Correlation Among Morphological Characters of Local Sweet Potato (Ipomea batatas L.) Accessions in Kerinci Regency

Sweet potato is one of starchy tuber crop with high potential as a source carbohydrate for both food and feed. Developing this crop through breeding program requires clear understandings on correlative relationships among plant characters especially when indirect selection scheme is used. This research was aimed to know the correlation among morphological characters on sweet potato accessions originated from Kerinci Regency. The research was initiated by exploration and accession collection in several district regions where sweet potato crops were found. Such collected accession was planted in a randomized block design using one row plot with two replications. Characters observed were several morphological characters referring to plant descriptor issued by Center for Plant Variety Protection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (diversity index) and a non-parametric correlation analysis (Spearman-rho). Results showed that several morphological characters were intercorrelated each other both positively and negatively. This meant such characters could be used as a secondary trait in selecting potential genotypes for specific purposes through indirect selection scheme of breeding.