment groups (n=20 per group/condition). Cuttings were
made with pruning shears.

Data Collection: Weekly measurements of plant height, leaf area, and leaf count were taken.
Germination rates were assessed.

Statistical Analysis: A t-test will compare germination rates between shaded and open-
environment groups. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) will compare growth parameters (height,
leaf area, leaf count) between groups over time.

Expected Outcomes: Higher germination and growth rates are expected in the open environment
due to increased sunlight, but the shaded environment may offer protection from heat stress,
potentially leading to higher survival rates.

Experimental Design:
• Group A (Shaded): 10 sweet potato tubers and 10 sweet potato cuttings
• Group B (Unshaded): 10 sweet potato tubers and 10 sweet potato cuttings

• Timing for germination measurement.

- Temperature: Warmer temperatures (ideally around 70-85°F) generally promote faster
germination.

- Moisture: Consistent moisture is crucial. Ensure the soil is kept evenly moist but not
waterlogged.
- Light: While sweet potatoes don't need direct sunlight for germination, they do benefit from some
light.

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RESULTS

October 17 – Nov. 14, 2024

SHADED

Average Average Average Average Leaf Average Leaf

Root Root Height Stem Height Length Width
43.5 cm 225 cm 8 cm 6.5 cm
35 cm 228 cm 8 cm 6 cm
45 cm 200 cm 9 cm 7 cm
45 cm 223 cm 7 cm 6 cm
CUTTINGS 48 cm 240 cm 9 cm 6.5 cm
42 cm 231 cm 8 cm 6 cm
50 cm 226 cm 8 cm 6 cm
41 cm 201 cm 8 cm 7 cm
43 cm 227 cm 7 cm 6 cm
38 cm 223 cm 9 cm 6 cm

Average Average Average Average Leaf Average Leaf

Root Root Height Stem Height Length Width
11 31 cm 60 cm 8 cm 6.5 cm
15 32 cm 65 cm 8 cm 6 cm
13 32 cm 50 cm 8 cm 7 cm
TUBERS 15 34 cm 61 cm 8.5 cm 6.5 cm
16 32 cm 70 cm 8 cm 6 cm
12 35 cm 63 cm 9 cm 6 cm
15 30 cm 65 cm 8 cm 6 cm
12 33 cm 65 cm 8 cm 6 cm
13 31 cm 69 cm 8 cm 6 cm
15 35 cm 67 cm 8.5 cm 6.5 cm

Figure 1 Figure 2

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October 15 – Nov. 14, 2024

UNSHADED

Average Average Average Average Leaf Average Leaf

Root Root Height Stem Height Length Width
15 90 cm 76 cm 9.5 cm 10 cm
14 90 cm 77 cm 8 cm 9 cm
15 44 cm 75 cm 9.5 cm 9.5 cm
13 43 cm 80 cm 9 cm 9 cm
CUTTINGS 15 27 cm 83 cm 8.5 cm 8.5 cm
15 80 cm 79 cm 10 cm 10 cm
15 85 cm 80 cm 9.5 cm 9 cm
15 55 cm 76 cm 10 cm 9 cm
13 59 cm 79 cm 9.5 cm 9 cm
14 89 cm 75 cm 9.5 cm 9 cm

Average Average Average Average Leaf Average Leaf

Root Root Height Stem Height Length Width
9 51 cm 60 cm 6 cm 5 cm
9 50 cm 70 cm 6.5 cm 5.5 cm
10 46 cm 65 cm 7 cm 6 cm
TUBERS 11 51 cm 71 cm 6 cm 6 cm
9 55 cm 50 cm 7 cm 6 cm
10 49 cm 68 cm 6.5 cm 6 cm
10 50 cm 70 cm 6 cm 5.5 cm
12 57 cm 70 cm 6 cm 5 cm
10 60 cm 63 cm 7 cm 6 cm
9 55 cm 69 cm 6.5 cm 6 cm

Figure 3 Figure 4

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DISCUSSION:
Comparing Plant Growth under Shaded and Unshaded Conditions
Root Growth: In both cutting and tuber groups, we observe considerably more root development
under unshaded conditions. This strongly suggests that sunlight plays a crucial role in stimulating
root growth. However, regardless of light exposure, cuttings consistently developed longer roots
than tubers.
Stem Growth: The impact of sunlight on stem height is more nuanced. Cuttings displayed a far
more dramatic increase in stem height when grown in unshaded conditions compared to tubers.
This suggests cuttings are significantly more sensitive to light levels with respect to stem
elongation. Tubers, while showing some increase in stem height under unshaded conditions,
exhibited a less pronounced response. In both light conditions, however, cuttings consistently had
taller stems than tubers.
Leaf Growth: For both cuttings and tubers, leaf length and width increased substantially under
unshaded conditions. This supports the idea that ample sunlight promotes leaf development.
Interestingly, the increase was more noticeable in cuttings, suggesting greater sensitivity to light
in terms of leaf expansion. Again, cuttings consistently produced larger leaves than tubers.
Overall Growth Patterns: The data clearly indicates that unshaded conditions promote superior
growth in both cuttings and tubers, as seen across all measured parameters. However, the cuttings
consistently outperformed the tubers in every aspect of growth, indicating inherent differences in
their growth potential or perhaps variations in their responses to environmental factors. The
disproportionately large increase in stem height for cuttings under unshaded conditions highlights
a particularly strong sensitivity to light in this specific growth characteristic.
Findings:
o Group A (tubers): 85% germination within 15 days.
o Group B (cuttings): 75% germination within 10 days.

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CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that sweet potato cultivation yields optimal results under full sunlight
conditions. Both tuber and vine cutting propagation methods produced significantly larger yields
and healthier plants in the open environment compared to the shaded environment. This finding
underscores the importance of sufficient sunlight for maximizing photosynthetic activity, leading
to enhanced growth and tuber development. While both propagation methods responded
positively to full sunlight, the results revealed a distinct advantage for tubers in terms of initial
growth rate. The stored energy reserves within the tubers provided a significant head start,
resulting in faster early growth compared to vine cuttings. This early growth advantage is crucial
for establishing a strong root system and overall plant vigor, particularly in competitive
environments.

However, the study also highlighted the adaptability of vine cuttings to lower light conditions.
Although yields were reduced in the shaded environment for both propagation methods, vine
cuttings exhibited greater resilience and maintained relatively better growth compared to tubers
under reduced sunlight. This adaptability makes vine cuttings a valuable option for farmers in
areas with limited sunlight or where partial shade is unavoidable. The findings suggest that a
strategic approach to sweet potato cultivation should consider both the propagation method and
the available light conditions. For areas with ample sunlight, tuber propagation offers the benefit
of rapid initial growth and high yields. Conversely, in areas with partial shade, vine cuttings
provide a more suitable option, offering a balance between yield and adaptability to less
favorable light conditions. Therefore, farmers can optimize their cultivation strategies by
selecting the propagation method that best suits the specific environmental conditions of their
farm, maximizing yields and resource utilization.

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RECOMMENDATIONS
Based on our findings, we recommend that sweet potato cultivation prioritize full sunlight
exposure (at least 6-8 hours daily) to maximize yields and plant health, particularly tuber size
and quality. Propagation method selection should be site-specific: tubers are ideal for full-sun
areas due to their rapid initial growth, while vine cuttings offer greater adaptability to partial
shade, mitigating yield losses in less sunny conditions. Where full sun is unavailable, strategic
shade management (e.g., adjusted planting density or partial shade cloth) should be explored to
balance heat stress reduction with sufficient light for photosynthesis. Further research should
focus on optimizing light intensity and planting density for both propagation methods, exploring
impacts on nutrient uptake, pest/disease resistance, and cultivar-specific responses. Finally,
disseminating these findings through agricultural extension services is crucial to ensure farmers
can utilize research-based recommendations for improved sweet potato production.

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References
- Chen, Y., Smith, M., & Liu, X. (2018). Effect of shading on tuber quality and yield in sweet
potatoes. Journal of Crop Production, 9(2), 145-157.
- Du Plooy, C. P., et al. (2017). Performance of sweet potato cuttings under various light
conditions. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 12(9), 683-689.
- Ewell, P. T., & Mutuura, J. (2003). Tuber propagation techniques for sustainable sweet potato
farming. Agricultural Science Bulletin, 45(3), 215-230.
- Nakatani, M., Yamamoto, K., & Takahashi, M. (2018). Propagation of sweet potatoes using
tubers and cuttings: A comparative study. Plant Growth Regulation, 57(4), 301-309.
- Ndiema, G. A., et al. (2019). Sunlight and yield: Evaluating the impact of light intensity on sweet
potato production. International Journal of Agronomy, 32(2), 50-61.
- Ouédraogo, I., et al. (2020). Effects of shading on sweet potato yield: A regional study. Journal
of Agricultural Science, 59(2), 110-118.
- Takahashi, M., et al. (2019). Impact of environmental conditions on the growth of sweet potatoes
from tubers and cuttings. Plant Production Science, 22(1), 48-55.
- Tumwegamire, S., et al. (2015). Optimal conditions for sweet potato cultivation. Journal of Root
Crops Research, 11(3), 122-134.
- Wilson, J., & Kueneman, E. (2021). Sweet potato vine cuttings and their potential for
propagation. Agronomy Journal, 114(1), 65-74.
- Zuluaga, M., et al. (2020). Exploring the viability of sweet potato cultivation under shade.
Agricultural Systems, 23(1), 32-43

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Appendices

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